ATTACHMENT “C” IOWA REGION 12 CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN …meetyournewcareer.com/documents/21_attachment_2.pdf · IOWA REGION 12 CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN JULY 1, 2013 through ... Contract

ATTACHMENT “C”

IOWA

REGION 12

CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN

JULY 1, 2013

through

JUNE 30, 2017

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. REGION 12 CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN

A. Purpose and Geography of Workforce Development Service Plan ...........................................1

B. Plan Signature Page ...................................................................................................................3

II. WORKFORCE NEEDS OF REGION 12

A. Siouxland Region Workforce Strategic Plan .............................................................................4

B. Labor Market Overview of the Region’s Economy ...................................................................5

C. Workforce Needs Analysis and Recommendations .................................................................14

Workforce Development Needs of Employers ..................................................................15

Workforce Development Needs of Jobseekers ..................................................................16

Workforce Development Needs of Low-Income and Dislocated Adult Workers .............17

Workforce Development Needs of Youth .........................................................................17

RWIB/CEO Oversight Responsibilities for the Region.....................................................18

Leverage of Workforce Dollars .........................................................................................19

III. LOCAL GOVERNANCE: ADMINISTRATION & OVERSIGHT OF WORKFORCE

PROGRAMS A. RWIB Structure .......................................................................................................................20

B. Ex-Officio Membership ...........................................................................................................20

C. RWIB/CEO Functions & Responsibilities...............................................................................20

D. Youth Advisory Council Functions & Responsibilities...........................................................21

E. One Stop Service Providers Responsibilities ...........................................................................21

IV. IDENTIFICATION OF FISCAL AGENT & SERVICE PROVIDER

A. Fiscal Agent Responsible for WIA Grant Funds .....................................................................24

B. Coordinating Service Providers ...............................................................................................24

C. Contracted Service Provider for WIA Title 1 Adult, Dislocated Worker, & Youth Services .24

Adult/Dislocated Worker Service Provider .......................................................................24

Youth Service Provider ......................................................................................................25

D. Cost Sharing Agreement for WIA Services .............................................................................25

E. WIA Budgets for Corresponding Program Years ....................................................................25

WIA PY13 Budget .............................................................................................................26

WIA PY14 Budget .............................................................................................................27

WIA PY15 Budget .............................................................................................................28

WIA PY16 Budget .............................................................................................................29

V. WIA TITLE I ALLOWABLE PARTICIPANT SERVICES

A. Flowcharts of the WIA Delivery System ................................................................................30

Adult and Dislocated Workers Program Flowchart Narrative ...........................................30

Youth Program Flowchart Narrative .................................................................................31

Flow Chart for Region 12 One-Stop System .....................................................................32

Flow Chart for WIA Title I Adult & Dislocated Worker Program....................................33

Flow Chart for WIA Title I Youth Program ......................................................................34

7-1-07 to 6-30-09 Region 12 Service Plan

B. WIA TITLE I Adult & Dislocated Workers Services .............................................................35

Self-Service and Informational Core Services ...................................................................35

Staff-Assisted Core Services..............................................................................................35

Intensive Services ..............................................................................................................35

Training Services ...............................................................................................................36

Individual Training Account ..............................................................................................36

Veterans Priority of Service ...............................................................................................37

C. WIA TITLE I Youth Services ..................................................................................................38

Youth Services ...................................................................................................................38

VI. ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION, SELECTION, AND ENROLLMENT INTO ADULT,

DISLOCATED WORKER AND YOUTH SERVICES

A. Adult and Dislocated Worker Program ....................................................................................41

Adult Eligibility ................................................................................................................42

Selection for Adult Enrollment into WIA Intensive and Training Services ......................42

Services for Adults Who are Currently Employed ............................................................42

Dislocated Worker Eligibility ............................................................................................44

Services for Dislocated Workers Who are Currently Employed or Become Employed ...44

B. Youth Program .........................................................................................................................46

Youth Eligibility ...............................................................................................................46

Selection and Enrollment of Youth ....................................................................................46

C. Eligibility Verification for Adult/Dislocated Worker and Youth ............................................47

Adult/Dislocated Worker Verification ...............................................................................47

Self-declaration ..................................................................................................................47

Youth Verification .............................................................................................................48

D. Local Review and Monitoring of WIA Service Provider Policy and Procedures ...................48

Sampling Procedures .........................................................................................................48

Participant Files .................................................................................................................48

Contracts ............................................................................................................................48

Participant File Monitoring ................................................................................................48

Contract Monitoring Including OJT Contracts ..................................................................49

Monitoring Reports ............................................................................................................49

VII. REGION 12 POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR WIA TITLE I ADULT & DISLOCATED

WORKER SERVICES AND SUPPORT

A. Adult and Dislocated Worker Procedures ................................................................................50

Staff-Assisted Core Services Procedure ............................................................................50

Orientation Procedure ........................................................................................................50

Intensive Services Procedure .............................................................................................50

Objective Assessment Procedure .......................................................................................51

Individual Employment Plan Procedure ............................................................................52

Developing the Individual Employment Plan ....................................................................53

Required Elements of the IEP ............................................................................................54

Employed Participants .......................................................................................................55

OJT Participants .................................................................................................................55

Training Services Procedure ..............................................................................................55

Capitation of Funds for Adults and Dislocated Workers ...................................................56

B. Support Services ......................................................................................................................56

Supportive Services Procedure ..........................................................................................56

7-1-07 to 6-30-09 Region 12 Service Plan

C. Contracts for Training Services ...............................................................................................57

D. Program Exit and Follow-Up Services ....................................................................................58

Program Exit ......................................................................................................................58

Post Program Services .......................................................................................................59

Follow-Up Services ...........................................................................................................60

VIII. REGION 12 POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR WIA TITLE I YOUTH SERVICES AND

SUPPORT

A. Youth Procedures .....................................................................................................................62

Orientation .........................................................................................................................62

Objective Assessment ........................................................................................................62

Individual Service Strategy ................................................................................................63

Employed Participants .......................................................................................................64

OJT Participants .................................................................................................................65

Work Experience Participants............................................................................................65

B. Skill Attainment Goals Procedures for Younger Youth ..........................................................66

C. Youth Support Services ...........................................................................................................69

Support Service Payment Policies for Youth.....................................................................69

D. Incentive and Bonus Policy for Youth .....................................................................................70

IX. FINANCIAL NEEDS DETERMINATION POLICY & PROCEDURE

A. Adult and Dislocated Worker Policy .......................................................................................71

Training Costs Only Policy ................................................................................................71

Training Costs Only Procedure ..........................................................................................71

B. Youth Policy ............................................................................................................................72

X. REGION 12 WIA TITLE I PURCHASING PROCEDURES

Purchases up to $1,000 ............................................................................................................73

Purchases in excess of $1,000 but less than $10,000 ...............................................................73

Purchases in excess of $10,000 but less than $40,000 .............................................................73

Purchases in excess of $40,000 ................................................................................................73

Equipment Purchases ...............................................................................................................74

XI. REGION 12 WIA TITLE I LOCAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Filing a Complaint ...................................................................................................................75

Content of the Complaint .........................................................................................................75

Acknowledgement of a Complaint and Notice of Opportunity for a Hearing .........................76

Complaint Resolution ..............................................................................................................76

Informal Settlement .................................................................................................................77

Hearings ...................................................................................................................................77

Appeal ......................................................................................................................................77

Labor Standards Violation .......................................................................................................78

Complaints Alleging Discrimination .......................................................................................78

XII. CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

Public Comments Received .....................................................................................................79

7-1-07 to 6-30-09 Region 12 Service Plan

XIII. IOWA REGION 12 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: DESCRIPTION OF

REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ONE-STOP

List of Attachments ..............................................................................................................80

I. Purpose of Memorandum of Understanding .........................................................................81

II. Introduction/Background ......................................................................................................81

III. Parties to the Memorandum of Understanding .....................................................................82

IV. Partner Responsibilities – Resource and Cost Sharing .........................................................84

V. General Provisions ................................................................................................................86

VI. Signature page .......................................................................................................................90

ATTACHMENTS

A. Partner Services Matrix................................................................................................91

a. Region 12 One-Stop System Partner Contact & Site Information ...........................91

b. Partner Services Matrix............................................................................................97

B. Partner Services Descriptions ......................................................................................99

C. Customer Referral Form ............................................................................................116

D. Cost Sharing Agreement ............................................................................................117

E. Common Forms .........................................................................................................118

F. Region 12 Workforce Investment Board Bylaws ......................................................126

G. Performance Goals .....................................................................................................130

PY13 WIA Performance Measures ............................................................................131

PY14 WIA Performance Measures ............................................................................132

PY15 WIA Performance Measures ............................................................................133

PY16 WIA Performance Measures ............................................................................134

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

I. REGION 12 CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN

A. Purpose & Geography of Workforce Development Service Plan This regional Customer Service Plan is a public document that reflects the specific policies

and procedures for the Workforce Development System in Region 12. The overall purpose

and role of the Workforce Development System is to deliver a demand driven system that

focuses on building a workforce of high skilled, high wage jobs that will enable the

employers of our region to remain competitive in a global environment. The One Stop

system within Region 12 is a comprehensive, integrated service delivery system that is

responsive to the employment and training needs of the customers we serve and incorporates

the products and services of our partners in order to assure that customer needs are met

without duplicating services and are delivered efficiently and cost effectively. This plan sets

out the strategic workforce direction for Region 12, also known as IowaWORKS Greater

Siouxland. It outlines how workforce partners will align partner services to achieve

accessible, seamless, integrated and comprehensive service, and how programs and activities

described in the plan will support the state’s and region’s economic development needs and

the employment and training needs of all working-age youth and adults in the region.

The Region 12 Workforce Center System responds to the employment needs of business

customers throughout the region, through the business leadership of the Region 12 RWIB

and through connections with district and state business support initiatives. For a

comprehensive list of business and employer services, please consult the description of

services available through Iowa Workforce Development in the attached Memorandum of

Understanding.

Region 12 covers Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties in Iowa. This

plan has been adopted by the local Regional Workforce Investment Board (RWIB) and Chief

Elected Officials (CEO) of each county in the region. A listing of workforce partner

organizations and the services each provides to the system may be found in Attachment A of

the Memorandum of Understanding.

Region 12 has one center that utilizes an integrated service model at 2508 4th

Street, Sioux

City. WIA is located full time at the One-Stop. Other partners are either full time or on an

itinerant basis at this site. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday, and Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the One-Stop Center.

Additional access for WIA through Job Training Partners is also available on the campus of

Western Iowa Tech Community College at 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa. Office

hours at Western Iowa Tech Community College are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through

Friday.

Access to services is also available through Virtual Access Points in all the counties served

by IowaWORKS Greater Siouxland. These may be accessed through

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/accesspoints/ . These access points are available across the

state. Dedicated workforce professionals are ready to assist from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays via live chat at an access

point or by calling 866-239-0843.

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/accesspoints/

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Access Point services include:

1. Job search and resume development assistance;

2. Access to thousands of employment opportunities;

3. Skill assessment and testing tools;

4. Information for veterans;

5. Workforce data and trends;

6. Job posting assistance for employers.

Information may also be accessed at the following websites:

Region 12 Website: http://www.iowaworkforce.org/region12/siouxcity.htm

Unemployment Insurance Claims: https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/weeklyclaims/

Job Training Partners: http://www.jobtrainingpartners.org

This plan is to cover a four year time period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2017. If

allowed by law, rule, or state decree this plan may be extended by joint agreement between

the CEO and RWIB.

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/region12/siouxcity.htm

https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/weeklyclaims/

http://www.jobtrainingpartners.org/

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

B. Plan Signature Page

Approved by the Regional Workforce Investment Board on: _______________________

Printed Name of RWIB Chair: ________________________________________________

Signature of RWIB Chair: ___________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________________________________

Approved by the Chief Elected Official Board on: _______________________________

Printed Name of CEO Chair: ________________________________________________

Signature of CEO Chair: ____________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________________________________

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

II. WORKFORCE NEEDS OF REGION 12

A. Siouxland Region Workforce Strategic Plan

VISION: We will develop and sustain the talent required in the Tri-State Siouxland Region

to support and attract companies requiring advanced skills that will foster economic growth

and opportunity.

This strategic plan identifies strategies for addressing the 11-county Siouxland Region’s key

workforce challenges. These challenges were identified through a series of interviews and

focus groups with numerous stakeholders. During these interviews and focus groups, the

consulting team solicited input from leaders in education (K-12 and Postsecondary)

economic and workforce development. In addition, many representatives from the region’s

major employers—especially those in a targeted group of critical industries—provided

analytical insights.

