Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Wagner-Peyser Program (Employment Services)
All Program-Specific Requirements provided for the WIOA core programs in this section must be addressed for either a Unified or Combined State Plan.
a. 2. Describe how the State will utilize professional development activities for Employment Service staff to ensure staff is able to provide high quality services to both jobseekers and employers
Current Narrative:
Staff receive ongoing training on Wagner-Peyser program services. Training is provided face-to-face
via webinar and/or recorded and stored online for staff to view at their convenience. Wagner-
Peyser staff are cross trained on WIOA programs to maximize staff availability and ensure that job
seekers and employers receive the best possible services. Each office has subject matter experts who
train each other and conduct cross training in staff meetings. All staff understand WIOA Title I, Title II,
III, and Title IV basic program eligibility criteria and how to make referrals to partner programs.
Wagner-Peyser staff the have online tools needed during job seeker intakes and to assist
in identifying possible referral options, including those to WIOA required partners.
The following training sessions are available to JSM staff: business services; WIOA technical
assistance; veteran services; Migrant Seasonal Farmworker services; H2A/H2B employer services, and
various Wagner-Peyser service-related activities.
Identified training needs are developed and delivered internally or training is identified and
provided externally. For example, specialized training is offered in assisting ex-offenders,
business outreach, client intake, continuum of service to clients, documenting services delivered to
job seekers and businesses, UI services, and RESEA. In-person training is
offered statewide for Title I, II, III, and IV partners (including JVSG and other programs) to increase
program knowledge across core partners and identify opportunities to refer and co-enroll clients.
When funding is available Wagner-Peyser staff can attain their certified workforce professional
designation from the International Association of Workforce Professionals. They can also
access Linked-In training to increase skills in a variety of different areas.
Montana’s Wagner-Peyser staff provide customized business services designed to increase work-based
learning opportunities; i.e., WIOA Title I-funded On-The-Job training (OJT) and IWT.
Wagner-Peyser staff also connect local businesses to the MRAP staff. In addition, Montana seeks
opportunities to help employers increase productivity, employee engagement, employee recruitment,
retention, and training by implementing new programs and pilot projects.