Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B—
a. 2. E. Describe how the State provides early intervention (e.g., Rapid Response) and ensures the provision of appropriate career services to worker groups on whose behalf a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition has been filed. (Section 134(a)(2)(A) and TAA Section 221(a)(2)(A) .) This description must include how the State disseminates benefit information to provide workers in the groups identified in the TAA petitions with an accurate understanding of the provision of TAA benefits and services in such a way that they are transparent to the dislocated worker applying for them (Trade Act Sec. 221(a)(2)(A) and Sec. 225; Governor-Secretary Agreement). Describe how the State will use funds that have been reserved for Rapid Response to provide services for every worker group that files a TAA petition and how the state will ensure the provision of appropriate career service to workers in the groups identified in the petition (TAA Sec. 221(a)(2)(A)).<br><i>NOTE: until the TAA PROGRAM is reauthorized, the requirements to provide rapid response and appropriate career services to worker groups on whose behalf a petition has been filed is not applicable.</i>
Current Narrative:
Arkansas’ Rapid Response Team is comprised of individuals that provide information, resources, and services to assist affected employers and workers. The team oversees planning implementation, and tracking/reporting of Rapid Response services, including Layoff Aversion at the local level.
The team works closely with:
- WIOA Title I
- Wagner Peyser – Title III
- Local Trade Coordinators
- Business Engagement representative
- Department of Human Services
- Adult and Basic Education
- Vocation Rehabilitation Business Services representative
- Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER)
State and local area staff provide early intervention to impacted worker groups through a functionally aligned and coordinated effort. Delivering early intervention before and immediately following dislocations where TAA benefits may be available is essential to ensure those affected receive information detailing the comprehensive services offered through TAA and its partner programs.
The process begins with Arkansas Rapid Response and TAA program coordinators reviewing WARN notices and other layoff notifications to make an initial determination regarding potential Trade eligible factors evident in the layoff. TAA coordinators attend all initial Rapid Response meetings with company officials to explain the program's benefits and discuss the potential for a Trade certification based on the dislocation circumstances. The state TAA program coordinator submits a petition to DOL once there is evidence of impact and if a petition still needs to be filed.
TAA coordinators disseminate basic TAA program information to impacted workers at the workshops held by Rapid Response, in addition to an overview of all benefits available to dislocated workers, while emphasizing that these benefits will be accessible if the petition is certified. Additionally, all potentially-eligible workers receive a brochure containing information on TAA program benefits.
Upon certification of a Trade petition, TAA coordinators schedule workshops and conduct targeted outreach to notify impacted workers of eligibility and disseminate program information. Outreach includes letters, emails, newspaper publications, and any other means necessary to reach all workers certified under the petition. State staff coordinate with the employer and local area staff to host in-person workshops at various locations and times to ensure all workers receive the information. For example, if a manufacturing plant that runs three shifts is closing and is trade certified before the layoff occurs, TAA holds workshops on location at the plant at the beginning of each of the three shifts. Workshops also take place at the Arkansas Workforce Centers, other community locations, or virtually if needed when workshops cannot be conducted on location. These meetings provide a full presentation on all Trade benefits, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training, Job Search Assistance, Relocation Assistance, RTAA, TRA, and case management. Eligibility requirements are reviewed and information specific to their corresponding Trade petition is provided. This comprehensive approach provides impacted workers with all essential information on the TAA program and a clear path forward to apply for and utilize the available benefits.
Due to the TAA termination provisions that took effect July 1, 2022, the Department of Labor cannot conduct new investigations or issue certifications of eligibility for new groups of workers. However, workers who were separated or threatened and covered under petitions certified on or before 06/30/2022 may still have benefits and services. Currently-enrolled participants may continue their training uninterrupted and eligible participants can apply for TAA benefits and services as usual.