The primary research was also guided in part by secondary data analysis undertaken by

members of the consulting team, including the Center for Regional Economic

Competitiveness, Iowa Workforce Development, and Iowa State University Department of

Economics Regional Capacity Analysis Program in partnership with Iowa State Extension

Services, Center for Industrial Research and Services, and College of Engineering. These

research studies examined the regional supply of labor, industry’s current and future demand

for labor, and the capacity of the region’s educational institutions to help bridge the gap

between supply and demand. The analysis also specifically focused on the workforce needs

of those industries most critical to the region’s current and future economic growth—meat

processing, food manufacturing, heavy equipment manufacturing, distribution and logistics,

business support services and healthcare.

After reviewing and summarizing the key research findings, the consulting team identified

thirteen broad issues for the Siouxland Region to address in order to develop a competitive

workforce that will foster the region’s future prosperity. The 5 issues selected by

the Region 12 Workforce Investment Board as the primary business objectives are in bold

print below. These issues include:

1. Promote career opportunities available in Siouxland.

2. Foster efforts to increase productivity and investment in the region’s targeted

industries.

3. Develop and encourage greater entrepreneurial activity among workers and

businesses to generate more regional economic opportunity.

4. Enhance and expand school district curricula to better prepare students for workplace

success.

5. Leverage existing programs, providers, and facilities in the region to expand the

delivery of higher education offerings.

6. Adapt to a shrinking, yet more diverse workforce.

7. Transform the region’s economy from one dominated by traditionally large, low-

wage industries.

8. Demand higher, more customized skills among workers.

9. Provide greater entrepreneurial skills.

10. Maximize K-12 educational resources to support industry demand.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

11. Leverage post-secondary education.

12. Grow talent for the economic base.

13. Make the workforce system more effective in meeting the needs of businesses

and individuals.

The Tri-State Regional Innovation project’s steering committee (The Sioux Crew) reviewed

these issues and developed strategies intended to respond to these regional challenges. The

committee recognized that all of the strategies are important but some are more critical than

others. Consequently, the steering committee selected several priority strategies. Regional

stakeholders were also surveyed in order to validate the strategies selected by the steering

committee. For each of these priority strategies, the action items and key tasks chosen to

address these strategies are identified. The metrics used to measure the success of these

projects and the organization(s) to coordinate the strategies are also listed. The entire

document can be found at www.jobtrainingpartners.org under “Siouxland Region Workforce

Strategic Plan”.

While this strategic plan was completed in 2009, the Region 12 Workforce Investment Board

reviewed the final report of that effort in light of more current labor market information

(included in the text of this section), along with several available economic and strategic

workforce reports generated by the state of Iowa, to recommend specific activities to support

the region’s ability to address the Board’s business objectives over the next four years.

B. Labor Market Overview of the Region’s Economy

The Updated Workforce Needs of Region 12 take into consideration information about the

five counties that comprise Region 12 and also look at the trends in the Siouxland

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This MSA includes Dakota and Dixon Counties in

Nebraska, Union County in South Dakota, and Woodbury County in Iowa.

This report was based upon information provided by IWD’s Labor Market Information

(LMI) Bureau for Region 12 and an analysis of the Siouxland Region. From the Labor

Market Information, we know the following. The population of Region 12 in 2009 was

153,890 with a total labor force of 85,060. Of these 4,580 were unemployed making the

unemployment rate for the region an average of 5.4% in 2009. Two years later an analysis of

data from the Bureau showed that the population of Region 12 was 155,562 with a total labor

force of 84,390. Of these 4,780 were unemployed making the unemployment rate for the

region an average of 5.7% in 2011.

Employment and Unemployment Statistics- Annual 2009/2011

County

Region 12

Labor Force

2009/2011

Number

Unemployed

2009/2011

Unemployment

Rate

2009/2011

Number Employed

2009/2011

Cherokee 6,570 6,800 290 350 4.4 5.2 6,280 6,450

Ida 3,960 3,920 210 200 5.3 5.0 3,750 3,720

Monona 4,530 4,630 330 360 7.3 7.7 4,200 4,270

Plymouth 14,400 14,540 650 670 4.5 4.6 13,750 13,870

Woodbury 55,600 54,500 3,100 3,200 5.5 5.9 52,500 51,300

Total 85,060 84,390 4,580 4,780 5.4 5.7 80,480 79,610

http://www.jobtrainingpartners.org/

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Note: The unemployment rate is widely recognized as an important economic indicator that

is used to gauge the vitality of the labor market. The release of the monthly unemployment

rate causes markets to react and analysts to speculate on the health of the economy. A low

jobless rate indicates a strong economy where job seekers can find employment quickly,

whereas a high rate may indicate a weaker economy. On the other hand, businesses can find

employees more easily when the unemployment rate is high. Source: Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS), www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/pressrelease/index.html

From 2009 through 2011, the three rural counties of Cherokee, Monona, and Plymouth have

experienced an increase in the number of individuals in the Labor Force; however, all

counties have also seen an increase in the number of individuals unemployed except for Ida

County. The urban county of Woodbury has not only experienced a decrease in labor force

but also an increase number of individuals unemployed.

The following chart looks at total percentage increase in number of unemployed.

Change in Unemployed Workers 2009 - 2011 (Annual Averages)

During the past two years, the percent of unemployed workers within

Region 12 has increased (4%), while statewide rates have decreased (6%).

County Name 2009 2011

Number

Increase

Cherokee County 290 350 60 21%

Ida County 210 200 -10 -5%

Monona County 330 360 30 9%

Plymouth County 650 670 20 3%

Woodbury County 3,100 3,200 100 3%

Region Totals 4,580 4,780 200 4%

City of Sioux City 2,400 2,600 200 8%

Sioux City MSA 4,400 4,500 100 2%

State of Iowa 103,800 98,000 -5,800 -6%

Sources: Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Iowa Workforce

Development, U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/pressrelease/index.html

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

According to the following table of additional demographic data, the population of Region 12

is older (43.1 years median age) than the state average age (36.6 years). A larger proportion

(19.06%) of the population is 65 years old or over and a smaller portion (6.4%) is under 5

years of age when compared to the state portion (14.9% and 6.5% respectively). Region 12

per capita income is below the state average in every county but Plymouth. Median

household income in 2010 (5-yr American Community Survey Estimates) for Region 12 was

$46,225 compared to $48,872 in the state. Per capita income in 2010 for Region 12 was

$24,250 compared to $25,335 in the state. However, there are slightly fewer families and

individuals living below the poverty level (6.0%) than the state average (7.4%) in all but the

two counties of Ida (7.5%) and Woodbury (10.2%). The region as a whole is close to the

state average percentage of those who are high school graduates, with Monona and

Woodbury counties below the region average. The entire region (18.6%) is below the state

average percentage (24.5%) of persons with a bachelor’s degree.

Demographic Statistics

People QuickFacts Monona County

Ida County

Cherokee County

Woodbury County

Plymouth County Region 12 Iowa

Population:

Population, 2010 Census 9,243 7,089 12,072 102,172 24,986 155,562 3,046,355

Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to April 1, 2010 -7.80% -9.50% -7.4% -1.6% 0.60% -2.61% 4.1%

Median Age (2010) 47.5 44.8 47 35.1 41.2 43.1 36.6

Persons under 5 years old, percent, 2010 5.2% 7.2% 5.6% 7.7% 6.4% 6.4% 6.5%

Persons 65 years old and over, percent, 2010 23.6% 20.3% 21.7% 12.9% 16.8% 19.06% 14.9%

Gender:

Female persons, percent, 2010 50.8% 50.1% 50.4% 50.6% 50.5% 50.4% 50.4%

Education:

Language other than English spoken at home, pct age 5+, 2010 5-yr Est. 2.9% 3.1% 2.2% 13.7% 3.1% 5.0% 6.8%

High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2010 5-yr Est. 87.6% 90.1% 92.6% 85.4% 91.2% 89.4% 89.6%

Associate's degree 25+ 2010 5-yr Est. 8.5% 7.1% 9.5% 7.7% 9.4% 8.4% 9.9%

Bachelor's degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2010 5-yr Est. 14.7% 18.3% 19.2% 20.8% 19.8% 18.6% 24.5%

Income:

Median household income, 2010 5-yr Est. $41,398 $44,521 $44,635 $44,343 $56,379 $46,255 $48,872

Per capita money income, 2010 5-yr Est. $22,774 $23,841 $24,507 $22,069 $28,060 $24,250 $25,335

Families below poverty level percent 2010 5-yr Est. 6.8% 7.5% 2.8% 10.2% 2.8% 6.0% 7.4%

Persons below poverty, percent, 2010 5-yr Est. 11.5% 10.5% 5.1% 14.0% 4.8% 9.2% 11.6%

Source: US Census Bureau 2010 QuickFacts, American Community Survey 2010 - 5 yr. Estimates, www.factfinder2.census.gov, www.quickfacts.census.gov,

http://www.factfinder2.census.gov/

http://quickfacts.census.gov/

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

9,991 9,658 9,447

5,784

4,170

3,352 3,154 2,932

2,079 2,065

1,289 1,103 933 905 904 728 523 517

2011 Employment by Industry

The chart above shows the largest private employment sectors in Region 12 based on the

number of persons employed in each sector. The three largest sectors in 2011 are:

1. Health Care and Social Services with 9,991 employees

2. Manufacturing with 9,658 employees

3. Retail Trade with 9,447 employees

These three large employment sectors are followed by two more similarly sized sectors:

4. Accommodations/Food Services with 5,784 employees

5. Administrative Support/Waste Services with 4,170 employees

Other sizeable sectors include:

6. Wholesale Trade with 3,352 employees

7. Transportation/Warehousing with 3,154 employees

8. Construction with 2,932 employees

9. Other Services with 2,079 employees

10. Finance/Insurance with 2,065

These figures represent persons who are employed, but do not include self-employed

farmers. Farm ownership is still a significant sector in the local economy.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Average Weekly Wage in 2010 was $664 in Region 12, $734 Statewide and $899

Nationally

Region 12 Average Annual Earnings were $34,536, $38,153 Statewide and $44,410

Nationally

Region 12 Weekly Wage was 78% of the National Average

The top three sectors in wage in Region 12 were:

Manufacturing $944 weekly wages $49,104 annual wages

Wholesale Trade $895 weekly wages $46,522 annual wages

Utilities $874 weekly wages $45,431 annual wages

Other sectors with both sizeable employment and high wages in Region 12 included the

following:

Construction $787 weekly wages $40,910 annual wages

Finance/Insurance $732 weekly wages $38,042 annual wages

Information $691 weekly wages $35,931 annual wages

Ed. & Health Services $680 weekly wages $35,374 annual wages

Professional & $624 weekly wages $32,426 annual wages

Business Services

Natural Resources $597 weekly wages $31,024 annual wages

Region 12 Average Weekly and Annual Wage by Industry Average Annual Wage Average Weekly Wage

2009 2010 % Change

$33,600 $34,536 2.79% Total All Industries $646 $664 2.79 %

$32,661 $33,706 3.20% Private Business $628 $648 3.18 %

$29,641 $31,024 4.67% Ag/Natural Resources & Mining $570 $597 4.74%

$40,110 $40,910 1.99% Construction $771 $787 2.08%

$43,728 $49,104 12.29% Manufacturing $841 $944 12.25%

$27,292 $27,789 1.82% Trade $525 $534 1.71%

$43,685 $46,522 6.50% Wholesale Trade $840 $895 6.55%

$21,878 $21,439 -2.01 % Retail Trade $421 $412 -2.14%

$44,058 $45,431 3.12% Transportation & Utilities $847 $874 3.19%

$35,025 $35,931 $ 2.59% Information $674 $691 2.52%

$38,720 $38,042 -1.75% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate $745 $732 -1.74%

$33,685 $32,426 -3.74% Professional & Business Services $648 $624 -3.70%

$34,961 $35,374 1.18% Education & Health Services $672 $680 1.19%

$12,357 $12,529 1.39% Leisure & Hospitality $238 $241 1.26%

$25,274 $26,361 4.30% Other Services $486 $507 4.32%

$39,138 $39,438 0.77% Government $753 $758 0.66%

$50,665 $49,106 -3.08% State $974 $944 -3.08%

$35,635 $36,161 1.48 % Local $685 $695 1.46%

$57,505 $57,817 0.54 % Federal $1,106 $1,112 0.54%

Source: 2010 Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages – IWD/LMI, www.bls.gov

http://www.bls.gov/

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Declining Occupations:

2008 2018 Annual

Estimated Projected Growth

Occupational Title Employment Employment Rate (%)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers 1,325 1,165 -1.2

Telemarketers 445 415 -0.7

Helpers--Production Workers 565 535 -0.5

General and Operations Managers 435 410 -0.5

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 595 570 -0.4

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers 1,255 1,200 -0.4

Farmers and Ranchers 4,915 4,760 -0.3

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment 370 360 -0.3

Production Occupations 9,145 8,935 -0.2

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations 605 605 -0.1

Management Occupations 8,180 8,130 -0.1

This list of declining occupations was compiled by the Iowa Workforce Development Bureau

of Labor Market Information. These are occupations that are expected to decline in

employment numbers within the next years.

