Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 9. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals who are English Language Learners
Describe how the one-stop delivery system (including one-stop center operators and the one-stop delivery system partners) will ensure that each one-stop center is able to meet the needs of English language learners, such as through established procedures, staff training, resources, and other materials.
Current Narrative:
Louisiana is committed to ensuring English Language Learners have access to workforce and education programs and services, and UI assistance. LWC has a contract with a Language Line Translating Service used by UI and American Job Center staff members. This is an 866 number that provides translation/interpreting services for multiple languages. The Translator works with the customer and staff to ensure service provision is accessible, understood, and accurately documented.
There are a few American Job Centers in the State that have bilingual staff members as well several employed within LWC’s Office of Workforce Development and UI departments. Staff members provide assistance via telephone and/or in person as needed. Staffing needs are continuously evaluated in an effort to hire and train bilingual staff to ensure adequate provision of language assistance services in removing language barrier thus allowing meaningful access to workforce services. Local areas and system partners have established effective referral processes to local adult education centers with English as a second language (ESL) classes to provide individuals language education and other educational services, such as gaining a high school equivalency diploma and employability certificates.