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—
b. 6. Describe the State’s policy on WIOA and TAA co-enrollment and whether and how often this policy is disseminated to the local workforce development boards and required one-stop partners. Trade Act Sec. 239(f), Sec. 235, 20 CFR 618.325, 20 CFR 618.824(a)(3)(i).
Current Narrative:
ADWS’ Policy 6.2 describes the state’s policy on WIOA/TAA Co-enrollment.
POLICY: It is the shared responsibility of TAA and WIOA to attempt to determine eligibility for and to co-enroll every applicant who is laid off as a result of a permanent closure or a substantial layoff of a trade-affected company and who desires assistance in obtaining new employment, unless that person does not qualify for WIOA and/or TAA services [20 CFR 618.325]. If the applicant is eligible for only one program, the program for which the individual qualifies is responsible for attempting to enroll the individual and to give appropriate services. The worker may enroll as a participant in WIOA as soon as he or she receives a lay-off notice or the company has made a general announcement (as defined by the local area) that the facility will close within 180 days, assuming all other eligibility requirements are met [WIOA § 3(15); ADWS Policy No. WIOA I-B – 2.4]. A worker cannot enroll as a TAA participant until the company is determined trade-affected. If a trade-affected worker chooses to decline co-enrollment in WIOA, he or she may not be denied TAA benefits and services solely for declining co-enrollment [20 CFR 618.325]. It is the responsibility primarily of TAA and WIOA to co-enroll, and not primarily the responsibility of the individuals [Preamble to 20 CFR 618]. Individuals who complete an application, but are not eligible, for a program must be enrolled as Reportable Individuals for that program [TEGL 14-18].
It is also the shared responsibility of TAA and WIOA to work together to give co-enrolled participants the best array of services appropriate for these participants. This includes, but is not limited to, WIOA title II Adult Education and Literacy, WIOA title III Vocational Rehabilitation Services (ARS and DSB), and all other Arkansas Workforce Center (AFW) Partners [20 618.325]. It is the responsibility of the One-Stop Operator (OSO) to convene the meeting of partners if needed. In order to provide the best array of services, TAA and WIOA may share initial assessments, other assessments, and Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) with each other and other Arkansas Workforce Center Partners as appropriate [WIOA § 134(c)(2)(B); 20 CFR 618.335].
It is the shared responsibility of TAA, WIOA, the Dislocated Worker Services Unit, ES (ADWS Employment Services), and the Arkansas Workforce Center (AWC) Operator (One-Stop Operator) to share layoff information with other appropriate entities, including AWC partners, as soon as such sharing is allowed by the company closing and/or laying off employees.
Nothing in this policy may be construed to say that a TAA participant may be co-enrolled only in the WIOA DLW program. He or she may be enrolled, either also or instead of the DLW program, in the Youth and/or Adult program if he or she is eligible for that program and if the services best match the needs of the applicant. In addition, he or she may be co-enrolled in any partner program that is appropriate. Each partner’s files must contain proper information and documentation, as required by each respective program.