Although none of these occupations show significant (over 5%) annual projected

employment decreases, the numbers may be taken as indicative of declining occupations.

The RWIB will make every effort to train individuals for the jobs that are presently available

in the region while also approving training programs that prepare individuals for the

occupations and jobs that will be in demand in the future.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Top 20 Growing Industries by Employment for Region 12 2010-2020

2010 2020 Industry Description Estimated Projected Total Percent

Employment Employment Growth Change

Ambulatory Health Care Services 2,920 3,815 895 30.65%

Administrative and Support Services 4,145 5,020 875 21.11%

Social Assistance 3,240 3,915 675 20.83%

Hospitals 1,365 1,970 605 44.32%

Self Employed and Unpaid Family Workers

7,640 8,235 595 7.79%

Food Services and Drinking Places 5,505 6,090 585 10.63%

Specialty Trade Contractors 1,805 2,355 550 30.47%

Food Manufacturing 5,745 6,270 525 9.14%

Warehousing and Storage 970 1,410 440 45.36%

Truck Transportation 1,705 2,125 420 24.63%

General Merchandise Stores 2,400 2,770 370 15.42%

Educational Services 6,700 7,040 340 5.07%

Management of Companies and Enterprises

745 1,060 315 42.28%

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities 3,310 3,615 305 9.21%

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

1,325 1,555 230 17.36%

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional Organizations

1,340 1,570 230 17.16%

Construction of Buildings 710 910 200 28.17%

Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction 640 830 190 29.69%

Repair and Maintenance 990 1,180 190 19.19%

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods 1,755 1,940 185 10.54%

Source: Long-Term Industry Projections-IWD/LMI

Among the fastest growing industries by employment for Region 12 which also produce

higher wages are:

Ambulatory Health Care Services (30.65%)

Hospitals (44.32%)

Nursing & Residential Care Facilities (9.21%)

Food Manufacturing (9.14%)

Trucking (24.63%) and Warehousing/Storage (45.36%)

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (17.16%)

* With the recent announcements of Sabre Industries to create a new 19,000-square-foot

manufacturing plant in the Siouxland MSA, the growth in Manufacturing could be larger

than projected.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

“Hot Jobs” in Region 12 2008 - 2018

2008 2018 Region 12 Annual

Occupational Title Estimated Projected 2011 Mean Growth

Employment Employment Annual Wage

Rate (%)

Master’s Degree

Rehabilitation Counselors 235 280 $34,135 1.9

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 200 245 $31,385 2.3

Bachelor's Degree

Accountants and Auditors 625 760 $62,089 2.2

Middle School Teachers, Except Special Education 390 430 $46,754 1.0

Child, Family, and School Social Workers 250 280 $42,445 1.2

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 745 825 $41,921 1.1

Postsecondary Education (Long-term on-the-job training or work experience in a related occupation)

Registered Nurses 1,730 2,075 $46,243 2.0

Electricians 245 275 $46,200 1.2

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 685 770 $44,185 1.2

First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Office and Admin Support 390 430 $40,080 1.0

Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 450 490 $38,100 0.9

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 555 665 $37,095 2.0

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 525 565 $34,672 0.9

High School Diploma or Equivalent (Moderate-term on-the-job training)

Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer 2,665 2,955 $38,291 1.1

Billing and Posting Clerks and Machine Operators 275 310 $30,763 1.1

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 705 795 $30,583 1.3

Construction Laborers 580 665 $28,377 1.5

Siouxland Metropolitan Statistical Area

Woodbury County is also part of the Siouxland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The

MSA covers Woodbury County in Iowa, Dakota and Dixon Counties in Nebraska, and Union

County in South Dakota.

According to a Statewide Study of Workforce Characteristics for 2010, total potential labor

force in the MSA was 234,056 in the entire Laborshed Area. Of these 44,179 would be

likely or somewhat likely to change or accept employment. These observations were made

about these employed, unemployed, homemakers, or retired likely to change employment:

15.5% of the labor force were working multiple jobs;

Currently working an average of 40 hours/week;

Average age was 43 years old;

28.9% currently worked in production, construction, or material handling occupations

followed by 20.3% within the clerical occupational category.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Industrial Classification of the Employed in MSA for 2010 Industry % of Laborshed # of employed

Manufacturing 17.6% 31,101

Wholesale & Retail Trade 16.3% 28,804

Health Care & Social Services 16.3% 28,804

Education 11.7% 20,675

Transportation, Communication, & Utilities 9.9% 17,494

Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate 6.1% 10,779

Construction 4.8% 8,482

Personal Services 4.5% 7,952

Public Administration & Government 3.7% 6,538

Professional Services 3.7% 6,538

Agriculture, Forestry, & Mining 3.7% 6,538

Entertainment & Recreation 1.1% 1,944

Active Military Duty 0.6% 1,060

The largest concentration of workers (17.6%) was employed in the Manufacturing industry

as shown in the above table. This industry was followed by Wholesale & Retail Trade

(16.3%), Health Care & Social Services (16.3%), Education (11.7%), Transportation,

Communication & Public Utilities (9.9%) when classified according to numbers employed.

All of the industry categories listed below, with the exception of Wholesale & Retail Trade

and Entertainment & Recreation, have a high percentage of workers with more than a high

school diploma. These industries require training beyond high school. In manufacturing,

51.1% of the workforce has training beyond the high school level. Of the 51.1%, 12.2% have

attained a two-year Associate’s degree and 13.3% have attained a Bachelor’s degree or

higher. In Health Care & Social Services, 78.1% of the workforce has training beyond the

high school level. Of the 78.1%, 15.1% have attained a two-year Associate’s degree and

32.9% have attained a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Education and Current Median Wage Characteristics by Industry in MSA Industry Education Median Wages Some Level

Beyond High School

Associate Degree

Undergrad. Degree or higher

Annual Salary Wages

Non-Salary Wages per hour.

Agriculture 60.0% * 20.0% * $12.50

Construction 55.6% 14.8% 18.5% $41,000 $14.00

Manufacturing 51.1% 12.2% 13.3% $46,750 $13.00

Transportation, Communication, Utilities

75.0% 6.8% 31.8% $53,000 $14.89

Wholesale & Retail Trade 45.1% 9.9% 16.5% $35,000 $8.88

Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate

96.6% 6.9% 48.3% $48,500 $10.68

Health Care & Social Services

78.1% 15.1% 32.9% $50,000 $14.30

Personal Services 78.9% * 26.4% $28,500 $9.00

Entertainment/Recreation 37.5% 12.5% 12.5% * $9.75

Professional Services 62.5% 8.3% 33.3% $50,000 $10.00

Public Admin. & Gov’t 84.2% * 63.2% * $16.25

Education 87.2% * 72.3% $44,000 $10.28 This table includes all respondents without consideration of employment status or willingness to change/enter employment.

*Insufficient survey data/refused

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

C. Workforce Needs Analysis and Recommendations

The Region 12 Workforce Investment Board and Chief Elected Officials approved the

following additional Workforce Recommendations through a process that included a review

of the existing Siouxland Region Workforce Strategic Plan and updated Labor Market

Information. The activities of the Region 12 leadership timeline include:

May 17, 2012:

Findings of the Regional Innovation Grant effort along with updated labor market

information were available to the RWIB at the May joint meeting. The RWIB reviewed the

Customer Service Plan timeline and set its course to update the strategic plan in light of

current information and determine activities that the board would take to meet its business

objectives. In addition, each of the RWIB members determined that they would poll

community leaders in each of their home counties and on other boards and economic

development organizations with regard to activities needed.

September 13, 2012:

The board members met again and shared community feedback that they had gathered.

Response from one economic development official (who is also a member of this board) was

that the objectives of the RIG effort were so wide-ranging in terms of the many agencies

involved, that the workforce board might benefit by narrowing the focus a bit to those things

immediately achievable by the Region 12 Workforce System. With the Board’s agreement to

this input, the Board established a core committee to review the current LMI in regard to

these objectives and develop recommendations for activities to address key issues of focus.

The core committee was composed of the following members:

Neal Adler (RWIB Member) Plymouth County

Rick Moon (RWIB Member) Woodbury County

Marcia Rosacker (RWIB Member and Chair) Plymouth County

Jeff Simonsen (RWIB Member and CEO Chair) Cherokee County

John Hamm (RWIB Member) Woodbury County

Resources reviewed and used by the core committee included but were not limited to the

following:

1. Siouxland Region (Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Monona, Plymouth and Woodbury

Counties) Workforce Needs Assessment, released by Iowa Workforce Development

October 2011

2. The Role of Middle-Skill Jobs in Iowa, Labor Force and Occupational Analysis

Bureau and Labor Market and Workforce Information Division, February 2012

3. Iowa Workforce Development Region 12 Middle-skill Occupations, 2008-2018

Employment

4. Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 15-10, Increasing Credential,

Degree, and Certificate Attainment by Participants of the Public Workforce System

5. Iowa Integrated Workforce Plan for Workforce Investment Act Title I/Wagner-Peyser

Act and Department of Labor Workforce Programs, July 1, 2012 through June 30,

2017

6. The proceeding updated Labor Market Information Summary-Workforce Needs of

Region 12-Section A of the Customer Service Plan

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Additional workforce recommendations for specific workforce needs of employers,

jobseekers, low-income, dislocated workers and youth were then made by the committee

based on their analysis of the updated information at their first meeting on October 9, 2012.

This analysis was reviewed by the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) at their October 18,

2012 meeting. At that time the YAC made recommendations for several additional youth

items. These were passed on to the committee for their consideration. A second meeting of

the committee was held on October 30, 2012. At the completion of this meeting, it was

moved to take their recommendations forward for discussion and approval on November 15,

2012 at the regular meeting of the RWIB.

Challenges this committee found to still be very relevant to planning include:

1. The low skilled workers valued in the past by the area’s industry do not have the

skills for future industry demands.

2. Increased skills in technology are needed to support the region in competing in the

global economy. More focus on STEM is needed in the secondary education system

to prepare future workers.

3. There is a lack of awareness of the skill sets needed for future jobs by those who will

be competing for those jobs.

4. The workforce system needs to be more effective in meeting the needs of businesses

and individuals.

The following recommendations were approved at the November 15, 2012 regular meeting

of the Region 12 Workforce Investment Board:

Workforce Development Needs of Employers

A concern among employers has been the readiness of the available labor force to enter

employment. The labor force of Region 12 continues to decrease while the numbers of

unemployed continues to rise. A larger proportion of the population is 65 years and older

and the per capita income is below the state average. Basic skills which include literacy,

numeracy (the ability to do arithmetic and reason with numbers), basic computer skills and

organization skills, in addition to many of the "soft skills" necessary to be successful, were

described as lacking. Also noted by employers was a lack of availability of occupational

skills including analytical skills, managerial ability, physical ability, specific occupational

knowledge and experience in particular middle-skill occupations in the areas of healthcare,

office/administrative support, construction/extraction, installation/maintenance/repair,

manufacturing process control/instrumentation, industrial maintenance, transportation/

logistics and skilled trades.

Recommendations to address the workforce needs of area employers:

1. Work in partnership with economic developers from the counties and cities

in Region 12 to expand the knowledge of training opportunities available to new and

expanding businesses.

2. Enhance the relationship between training providers and business employers in the

region.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

3. Expand the interface between Iowa approved training providers, specifically Iowa

Community Colleges, to bring unique training programs from diverse areas of the

state to businesses statewide.

4. Identify and expand means to share information about training opportunities to entry-

level workers - especially in tune with the preparation for under-utilized populations

such as veterans, ex-offenders, disabled, non-English speaking minorities, older

workers, youth and families on Temporary Assistance (TANF) in the region.

5. Increase the knowledge of employers in services that can prepare them in employing

people in under-utilized populations.

6. Increase the availability of workers trained and certified in technical areas, including

healthcare, education, protective services, office/administrative support, construction,

automotive maintenance/repair, manufacturing process control/instrumentation,

industrial maintenance, refrigeration, welding, and transportation/material moving

occupations.

7. Encourage and expand ways to identify businesses that can be assisted by the

workforce system.

Workforce Development Needs of Jobseekers

Many job seekers are not aware of the products and services of workforce partners within

their region. Jobseekers may need additional services beyond what they are able to access

themselves.

Local/regional newspapers and media, regional IowaWORKS offices, Internet and

College/University Career Centers are the predominant means for job recruitment. However,

a review of the demographics of the population in Region 12 shows the typical jobseeker in

the region is older than the state average with a larger proportion 65 and older. The per

capita income is lower than the statewide average and the entire region is below the state

average in persons with an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. These jobseekers may need

additional services to qualify for and fill the jobs available in the region.

Recommendations to address the workforce needs of area jobseekers:

1. Continue to work on marketing the availability of workforce products and services

throughout the communities in the region. Electronic sharing of workforce services

through the Virtual Access Points should be an important part of this connectivity.

2. Make a variety of workforce development partner services information available

throughout the region in all partner locations.

3. Continue to work with communities to find ways to address the needs of an ever

growing diversity of workforce, including veterans, ex-offenders, disabled, non-

English speaking minorities, older workers, those on Temporary Assistance, and

youth.

4. Make GED/English Language Learner training information more readily available.

5. Make information on citizenship training and the Skilled Iowa Initiative more readily

available to the jobseeker.

6. Continue to work to develop and market a greater variety and number of skill upgrade

and short term training programs to jobseekers.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

7. Promote the use of the National Career Readiness Certificate as an assessment to

enrolled before they can receive services. Given the resources that are available to serve

Youth in Region 12, coordination with multiple youth service providers and initiatives is

imperative.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) identifies a list of 10 services that must be made

available to youth in each region. These 10 services are made available throughout the

region by a collaboration of multiple service providers who coordinate with each other to

avoid duplication and leverage existing resources to ensure services are available to all youth.

Listed below are the 10 required WIA Youth services. Included under each of the services

are the service providers who help coordinate delivery to all youth in Region 12.

1. Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school

completion, including dropout prevention strategies;

a. GED programs available through Western Iowa Tech Community College in

each of the five counties in Region 12

b. Alternative classroom settings which focus on potential dropouts

c. YouthBuild

d. Bridging and Overcoming Obstacles through Service and Training (BOOST)

e. Juvenile Court Services Education Specialist

f. Job Corps

2. Alternative secondary school offerings;

a. Alternative schools in Sergeant Bluff, Le Mars, Cherokee, Marcus, Battle

Creek, Onawa, YouthBuild, BOOST, and the School Within a School at the

three public high schools in Sioux City

3. Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing;

a. All high schools in the region offer job shadowing

b. Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (Urban Youth Corps grant)

c. BOOST

d. PROMISE Jobs

e. Community service through Juvenile Court Services or Adult Corrections

4. Occupational skill training;

a. Western Iowa Tech Community College

b. Tri-State Nursing

c. St Luke’s College

d. Northeast Community College

e. YouthBuild

f. Job Corps

g. Career Academies in most districts

5. Leadership development opportunities, which may include such activities as positive

social behavior and soft skills, decision making, team work and other activities;

a. BOOST

b. Teen Court

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

c. AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential)(Leadership Group for Foster and

Former Foster Children)

d. Talent Search and other TRIO programs

e. Iowa State Extension – 4-H programs

6. Adult mentoring for duration of at least twelve (12) months that may occur both

during and after program participation;

a. GoodGuides

b. Big Brothers/Big Sisters

c. Project Life

d. HOPES (Healthy Opportunities for Parents to be Successful)

e. FaDSS (Family Development and Self-Sufficiency)

f. Child Connect/Children’s Square

7. Summer Employment opportunities directly linked to both academic and

occupational learning;

a. Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (Urban Youth Corps)

8. Support Services;

a. PROMISE Jobs

b. Department of Human Services

c. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

d. YouthBuild

e. BOOST

f. Goodwill Industries

g. West Central Community Action Agency

h. Community Action Agency of Siouxland

i. Mid-Sioux Opportunity

j. Project Life

k. Siouxland Regional Housing

l. Sioux City Housing

9. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, including drug and alcohol abuse

counseling, as well as referrals to counseling;

a. Jackson Recovery Centers

b. Synergy Center

c. Plains Area Mental Health

d. Siouxland Mental Health

e. Siouxland Community Health Center

f. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

g. Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

10. Post –program services;

a. Department of Human Services

b. Women Aware

c. Sioux City Housing

d. Siouxland Regional Housing

e. Child Connect/Children’s Square

f. AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential)

g. Mid-Sioux Opportunity

h. West Central Community Action Agency

i. Community Action Agency of Siouxland

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

The following services may also be used to support the ten required youth services:

1. Entrepreneurial Training

2. Job Club

3. Job Search & Placement Activities

4. Skill Upgrading, including computer literacy

5. Pre-Employment Training – The purpose of Pre-Employment Training is to help

participants acquire skills necessary to obtain unsubsidized employment and to

maintain employment. Activities may include but are not limited to:

a. Instruction on how to keep jobs, including employer’s expectations relating to

punctuality, job attendance, dependability, professional conduct and

interaction with other employees utilizing The A Game curriculum, Beginning

to Work It Out, Insights or other curricula available through other service

providers in the Region, e.g. YouthBuild, TRIO, Vocational Rehabilitation;

b. Assistance in personal growth and development which may include

motivation, self-esteem building, communication skills, basic living, personal

maintenance skills, social planning, citizenship and life survival skills

utilizing Insights or other curricula offered in the Region by other youth

service providers such as Project Life, HOPES, AMP, FaDSS, 4-H, and

YouthBuild;

c. Instructions in how to obtain jobs, including completing applications and

resumes and learning interviewing skills utilizing The 7 Steps to a Great Job

curriculum, I Have a Plan Iowa, and Interview Stream and/or other resources

available in the Region.

The Youth staff, along with the Youth Advisory Council who meets regularly and who

provided recommendations to the Regional Workforce Investment Board concerning the

needs of youth, will continue to build new partnerships and enhance existing partnerships and

collaborations between youth service providers to meet the Region’s priorities as identified in

the youth service needs assessment. JTP staff will continue partnering with community

planning groups such as Comprehensive Strategy through the Siouxland Human Investment

Partnership to promote new positive youth development initiatives and strategies with the

goal of reducing risky behaviors, i.e., drug abuse, violence, delinquency, teen pregnancy.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

VI. ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION, SELECTION, AND ENROLLMENT INTO ADULT,

DISLOCATED WORKER AND YOUTH SERVICES

A. Adult & Dislocated Worker Program

Eligibility for Core/Staff Assisted Core services for the Adult and Dislocated Worker WIA

program will be established through the membership process. The Membership process is

designed to ensure that each customer who comes into a Center for employment and training

services receives the necessary staff assisted core services. Included in core services is an

assessment of a participant’s career objectives, education or skills in order to assist

participants in deciding on appropriate next steps in the search for employment, training and

related services, including job referral; and assistance to participants in accessing other

related services necessary to enhance their employability and individual employment related

needs.

Delivery of this staff-assisted core service meets the TEGL 17-05 definition of “significant”

staff assistance (regardless of length of staff time involved), and as such is one of the triggers

for program enrollment.

Based on eligibility determinations and receipt of a service with significant staff assistance,

co-enrollment into multiple programs occurs simultaneously into each program that in whole

or in part contributes funds. According to TEGL 17-05, “the determination as to whether or

not to include a participant in WIA, Wagner Peyser (WP) or other partner programs’

performance calculations is based on whether the services, staff, facility or activity was

funded in whole or in part by WIA, Wagner Peyser or partner programs.”

In Integrated Centers, at a minimum, it is determined that all core services are funded by

multiple programs, i.e., at a minimum, both WP and WIA funds. In terms of the membership

policy in Iowa, items needing significant staff assistance and co-funding have a

predetermined application for all members. Therefore, eligibility determinations are the only

unique, individualized activity affecting co-enrollment decisions. For co-enrollment between

WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, Regional Leadership Teams will create local

policy. Otherwise, when eligibility permits, every member must be co-enrolled into all

qualifying programs.

1. The full Membership process applies only to customers seeking employment and

training services, and does not apply to customers visiting the Center for other

services.

2. Having met the determinants for co-enrollment, each member is in each of the

relevant programs’ performance pool. The only exclusion described in TEGL 17-05

is for those customers that have only received self-service or informational activities

and does not apply to members, as all will go through the Membership process.

3. In addition to co-enrollment procedures, the Membership function includes provision

of the required staff-assisted core service: initial basic assessment. Based on a

standardized list of customer questions, this initial assessment will triage customers

into one of two recommended service cohorts: employment express or career

development.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

If additional services are identified as needed, the skills development team will make the

appropriate referrals or gather all eligibility verifications necessary to participate in WIA

funded intensive and/or training services. The Skills Development Team will verify all

required documentation for 100% of those individuals needing WIA intensive or training

services from the date the need is established. The Skills Team will follow the eligibility

guidelines established in Section 11 of the WIA Handbook as well as any applicable Field

memo’s.

Adult Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the WIA Adult Program, an applicant must meet all three of

the following criteria:

1. Eighteen (18) years of age or older; AND

2. Registered with the selective service, if applicable; AND

3. A citizen or national of the United States, a lawfully admitted permanent resident

alien, a lawfully admitted refugee or parolee, or an individual authorized by the

Attorney General to work in the United States.

Selection for Adult Enrollment into WIA Intensive and Training Services

The first criterion to be considered by the WIA Adult staff when making selection decisions

for intensive or training services will be the criteria of most in need and most likely to

succeed. A second criterion will be the enrollment selection of only Region 12 residents into

WIA funded intensive or training services. It is not our intent to provide WIA funded

intensive or training services to adult program participants from geographic regions outside

of Region 12 when there are not enough resources to serve the eligible adult population of

Region 12.

A third criterion for selection into the adult intensive and training services is income level.

55% of those selected must be welfare recipients or members of families meeting the low-

income levels. An additional 40% must have family income not exceeding 150% of Lower

Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL). Self-declaration may be used to determine if

income meets criteria for selection into Intensive and Training Services. 5% may be served

without regard to income if they have a barrier.

Those barriers are:

1. Single parent

2. Disabled Individual

3. Veteran

4. Dislocated worker

5. Dislocated farmer

Services for Adults Who are Currently Employed

An applicant who is employed but not earning a self-sufficiency wage can be enrolled in

intensive or training services. For the Adult WIA program in Region 12, a self-sufficiency

wage is defined as current gross earnings, when annualized, at or above 150% of the Lower

Living Standard Income Level for the applicable family size.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

For applicants who are determined eligible, the decision must be made regarding who is most

in need and who can benefit from WIA Adult assistance. These decisions will be consistent

and based on the results of an informal assessment that will be available to all eligible

applicants. Other agency’s assessment results (provided the information was gathered within

12 months of WIA application) may be considered in lieu of parts of the formal assessment

in order to avoid duplicating activities.

Applicants who are members of the 5% window barrier group and who demonstrate a need

for assistance in overcoming their barrier(s) to employment and self-sufficiency will be

considered most in need. For those individuals who do not meet these criteria, the

enrollment selection decision will take into account the income needs and financial resources

of the individual as well as his/her educational qualifications or skills. Individuals who

possess educational qualifications above those generally present among the structurally

unemployed shall have a lower priority for enrollment unless they are also faced with a

significant barrier to employment. Selection decisions will also take into consideration the

provision of equitable services among applicants of diverse demographic characteristics.

The determination of which applicants can benefit from WIA participation requires the

selection of most in need. The use of information gained during the application process,

attendance and punctuality during the informal assessment, may be considered by staff

making the determination as to who can benefit. Other staff considerations to determine who

can benefit will include consideration of the availability of appropriate services and

employment opportunities, and the applicant’s abilities, interests, and motivation. There are

those among the most in need population whose barriers to successful participation in, or

benefit from WIA, would have no value. In making these determinations, the staff members

must keep in mind that the legislative mandates direct WIA services to help people become

productively employed. Therefore the factors to be used to determine “who can benefit” are

as follows:

1. Applicant’s commitment to personal and professional growth

2. Attendance and punctuality at interviews or appointments

3. Interests, aptitudes and academic abilities

4. Barriers and Assessment results

5. Work history

6. Family or other agency support

7. Realistic and attainable employment goals

8. Training in a demand occupation

Persons who have been determined to be in need and can benefit will be provided with

employment and training opportunities, given the availability of resources and appropriate

services. Those individuals judged as not in need or as one whom cannot benefit will be

referred to other appropriate programs that have the capacity to offer assistance.

The WIA staff will conduct the evaluation and make the selection decision, which will be

documented in the participant file. Periodically, the applications of those individuals who

were not enrolled will be reviewed by the program supervisor to ensure no one was

inappropriately excluded from the program.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Dislocated Worker Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the WIA Formula Dislocated Worker Program, an applicant

must meet the first two criteria and one of the following six criteria:

1. Registered for the selective service, if applicable; AND

2. A citizen or national of the United States, lawfully admitted permanent resident alien,

a lawfully admitted refugee or parolee, or an individual authorized by the Attorney

General to work in the United States; AND meet at least one of the following criteria:

3. Terminated or laid off, AND eligible for or have exhausted entitlement to

unemployment compensation, AND unlikely to return to a previous industry or

occupation OR

4. In receipt of a notice of termination or lay-off from employment, AND will be

entitled to unemployment compensation at the time of lay-off or termination, AND

unlikely to return to the individual’s previous industry or occupation; OR

5. Terminated or laid off, or have received a termination notice and have been employed

for a duration of time to sufficiently demonstrate attachment to the workforce (means

that the individual has been employed at least 26 of the last 52 weeks), AND not

eligible for unemployment compensation due to insufficient earnings, or having

performed services for an employer that was not covered under the unemployment

compensation law, and unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation; OR

6. Terminated or laid off, or have received notice of termination or layoff as a result of a

permanent closure of or any substantial layoff at a plant, facility or enterprise.

Workers who have not received an individual notice of termination but who are

employed at a facility for which the employer has made an official public

announcement of planned closure are considered dislocated workers eligible to

receive core services. After a date which is within 180 days of the announced

scheduled closure date, the workers become eligible to receive all allowable WIA

Dislocated Worker activities and services; OR

7. Formerly self-employed and unemployed from his or her business as a result of a

permanent business dissolution due to general economic conditions in the community

in which the individual resides or as a result of a natural disaster (i.e. tornado, storm,

flood, earthquake, landslide, mud slide, snow storm, drought, fire, or explosion)

which results in permanent business dissolution. Full-time secondary students are not

considered dislocated workers if the family business becomes insolvent. Post-

secondary students and out-of-school youth must demonstrate that their primary

occupation was in the family business prior to their application for program services;

OR 8. A Displaced Homemaker who has been providing unpaid services to family members

in the home, AND has been dependent on the income of another family member, and

is no longer supported by that income, AND is unemployed or underemployed, AND

is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.

Services for Dislocated Workers Who are Currently Employed or Become Employed

In determining the initial eligibility for dislocated workers, an individual may continue to be

considered to be dislocated from a previous employer until the individual works in a

permanent full-time job (30 hours per week) for four weeks.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Since employment is often taken to meet basic family needs while participants continue

training, dislocated worker policy has been revised to reflect the following situations: If a

dislocated worker is enrolled in intensive or training services and works in a permanent, full-

time job that leads to self-sufficiency for four weeks, the WIA worker must determine if

WIA can continue to fund the intensive or training services based on the following criteria:

1. If the individual has taken the full-time permanent employment to meet basic needs

of the individual or family so he or she can achieve the employment goal in the IEP,

WIA intensive or training services can continue.

2. If the job that the individual has taken requires the training he or she is currently

receiving, WIA intensive or training services can continue. For example, a participant

must obtain a teaching certificate to get or keep a teaching job.

3. If a dislocated worker is enrolled in intensive or training services and is called back to

the employer of dislocation, but does not return, the individual may still receive

intensive or training services under WIA. Nothing in the regulations requires an

individual to return to the employer of dislocation. The criteria that are used to

determine whether "employment leads to self-sufficiency" shall be determined as a

negotiation between the participant and staff and thoroughly documented in case

notes.

If the participant has obtained full-time permanent employment and is no longer pursuing the

employment goal in the IEP but simply wants to complete the intensive or training services,

the WIA intensive or training services should be ended.

If a dislocated worker is enrolled in intensive or training services and returns to the employer

of dislocation, the individual can no longer receive intensive or training services from WIA.

Training cannot be skills upgrading for the job of dislocation.

Selection for enrollment into Intensive and Training Services for dislocated workers will be

based on the following criteria:

1. Applicant’s commitment to personal and professional growth

2. Attendance and punctuality at interviews or appointments

3. Interests, aptitudes and academic abilities

4. Barriers and Assessment results

5. Work history

6. Family or other agency support

7. Realistic and attainable employment goals

8. Training in a demand occupation

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

B. Youth Program

Youth Eligibility

All youth must be determined eligible before they can receive any WIA funded services.

Eligibility determination is the sole responsibility of the Job Training Partners’ youth staff.

The documentation sources identified in the WIA handbook will be used to verify eligibility.

An eligible applicant must be enrolled within 30 days of eligibility determination or the

application must be updated and a new eligibility determination made. The age of a youth is

determined at enrollment if different from age at application.

To be eligible to participate in the WIA Youth Program, an applicant must meet all five

criteria:

1. Not less than 14 years of age, or no more than 21; AND

2. A low-income individual; AND

3. A citizen or national of the United States, a lawfully admitted permanent

resident alien; a lawfully admitted refuge or parolee, or an individual authorized by

the Attorney General to work in the United States, and who resides in Region 12;

AND 4. Registered with the Selective Service, if applicable; AND

5. An individual who is one or more of the following:

a. Deficient in basic literacy skills;

b. A school dropout;

c. Homeless, a runaway, or a foster child;

d. Pregnant or a parent;

e. An offender;

f. An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an education

program, or to secure and hold employment.

Up to 5 % of youth enrolled in the youth program do not have to meet the minimum income

criterion if they meet one or more of the following criterion:

1. School dropout;

2. Basic skills deficient;

3. One or more grade levels below the grade level appropriate to the individual’s age;

4. Pregnant or parenting;

5. Disabled, including learning disabled;

6. Homeless or runaway;

7. Offender;

8. Face “serious barriers to employment”. In Region 12, the definition of “serious

barrier to employment” for the 5% window can be expanded to include a youth who

has needs for services but does not fit the criteria for eligibility. In these cases, the

case manager can request an expansion of the categories and state the characteristics

or situations that justify the enrollment of the youth. Approval for enrollment will be

made by the JTP Director.

Selection and Enrollment of Youth

Every attempt will be made to provide equitable distribution of resources to eligible youth

throughout Region 12. The willingness of the youth to participate in the objectives of the

youth program and the ability of the youth to access services and benefit from participation

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

will be taken into consideration. In certain cases, a youth may be better served through the

adult program and/or another provider of youth services. The youth staff will work closely

with the Youth Advisory Council and other providers of youth services to evaluate and

address barriers to participation that often affect specific minority groups e.g. Hispanic,

Native American, Southeast Asian, and African American.

At a minimum, at least 30% of the youth program services expenditures will be for out-of-

school youth. Because of this requirement and the staff available to provide services, priority

for services to secondary level in-school youth will be given to alternative school students

and to high school juniors and seniors.

All applicants who are either not eligible or not enrolled will be referred to other partner

agencies and/or programs. It is the intent of all partners in the system to provide applicants

with services that will meet their needs.

There are currently no plans to share the costs of delivery of WIA youth services with any

other region.

C. Eligibility Verification for Adult/Dislocated Worker and Youth

Adults/Dislocated Worker Verification

Western Iowa Tech Community College, as the sub-recipient of Workforce Investment Act

Adult resources, will be responsible for conducting eligibility determinations for the

Adult/Dislocated Worker Program population in Region 12. No other entities will be

responsible for making Adult/Dislocated Worker eligibility determinations in Region 12.

Western Iowa Tech Community College will require 100% documentation of eligibility

criteria (age, citizenship or legal residence, selective service if applicable) prior to providing

staff-assisted core services funded with Adult/Dislocated Worker Program dollars. For core

services, no eligibility determination is required. By making WITCC responsible for

eligibility determination, and requiring 100% documentation from all WIA Adult/Dislocated

Worker Program applicants, these safeguards will ensure accurate eligibility determinations

and greatly reduce the need for reimbursem*nt of costs incurred because of erroneous

eligibility determinations. This policy will also ensure that only eligible participants receive

WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker Program services when resources are limited.

Self-declaration

Income level is a selection criterion for an Adult into Intensive and Training Services. As a

result, Region 12 will accept self-declaration about family income. All forms of income as

indicated on the application form must be provided.

Eligibility determinations may be based upon self-declaration of information provided by

applicants. The applicant must certify that information provided is correct to the best of the

applicant’s knowledge. If the information provided is inconsistent or if there is reason to

suspect that the applicant is either mistaken or dishonest, an obligation exists to verify the

accuracy of the information.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Youth Verification

The Job Training Partners staff at Western Iowa Tech Community College, as the sub-

recipient of Workforce Investment Act Youth resources, will be responsible for conducting

eligibility determinations for the Youth population in Region 12. No other entities will be

responsible for making Youth eligibility determinations in Region 12. Western Iowa Tech

Community College will require 100% documentation of eligibility criteria prior to

enrollment.

D. Local Review and Monitoring of WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth Service

Provider

Every quarter a random sample of 10 percent, or a minimum of one file, of all participant

files enrolled or transferred into each of the adult, dislocated worker and youth programs

during the quarter will be monitored to ensure all guidelines are being followed and the

enrollment was appropriate. These random samples must be drawn quarterly and the

monitoring activity for the quarter must be completed by the end of the subsequent quarter.

In addition, all On-the-Job training contracts must be monitored during the second 30 day

period of activity under the contract and at least every 90 days thereafter.

Sampling Procedures

The monitoring system will utilize a computer generated or online randomizer to determine

which participant files will be reviewed. All new files will be printed out by program type in

alphabetical order. Each name will then be numbered in order starting at 1. The computer

generated list or online randomizer will then be used to select 10% or a minimum of 1

number from the available numbers. The selected number and corresponding file will then

be reviewed and monitored.

Participant Files

1. The monitoring sample must be drawn after the end of the quarter being sampled and

monitored but no later than the last day of the quarter being sampled;

2. A participant co-enrolled in more than one program must be included in the universe

for each program in which the participant is enrolled;

3. A participant must be included in the sample only in the quarter the participant is

enrolled; and

4. A participant who has been transferred must be included in the sample for the quarter

during which the transfer occurred.

Contracts

1. The 10 percent monitoring sample of all non-OJT contracts below $25,000 must be

drawn after the end of the quarter being sampled and monitored but no later than the

last day of the quarter being sampled; and

2. A contract must be included in the sample for the quarter within which its effective

date falls.

Participant File Monitoring

1. The participant record including a review of the eligibility determination;

2. A sample of direct payments to the participant;

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3. A sample of time and attendance records; and

4. Compliance with Federal and State regulations and the Regional Customer Service

Plan.

Contract Monitoring including OJT contracts

1. The service provider record;

2. A sample of fiscal transactions;

3. Payroll and time and attendance records, as appropriate;

4. Compliance with the Federal and State regulations and the Regional Customer

Service Plan;

5. Compliance with equal opportunity regulations;

6. Compliance with Service Plan; and

7. Compliance with the Work Statement, Training Outline and all other contract

provisions contained in the Contract.

Monitoring Reports

A separate tracking form will be completed for each participant file. Following completion

of the review any findings with corrective action or notes of concern will be documented

with a date by when the corrective action will be completed.

All internal monitoring file reviews and supporting documentation will be maintained for

three years.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

VII. REGION 12 POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR WIA TITLE I ADULT & DISLOCATED

WORKER SERVICES AND SUPPORT

A. Adult & Dislocated Worker Procedures

Staff-Assisted Core Services Procedure Individuals who were not able to obtain employment after using self-service and informational core services may wish to access staff assisted core services. Eligibility must be determined and the person must become a member of the Workforce Center and must be enrolled in WIA before the applicant can access staff assisted core services. Following is a list of staff assisted core services:

1. Staff-assisted job search and placement assistance, including career counseling (JSP),

(G&C);

2. Screened job referrals (such as background checks) (SJR);

3. Staff-assisted job development (working with an employer and job seeker) (SJD);

4. Staff-assisted workshops, and job clubs (PET), (JBC).

Orientation Procedure

When a participant begins to receive intensive services, the participant must receive an

orientation to WIA. The orientation is designed to apprise the participant of policies and

procedures that apply to WIA enrollments including Attendance, Payment, and Exit or

Withdrawal Policies; Complaint Procedures; Monitoring, Verification, and Follow-up

Requirements; Information Release Statement. The orientation may be provided in a group

format with participants signing in to document their presence at the orientation session.

Participants are asked to sign the Acknowledgement Form agreeing to the conditions stated

in the Handbook and acknowledging they received a copy of the Handbook, and the

Authority for the Release of Information Form. The signed forms are placed in the

participant’s file. Participants are given a copy of the Participant Handbook.

Intensive Services Procedure

Intensive service may be provided only after the completion of an initial assessment and it is

determined the participant is not able to obtain employment that leads to self-sufficiency.

The participant must have utilized one self-service or informational core service and one

staff-assisted core service before they can access intensive services. The participant must

complete the WIA application to be determined eligible by the selection process to receive

intensive services. The following intensive services are available to adult and dislocated workers who have met the selection criteria in Region 12:

1. Objective Assessment (OBA) – a comprehensive and specialized assessments of skill

levels and service needs, including diagnostic testing and use of other assessment

tools, and in-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and

appropriate employment goals;

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

2. Developing an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) to identify the employment goals,

appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate combination of services for the

participant to achieve the employment goals;

3. Case management for participants seeking training services;

4. Skill Upgrading (SUG) as a short-term prevocational service; including development

of learning skills, communication skills, interviewing skills, punctuality, personal

maintenance skills, and professional conduct to prepare individuals for unsubsidized

employment or training;

5. Out-of-area job search expenses;

6. Relocation expenses;

7. Internships (INT);

8. On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Objective Assessment Procedure

The Objective Assessment (OBA) process collects information necessary to complete the

Individual Employment Plan (IEP).

Portions of assessments conducted by other Workforce Development Center Partners or other

human resource programs may be used to collect information on the factors required for the

Objective Assessment if the assessments were completed within one year prior to WIA

registration (any tests of reading, writing, or computation skills must have been completed

within 6 months prior to WIA registration).

Individuals with a disability, which precludes testing, and are obviously below the ninth

grade level, may be reported that way. Individuals who have a college degree or a two-year

associate degree from a community college do not need to be tested. They may be reported as

having a 12th grade reading and math level. Some training programs such as Truck Driver

Training and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) do not have reading and math requirements.

Formal Testing using the CASAS may be waived for such programs at the discretion of the

counselor.

Objective Assessment is a participant-centered, objective evaluation of the capabilities,

needs, vocational potential and employment barriers of a participant. The assessment process

must collect and document information on each of the following factors for each participant:

1. Family Situation

2. Work History

3. Education

4. Basic Education Skills

5. Occupational Skills

6. Interests and Aptitudes

7. Attitude and Motivation

8. Financial Resources

9. Basic Subsistence Needs

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

A portion of the Objective Assessment can be completed during group sessions. Some

information required for the assessment is personal in nature and is best obtained in an

individual session. If group assessment is not the desired method of conducting the OBA,

the specialist may conduct an individual assessment with the participant.

The assessment process can be completed using a variety of tools including: the CASAS,

Communicate Being You, Challenges To Employment, Computerized Placement Test and I

Have A Plan Iowa. Additional or different assessment tools may be used when deemed

necessary. The specialist should determine which tools are most appropriate to gather the

required information.

Once the information needed to complete the OBA is obtained, the specialist meets with the

participant to review the findings and write the summary of the outcomes and

recommendations in a case note titled “Objective Assessment.” The policies and procedures

required by the State IWORKS system will be followed including completion of the

Appropriateness tab for Adult and Dislocated Workers.

As additional relevant information about a participant becomes available, the Objective

Assessment should be reviewed and re-evaluated. The participant should be re-assessed as

necessary to determine further service strategies.

When a participant is determined through the Objective Assessment to be better served by a

program other than WIA, referral to the appropriate program must be made and

documented. If there will be a continuing relationship with that participant through

additional WIA services, the referral becomes part of the participant's employment plan and

must be documented in the IEP. If there will not be a continuing relationship with the

individual as the result of a referral to another program, that referral must be documented in

the participant’s case file.

Individual Employment Plan Procedure

An Individual Employment Plan (IEP) must be prepared for each WIA participant who will

be receiving training services. An IEP may also be developed for participants receiving

intensive services. Additionally, the IEP is required for the SUG. The IEP is a

comprehensive employment plan that describes the employment, skill training (if

applicable) and supportive service needs of participants, as well as the service strategy that

has been developed to meet those needs and achieve the employment goal. As determined

by the Objective Assessment, needs in the areas of pre-employment/work maturity skills,

occupational skills, basic education skills, and support services must be identified in the

IEP. The activities and services designed to meet these needs and achieve the employment

goal, whether provided by WIA or through other sources (partner agencies) must also be

described.

The IEP is the basic instrument to document the appropriateness of enrollment and training

decisions and contains supporting documentation for services.

1. No training program may be more than two years in length and must result in a

credential that enhances employability;

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

2. A person may be allowed, upon the approval by the director, up to three years to

complete a two-year course of study. Some issues that may require additional time

include: course sequence, health issues, and employment conditions;

3. A person may complete a four-year degree with an ITA if they are at the junior level

at the time they are requesting WIA training services;

The IEP must be developed in accordance with the following process and must include basic

elements as well as additional requirements for certain activities or participants.

Developing the Individual Employment Plan

The IEP must be developed in partnership with the participant and appropriate partner

agencies. The IEP must reflect the employment, training and support service needs indicated

by the Objective Assessment, as well as the expressed interests and desires of the participant.

The specialist must ensure that decisions are participant-centered; that is, intended to enhance

the employability of the participant.

The combination of services to the participant described in the IEP must be supported by the

results of the Objective Assessment process. The IEP must describe all activities and

services that will enable the participant to achieve employment goals, whether such services

are provided through WIA or other non-WIA sources. If the participant's basic skills, pre-

employment/work maturity skills, occupational training skills, and supportive service needs

cannot be completely provided by WIA, every reasonable effort must be made to arrange for

these needs through other partner and community resources.

When determining the appropriate mix of services for a participant, occupationally specific

training may only be conducted for occupations for which there is a demand in the area

served, or in another area to which the participant is willing to relocate.

The participant is to be informed of the requirements for self-sufficiency and the

occupational demands within the labor market. Strategies must be designed to ensure equal

opportunity, in that a participant may not be excluded from training or career options based

on age, gender, race, or disability status.

Since the IEP is an on-going process, it must be reviewed and updated, at least annually. The

review must include an evaluation of the participant's progress in meeting the objectives of

the IEP and the attainment of pre-employment/work maturity, basic education, and

occupational skills training, as well as the adequacy of the supportive services provided.

The participant must sign the IEP and any subsequent revisions. A copy of the initial IEP

and any subsequent revisions must be given to the participant and another copy must be

maintained in the participant case file.

The IEP that is placed in the participant’s file must be created using the IWORKS IEP Form

and will be printed out for the participant’s signature and the participant must be given a

copy of the signed IEP.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Required Elements of the IEP

Certain elements are required in the individual employment plan of each participant. While

other elements are necessary in situations where the participant has specific needs or is

entering training activities with additional requirements.

Each IEP must address the following:

1. Employment Goal

An employment goal must be established for each participant. This goal should

identify a specific occupation or occupational cluster

2. Training and Support Service Needs

This portion of the IEP must describe the participant's training needs and support

service needs. Training needs are to be identified in the areas of pre-

employment/work maturity skills, basic education skills, and occupational skills.

These needs are identified by comparing the information obtained in the Objective

Assessment process to the skills required by the participant's employment goal.

Support service needs of each participant, again as determined through the objective

assessment, must also be identified. The needs of the participant, whether in skill

training or support services, must include all skill deficiencies and barriers which may

prevent the participant from attaining the employment goal, regardless of whether

those needs will be met through WIA or non-WIA resources.

3. Schedule of Services

All services planned for the participant in response to needs identified must be

described. This schedule must include the training and support services provided

through WIA resources and all non-WIA sources. A timeline, which identifies the

planned beginning and ending date of each activity and service as well as the planned

program completion date, must also be included. To the extent practicable, available

federal, state, and regional resources must be coordinated to meet training, education-

related and support service costs, so that the participant can successfully complete the

training program. Individuals enrolled in occupational skill training must use any

grant assistance from other sources, such as state-funded training funds and Federal

Pell Grants, to pay for training costs so that WIA funds supplement other sources of

training grants. WIA funds may only be used to pay for support services that are not

available through other programs providing such services.

4. Achievement Objectives

Achievement objectives or benchmarks to measure progress toward the ultimate

attainment of the employment goal must also be included in the IEP. Such objectives

should establish interim standards of success throughout the period of program

participation. Examples of achievement objectives include completion of training

activities, attainment of specified grade levels, completion of GED, elimination of

employment barriers or other goals that are specific to the individual needs or barriers

of a participant.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

5. On-the-Job Training

The duration of the work experience activity must be documented in the IEP, based

on the need of the participant.

6. Re-Enrollment

If the participant has previously been a WIA participant, the IEP must document the

justification for re-enrollment.

7. Post-Program Services

If a participant is to receive Post-Program Services, the IEP must indicate that those

services would be appropriate.

Employed Participants

For individuals who are employed but not earning a self-sufficiency wage and must be

retrained or need to have their skills upgraded, the IEP must indicate that the training will

clearly qualify the participant to work at a specific occupation with a commensurate wage

increase. The occupation must also require a different or greater skill level than the

participant possessed prior to training. The training must relate to the introduction of new

technologies, introduction to new production or service procedures, upgrading to new jobs

that require additional skills, workplace literacy, or other appropriate purposes.

OJT Participants

For each On-the-Job Training (OJT) participant, the IEP must document why that activity is

appropriate for that individual. Such documentation may include a description of how OJT

can overcome a participant's substantial barrier to employment or that a participant already

has work maturity and basic education skills and simply needs additional occupational

training through an OJT to achieve unsubsidized employment. The selection of OJT as a

service for a participant must not be based solely on the availability of a training site. An

OJT may not be developed based on a reverse referral from an employer.

The IEP must describe how the training length of the OJT was determined. This description

must include a justification in each case where the length of training varies from the region-

established base level for a specific occupation. Such variation may be based on individual

participant circ*mstances (e.g., disability, related knowledge or experience).

Training Services Procedure

Training services may be made available to employed and unemployed adults and dislocated

workers who meet all of the following criteria:

1. Have met the eligibility requirements for intensive services and have received at least

two intensive services (Objective Assessment and an Individual Employment Plan);

AND

2. Have been determined by the specialist to be unable to obtain or retain employment

that leads to self-sufficiency through intensive services; AND

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

3. After an objective assessment, have been determined to be in need of training services

and to have the skills and qualifications to successfully complete the selected training;

AND 4. Select a program of training services that is directly linked to the employment

opportunities either in the area or in another area to which the individual is willing to

relocate; AND

5. Are unable to obtain grant assistance from other sources to pay the costs of such

training (including Pell Grants), OR require WIA assistance in addition to other

sources of grant assistance; AND

6. Financial need has been determined after completing the FND.

A participant who is employed must not be earning a self-sufficiency wage to be enrolled in a

training service. In Region 12, a self-sufficiency wage is determined as a negotiation

between the participant and staff and thoroughly documented in case notes.

Participants engaged in training services are required to turn in progress report forms, and in

addition, time and attendance if they are receiving support services.

Capitation of Funds for Adults and Dislocated Workers

For Adult and Dislocated Workers, the combined ITA and supportive services funding for

any one participant is capped at $6,000 for a one year training program up to a maximum of

$12,000 for a two year training program. An additional $2,000 may be expended for either a

one year or two year training program if remedial classes are needed, thereby raising the caps

to $8,000 for a one year training program or $14,000 for a two year program when remedial

classes are needed. The amount of funding used for either ITA costs or supportive services

will be determined based on the particular financial needs of each participant. The

employment specialist makes the final decision about the amount of funding applied to ITA

and supportive services after consulting with the Program Supervisor. The capitation for

Skill Upgrade (SUG) is $3,000 per enrollment. When supportive services are being used in

relation to activities other than training services, the capitation for supportive services is

$3,000 per enrollment. Under special circ*mstances, the capitations may be exceeded with

written approval from the Iowa Region 12 WIA Director.

B. Support Services

Supportive Services Procedure

Supportive Services may be provided to adults and dislocated workers who are participating

in core, intensive and training services.

In order to receive Supportive Services, the person must complete a Financial Needs

Determination (FND) and demonstrate a need for the amount of assistance provided. A

person with multiple needs that exceed the annual cap may choose where they would like the

supportive services to be applied. Under special circ*mstances, the limit to supportive

services may be exceeded with written approval from the Iowa Region 12 WIA director. The

following types of services are considered to be Supportive Services:

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

1. Dependent Care (DPC): For those individuals not eligible for dependent care services

from other entities, a maximum of $2.50/hr. per person or the rate of the provider,

whichever is less. DPC will not be paid to any relative living in the same house with

the dependent;

2. Health Care (HLC): Up to $1000/participant;

3. Transportation (TRN): Paid at a rate of $.30/mile

4. Counseling (CLG): Up to $500/participant;

5. Clothing (CHG): Up to $500/participant for the cost of items such as clothes and

shoes, which are necessary for participation in WIA activities;

6. Miscellaneous Services (MSS): Bonding is an allowable cost, if it is not available

under federally or locally sponsored programs. If bonding is an occupational

requirement, it should be verified that the participant is bondable before the

participant is placed in training for that occupation. The costs of licenses,

certifications, testing or application fees are allowable if occupationally required.

Maximum of $1,000/program year;

7. Financial Assistance (FAS): Maximum of $600/participant;

8. Needs-Related Payments (NRP): Needs Related Payments will not be provided;

9. Relocation (RLT): A maximum of $500 may be offered to WIA participants who

accept training related employment that will require the relocation because the

position is located beyond a reasonable commute (a letter of employment from the

new employer is required for documentation of employment);

10. Services for Individuals with Disabilities (SID): These support services will be

provided by WIA only if other entities are unable to address these needs. Reasonable

costs up to $300/individual per program year will be provided;

11. Supported Employment and Training (SET): These services will be provided only

after all resources from collaborating agencies are exhausted--up to a maximum of

$1000/program year will be expended.

Recognizing that an individual’s needs may change over time, redetermination of support

services will be allowed. Under special circ*mstances payment may exceed the cost

limitation of the support categories and criteria or restrictions related to making payments

may be waived with the written approval of the Region 12 WIA Director. Also under special

circ*mstances the criteria or restrictions stated above may be waived with the written

approval of the Region 12 WIA Director.

Dependent Care and Transportation will be based upon completion of a time and attendance

form for IST, SUG, and RBS.

C. Contracts for Training Services

Contracts for training services in Region 12 may be used instead of individual training

accounts only when three exceptions apply:

1. When the services provided are On-the-Job Training (OJT) or customized training;

2. When the Region 12 Regional Workforce Investment Board (RWIB) determines that

there are an insufficient number of eligible providers in the local area to accomplish

the purpose of a system of ITAs. The Region 12 Regional Customer Service Plan

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

must describe the process to be used in selecting the providers under a contract for

services. This process must include a public comment period for interested providers

of at least 30 days;

3. When the RWIB determines that there is a training program of demonstrated

effectiveness offered in the area by a community-based organization (CBO) or

another private organization to serve special participant populations that face multiple

barriers to employment. The RWIB must develop criteria to be used in determining

demonstrated effectiveness, particularly as it applies to the special participant

population to be served. The criteria may include:

a. Financial stability of the organization

b. Demonstrated performance in the delivery of services to hard-to-serve

participant populations through such means as program completion rate;

attainment of the skills, certificates or degrees the program is designed to

provide; placement after training in unsubsidized employment; and retention

in employment; and

c. How the specific program relates to the workforce investment needs identified

in the local plan.

Special participant populations that face multiple barriers to employment are

populations of low-income individuals that are included in one or more of the

following categories:

a. Individual with substantial language or cultural barriers;

b. Offenders

c. Homeless individuals; and

d. Other hard-to-serve populations as defined by the Governor.

(Federal Register, 8-11-00:20 CFR Part 652 et al., Workforce Investment Act; Final

Rules. Section 663.430 (page 49405)

D. Program Exit and Follow-Up Services

Program Exit

Adult/dislocated workers must be exited from intensive or training services when they no

longer meet eligibility criteria or they self-select discharge from services through actions of

their own.

The date of exit is always the last date on which a WIA Title I or partner service was actually

received by an individual, excluding post-program services. A participant must be exited:

1. Upon the 90th day after the last WIA service is received, if no further WIA or partner

services are scheduled (any gap in services must be necessary and documented in the

participant’s file with detailed case notes);

2. Upon final determination of ineligibility;

3. Upon determination of fraud committed by the participant;

4. Upon failure to furnish verification documentation within a reasonable amount of

time;

5. For failure to comply with Section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act.

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A participant may also be exited for the following reasons:

1. After a job offer or offer of referral to a “suitable self-sufficiency job” is made to and

rejected by the participant (suitable is defined based on the needs and resources of the

individual);

2. Upon recommendation of instructor, supervisor, or WIA representative, for

disciplinary reasons or unsatisfactory progress;

3. For health, family, or transportation problems which prevent the continuation of

scheduled activity;

4. If working for an employer, for any and all reasons that other regular (non-WIA)

employees may be dismissed. In such cases, exiting from WIA services is not

mandatory or automatic. It is the responsibility of the WIA service provider to

determine whether the participant should be exited or continue to be served in another

WIA activity;

5. Persons receiving intensive or training services through the Adult/Dislocated Worker

Program who work in permanent employment that leads to “self-sufficiency” as

previously defined in the Region 12 RCSP for four weeks may no longer receive

intensive or training services. Exceptions would be if the job the individual has taken

requires the training they are currently receiving in order for the person to retain the

job or the participant has need for the continued employment in order to pay their

bills. Exceptions to this must be thoroughly documented in case notes;

6. If a dislocated worker is enrolled in intensive or training services and returns to the

employer of dislocation, the individual can no longer receive intensive or training

services from WIA.

Post-Program Services

The purpose of Post-Program Services (PPS) is to identify and address any problems or

needs that might preclude a participant from remaining employed or continuing to progress

towards unsubsidized employment.

The provision of Post-Program Services and contacts or attempted contacts must be

documented in a case note in the participant’s file.

Post-Program Services must be made available to all participants who enter employment, for

not less than 12 months after the first day of the employment. The first Post-Program

Service must occur within the first 30 days of employment, with a second service provided

approximately 90 days after the date of employment. Post-Program Services must be

provided at least quarterly and thereafter for the next three-quarters. If an individual insists

that he or she does not want to receive further Post-Program Services, the services may be

discontinued, and the reason documented in case notes for the participant.

The goal of Post-Program Services is to ensure job retention, wage gains and career progress

for participants who have been referred to unsubsidized employment.

The types of Post-Program Services provided must be based on the needs of the adult or

dislocated worker. Post-Program Services may include such things as:

1. Counseling regarding the workplace

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2. Assistance to obtain better employment

3. Determination of the need for additional assistance

4. Skills upgrading necessary to attain employment or to remain employed

5. Support services

6. Referral to services of partner agencies or other community resources

Follow-Up Services

Follow-up is the collection of information on a participant's employment situation at a

specified period after an individual has been exited from WIA services.

Follow-up is tracked from the exit date, and begins the first quarter after the exit quarter and

continues through the third quarter after exit. Follow-up information is primarily obtained

from UI wage records. However, supplemental sources may be used if individuals are not

found in UI wage records, provided that the information is documented/verified.

The following is the information that must be obtained for adults and dislocated workers

exited from WIA services:

1. Employment in first quarter after exit quarter

2. Employment at any time during the quarter

3. Type of documentation.

An individual is considered to be employed if, in the first full calendar quarter after exit,

he/she did any work at all as a paid employee (received at least some earnings), worked in

their own business, profession, or worked on their own farm. All supplemental data should

be documented and is subject to audit. A telephone or personal response from the participant

should be accompanied by a written document such as a W2 form, pay stub, 1099 form, or

other written documentation. Telephone verification of employment with the employer is

acceptable but should also be accompanied by written documentation such as a letter from

the employer whenever possible.

For self-employed individuals, telephone verification with major clients or contracting

entities is acceptable but should also be documented. A copy of the documentation should be

maintained in the participant s file whenever possible.

If not reported at the time of exit, the following additional information is required:

1. Name of business

2. Occupation title and occupational code

3. Date employment began

4. Hourly wage of job

5. Training-related employment

6. Non-traditional employment

Employment in second and third quarters after exit:

1. Same as the first quarter after exit for employment information

2. Attained a recognized educational or occupational certificate, credential, diploma or

degree by the end of the third quarter after exit:

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a. Type of credential

b. Date credential received

c. Type of documentation – a telephone or personal response from the

participant must be accompanied by a document such as a certificate, degree,

school transcript, or other written documentation. A telephone response from

the certification institution or entity that an individual has attained a credential

must also be accompanied by written documentation such as a letter from the

training institution. A copy of the documentation must be maintained in the

participant s file.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

VIII. REGION 12 POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR WIA TITLE I YOUTH SERVICES AND

SUPPORT

A. Youth Procedures

Orientation

All eligible youth, if they choose to participate in the Youth Program, receive an Orientation

to Job Training Partners/WIA at which time they are apprised of the Job Training Partners

policies and procedures. The following topics are reviewed verbally and are provided to the

participant in written form (Participant Handbook): Attendance; Payments; Exit or

Withdrawal Policies; Complaint Procedures; Monitoring; Verification; Follow-up

Requirements; Information Release. Participants are also provided information on the broad

range of youth services that are available. The participant’s signature on the Handbook

Acknowledgement form documents receipt and review of the information and is maintained

in the participant’s file.

Objective Assessment

All youth participants must receive an Objective Assessment. This assessment process

collects information upon which a participant’s Individual Service Strategy will be based.

The assessment may be completed either formally or informally using a combination of

structured interviews, behavioral observations, interest inventories, career guidance

instruments, and basic skills tests.

Portions of assessments conducted by other partners, such as Promise Jobs, Department of

Vocational Rehabilitation Service, the Community School Districts, may be used to collect

information provided they have been completed within one year prior to JTP enrollment.

The Reading and Math Skills of all youth participants are generally measured as part of the

assessment. In Region 12, the CASAS instrument is utilized to determine math and reading

grade levels. The tests must be administered within 30 days of enrollment. Individuals with

disabilities are provided accommodations according to: (1) Section 188 of WIA: 29CFR Part

37, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title H of the Americans with

Disabilities Act.

The Objective Assessment is a participant-centered objective evaluation of the service needs

of each participant. Information is collected on each of the following factors:

1. Family Situation

2. Work History

3. Education

4. Basic Literacy Skills

5. Occupational Skills

6. Work Readiness Skills

7. Interest/Aptitudes

8. Attitude/Motivation

9. Financial Resources

10. Basic Subsistence needs

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As additional relevant information about a participant becomes available, the objective

assessment is reviewed and re-evaluated. The participant is re-assessed as necessary to

determine further service strategies.

Individual Service Strategy

An Individual Service Strategy (ISS) is developed in partnership with the youth and

appropriate partners. It reflects the employability, training and support service needs as

indicated by the Objective Assessment as well as the expressed desires of the participant.

The ISS describes all activities and services that will enable the participant to achieve

employability goals, whether such services are provided through Job Training Partners or

through a partner resource. The ISS is an on-going process and must be reviewed at least

annually. Each ISS must address the following, including the Literacy/Numeracy goals of

out of school youth:

1. Skill Attainment Goals for Younger Youth

Each youth under age 19 must have at least one but no more than three skill goals

during each performance year. These goals are in the areas of Basic Skills,

Occupational Skills, and Work Readiness Skills. However, if a youth is deficient in

basic skills a Basic Skills goal must be set.

At least one goal must be set within 30 days of enrollment and must be reported as set

on the date of enrollment. Each goal must be attained within one year of the date

established. Once a goal is established, it can only be cancelled because external

events preclude the goal from being attained. Examples of external events include

death, illness or institutionalization. The reason for cancellation must be documented

in the participant’s file.

Each goal must call for substantial improvement in the individual’s skills. In order to

take credit for any skill goal attainment, the goal must be established and documented

in the ISS at least 90 days prior to the attainment of the goal.

2. Additional Goals for Younger Youth

In addition to a skill goal, Younger Youth must also establish one of the following

goals: attainment of a high school diploma during enrollment; attainment of a GED

or high school equivalency diploma during enrollment; entering postsecondary

education by the end of the first quarter after exit; entering advanced training by the

end of the first quarter after exit; entering the military by the end of the first quarter

after exit; entering a qualified apprenticeship by the end of the first quarter after exit;

or entering unsubsidized employment by the first quarter after exit. In order to take

credit for the attainment of any goal for youth under age 19, the goal must have been

established and documented in the ISS.

3. Career Goals for Older Youth

Each youth 19 to 21 years of age at the time of enrollment must have a career goal (a

specific occupation or occupational cluster). Older youth participants are expected to

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earn a state recognized educational/occupational certificate or credential either during

their participation or by the end of the third quarter after exit.

4. Basic Skill Goals for Older Youth

For Common Measures an increase of one or more educational functioning levels in

either Math or Reading within one year will be a goal established for older youth who

are basic skills deficient and who are out of school at the time of enrollment.

5. Training and Support Service Needs

This portion of the ISS describes the youth’s training needs and support service needs

that must be met to enable the youth to reach his/her career, skill and employability

goals. Needs that will be met by other Partner Resources are also described in the

ISS.

6. Schedule of Activities and Services

All activities and services which are planned for the participant will be described. A

timeline which identifies the planned beginning and ending date of each activity is

included as well as the planned program completion date. To the extent possible,

available Federal, State, and regional resources will be coordinated to meet the

training, education-related and support service costs so that the youth can successfully

complete the training program. WIA funds will only be used to pay for support

services that are not available through other programs providing such services.

7. Achievement Objectives

Benchmarks to measure progress toward the attainment of the youth’s employability

goal will be included in the ISS.

8. Re-enrollment

The ISS must describe the justification for re-enrollment.

9. Post-Program Services

The ISS must indicate that the youth will receive post-program services.

10. Participant Progress

Participant progress is evaluated in relation to the goals and achievement objectives

described in the ISS. The progress of younger youth is evaluated, at a minimum,

within the first thirty days of participation and at least monthly thereafter. The

progress of older youth is evaluated, at a minimum, within the first thirty days of

participation and at least every 90 days thereafter.

Employed Participants

For participants who are employed, the ISS must indicate that the occupation for which the

participant will receive training requires a different or greater skill or educational level than

the participant possessed prior to training.

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On-the-Job Training (OJT) Participants

In most cases, On-the-Job training is not an appropriate work experience activity for youth

under age 18. However, this activity may be utilized when it is appropriate based on the

needs identified in the Objective Assessment.

The number of OJT training hours is determined using the following standardized chart:

Level Hours

1 80 2 160 3 520 4 1040 5 2080 6 4160

An OJT with an employer can be written for a maximum of 1040 hours. An OJT cannot be

written if the hours of training required for the position are less than 160. Exceptions to this

policy can be granted by the Director if there is justification based on the individual youth’s

circ*mstances (e.g. disability, related knowledge or experience).

The ISS must describe how OJT can overcome a participant’s substantial barrier to

employment.

Work Experience Participants

Work Experience (WEP) will be limited to youth who need assistance to become accustomed

to basic work skills, to provide an improved work history and work references, or to provide

an opportunity to actively participate in a specific work field.

Western Iowa Tech Community College will be the employer of record. The participant will

be paid at the same rate as general work study participants at Western Iowa Tech Community

College.

Participants in a wage paying WEP may be paid for time spent attending other activities if

one or more of the following conditions are met:

1. The participant is participating in Remedial Basic Skills (RBS) activities toward the

GED credential or High School diploma;

2. The participant is participating in RBS activities toward a Basic Skill Attainment

Goal or Literacy/Numeracy Skill Goal;

3. The participant is participating in Pre-Employment Training (PET) activities toward a

younger youth Work Readiness Skill Goal. Such payments may only be made if WEP

participation is scheduled for more than 50% of the scheduled training time in all

activities.

On occasion, it may be beneficial to extend this option to WEP participants in activities other

than RBS or PET. In such cases, the Iowa Region 12 WIA Director may approve a written

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

request from the youth case manager to include for payment other activities scheduled

simultaneously with the WEP in order to help the participant achieve his/her goals.

B. Skill Attainment Goals Procedures for Younger Youth Each Youth under 19 must have at least one but not more than three goals in the areas of

Basic Skills, Occupational Skills and Work Readiness Skills.

1. Basic Skills

If the youth is basic skills deficient (math or reading below the 9th

grade), a Basic

Skills goal, either math or reading or both, must be set and reported as set on the date

of enrollment.

Substantial improvement for basic skills is defined as an improvement of a least one

grade level in Math or in Reading. For individuals with a learning disability, the

substantial improvement will be based upon the individual’s capabilities. After

consulting with appropriate staff of the local Area Education Agency/School, it may

be appropriate to state that the goal is to maintain the youth’s current skill level.

Note: For Common Measures, younger youth who are out of school and who are

basic skills deficient, an increase of one or more educational functioning levels in

either Math or Reading within one year will be an additional established goal.

2. Occupational Skills

Substantial Improvement for Occupational Skills is defined as learning and being able

to demonstrate proficiency in the primary and secondary occupational skills for a

specific occupation. Primary occupational skills are those needed to perform actual

tasks and technical functions required by a certain occupational field at entry,

intermediate or advanced levels. Secondary occupational skills are those skills

related to familiarity with and use of set-up procedures, safety measures, work related

terminology, record keeping and paperwork formats, tools, equipment and materials,

and breakdown and clean-up routines. The O’Net was approved by the Youth

Advisory Council for use in identifying primary and secondary occupational skills.

Occupational Skills can be taught at a worksite or in a classroom. If taught at a

worksite, the employer who will provide the Occupational Skills training will be

consulted to identify the most important tasks, the related knowledge, skills and

abilities, and the level of performance that would be expected for achievement of the

youth’s goal. The employer providing the training will evaluate the youth’s

performance and determine whether or not the skill goal was attained, meets

expectations or exceeds expectations. A skill attainment for occupational skills taught

in a classroom activity will be based on the vocational classes in which the individual

is enrolled. Copies of the course syllabus will serve as documentation of the learning

objectives. A passing grade will determine attainment of the skill goal.

3. Work Readiness Skills

Substantial improvement for work readiness skills is determined by demonstrating

proficiency (70% or higher) in one or more of the following areas of emphasis:

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Career Emphasis; Employment Emphasis; or Life Skills Emphasis. In a given year of

participation, a minimum of one area of emphasis will be addressed with more

intensive levels of activities and services. Youth will be pre-assessed in each activity

related to a skill area. Pre-assessment scores lower than 70% indicate a need for

instruction/training. Scores of 70% or higher on a pre or post-assessment indicate

proficiency.

The Youth Advisory Council approved the use of the Insight Learning Systems

instrument and America’s Career Info-Net to assess the menu of 11 work readiness

skills. A crosswalk with Insight curriculum and America’s Career Info-Net was

developed at the state level to identify the skill areas and activities to address each

competency area.

Shown below are the Areas of Emphasis for the Work Readiness Skill Goals and the

corresponding Insight/Career Info-Net curriculum.

Employment Emphasis

Work Readiness Skill Goal Insight/Career Info-Net Curriculum

World of Work Awareness -Job Preparation -Job Hunting -Job Retention

Job Search Techniques -Job Hunting -Interview Preparation -Interview Communication -Interview Follow-up

Positive Work Habits, Attitudes & Behaviors -Conflict Resolution -Conversation -Customer Service -Diversity -Giving Instructions -Handling Complaints -Leadership -Listening -Team Work -Work Relations

Occupational Information -America’s Career Info-Net

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Career Emphasis

Work Readiness Skill Goal Insight/Career Info-Net Curriculum

Career Planning & Decision Making -Decision Making -Job Preparation -Goal Setting

Motivation & Adaptability -Diversity -Flexibility -Goal Setting -Management -Optimism

Labor Market Knowledge -America’s Career Info-Net

Life Skills Emphasis

Work Readiness Skill Goal Insight/Career Info-Net Curriculum

Values Clarification & Personal Understanding

-Goal Setting -Personal Responsibility -Self Concept -Resource Management

Survival/Daily Living Skills -Decision Making -Listening -Logical Reasoning -Conversation -Time Management -Resource Management

Effective Coping & Problem Solving Skills -Creative Thinking -Decision Thinking -Logical Reasoning -Problem Solving

Improved Self-Image -Personal Responsibility -Optimism -Self Concept

In order to attain a Work Readiness Skill Goal, the youth must achieve proficiency

(70% or higher) in each of the skill areas within an Area of Emphasis.

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C. Youth Support Services

Support Service Payment Policies for Youth

Payment of Dependent Care and Transportation will be based upon the completion of a time

and attendance form.

For youth in the post-program phase, the case manager will determine financial need based

on the circ*mstances of the youth and how the need affects the youth’s progress in reaching

his/her goals. The reason for providing post-program support services will be documented in

the participant’s file.

Under special circ*mstances, the monetary limit to support services may be exceeded with

written approval from the Iowa Region 12 WIA Director. Youth participants shall not be

subject to annual capitations.

The following are the allowable levels of support services per program year:

1. Dependent Care (DPC): For those individuals not eligible for dependent care services

from other entities, a maximum of $2.50 per hour (per person) or the rate of the

provider, whichever is less, $20 per day maximum per child. If it is the policy of the

provider to charge for absences, a written statement of policy is required. Dependent

care will be paid or reimbursed for a maximum of 4 days of absence in a calendar

month.

2. Health Care (HLC): Maximum of $1000

3. Transportation (TRN): $.30/mile with a reimbursem*nt maximum of $25/day

4. Clothing (CHG): Maximum of $300

5. Miscellaneous Services (MSS): Maximum of $500. Miscellaneous Services are

defined by the Region 12 Youth provider as diverse expenses that represent

challenges to the participants’ employability, retention of employment or to

completing a major level of education if not met by other resources. Case notes

and/or the Service Plan will identify the specific service to be provided by the Youth

program.

6. Financial Assistance (FAS): Maximum of $500

7. Services for Individuals with Disabilities (SID): Maximum of $300

8. Supported Employment and Training (SET): A maximum of $1000 after all resources

from collaborating agencies are exhausted.

9. Stipends (STI): For participants in non-wage paying Occupational Skill Training that

is scheduled for four months or longer, a monthly stipend, maximum of $250 per

month depending on individual need, paid at the end of the month in which

participation occurred. For participants in YouthBuild, the YouthBuild stipend policy

will be followed. Excessive absences, of more than 10% of scheduled days will result

in a reduction of the stipend, $7.50 per day, unless the need to be absent is the result

of an event that could be excusable in an employment situation. Documentation of

the event is not required, but can be requested at the discretion of the case manager.

10. Residential Meals/Support (RMS): The current allowed WITCC rate. Receipts

required.

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Redetermination of support services will be allowed at any time. Youth in the post-program

phase can receive support services throughout the entire post-program period.

D. Incentive and Bonus Policy for Youth

Incentive and bonus payments will be available to youth participants to encourage and

reward achievements that are tied to performance measures and to employability. Incentive

and bonus awards may be issued in the form of check or a gift certificate with the same cash

equivalency, depending on the preference of the participant.

1. GED/High School Attendance Incentive:

$50.00 maximum per month available at the discretion of the case manager, with

input from the youth’s instructor and the approval of the Iowa Region 12 WIA

Director, to address poor attendance issues. The criteria to be met in order to qualify

for the incentive will be clearly stated in the ISS or in an addendum to the ISS. The

purpose of the attendance incentive is to improve attendance so that the youth can

progress toward educational/academic goals. The incentive will not be an

“entitlement” but rather a true incentive for those participants who need additional

motivation to improve attendance.

2. GED/High School Achievement Incentive:

$100 for successful completion of a High School Diploma or GED. High School

transcripts, a GED Official Report of Test Results, or a statement from a school

official or GED examiner will document academic achievement. Neither incentives

nor bonuses will be awarded until academic achievement is documented in the

participant file.

3. Youth Achievement Incentive:

$100 for earning the National Career Readiness Certificate at the Gold Level; $50 for

the Silver Level during enrollment.

4. Youth Post Exit Incentive:

$500, payable at the end of the 3rd

quarter after exit if the Youth earned a recognized

credential and/or met the requirements for literacy/numeracy if applicable, and for

meeting the employment/education expectations.

5. Incentive for Participation in Limited Internship (LIN):

$8.50 each hour of scheduled work. LIN participants will not receive any payment

for scheduled hours that they fail to work. Hours worked will be verified by the

worksite supervisor and the time and attendance verification form will be maintained

in the participant file.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

IX. FINANCIAL NEEDS DETERMINATION POLICY & PROCEDURE

A. Adult and Dislocated Worker Policy

A Financial Needs Determination (FND) is required for IST only. WIA funds may be

expended for training activities to include support services only on those adults and

dislocated workers (including dislocated workers covered under Early Intervention or

National Emergency Grants), who demonstrate an initial need for education and education

related expenses after completion of the Financial Needs Determination for WIA Training

Form (FND) and who continue to demonstrate a need for funding. Eligibility for WIA

funding of training is determined only once after the completion of the initial FND; eligibility

continues unless the participant’s situation changes in a manner that warrants exit under WIA

regulations. However, the need for funding may vary from semester to semester.

Iowa Region 12 uses a Training Costs Only Policy for dislocated workers and adult workers:

Training Costs Only Policy (Dislocated Workers and Adult Workers)

Eligibility for WIA financial support of training is determined by comparing only the costs of

attending training with the educational resources, including Pell Grants, available to meet

those expenses. However, all Trade/Dislocated Worker Dual Enrollments will require the

use of actual household living expenses and resources in addition to education and related

expenses and resources.

Training Costs Only Procedure (Dislocated Workers and Adult Workers)

The initial FND must be completed before writing an IEP that involves funding for training

services using WIA funds. In completing the initial FND, using the Training Costs Only

Policy, only the education and related expenses and the education and related resources are

examined to determine initial eligibility to access WIA dislocated and adult worker funding

for training. Education and related expenses must be greater than education and related

resources in order for WIA funds to be used for either training or services related to

training.

The specialist will document the reason for additional support services in case notes. Any

funding is based on the availability of Region 12 capitations and the availability of WIA

funds. Under special circ*mstances the criteria or restrictions stated above may be waived

with the written approval of the Iowa Region 12 WIA Director.

The FND should be reviewed anytime the participant’s situation changes and must be

reviewed annually before funding for training is authorized.

It is required to do the arithmetic calculations used to arrive at the amount authorized and

obligated for training and training related supportive payments on the FND to meet audit

requirements.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

B. Youth Policy

A Financial Needs Determination (FND) is not required for youth.

Youth participants shall not be subject to annual capitations. However, for those youth in

post-secondary training at a vocational or technical institute where the cost is determined by

credit hours, the tuition and fees paid in Region 12 will not exceed the rates that are in effect

at the Iowa Community Colleges for the same school year. For those in post-secondary

training at baccalaureate institutions, the tuition and fees paid by Region 12 will not exceed

the highest rate that is in effect at an Iowa Regents University. Exceptions to this policy may

be requested and must have the written approval of the Iowa Region 12 WIA Director.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

X. REGION 12 WIA TITLE I PURCHASING PROCEDURES

This is the Western Iowa Tech Community College Administrative Purchasing Procedure.

According to the local Customer Service plan, the policies of the Fiscal agent for WIA funds

will be followed in making purchases. Purchases up to $1,000 may be made by WIA staff

with approval of the Region 12 WIA director. Items costing more than $1,000 will require

the WIA director to initiate and follow the procedures:

Purchases up to $1,000

1. Bidding is not required.

2. Local area suppliers should be used when possible and competitive.

3. Requisitions will be processed by originator and approved by their administrative

supervisor

Purchases in excess of $1,000 but less than $10,000

1. Written description or specifications will be developed.

2. A minimum of three oral or written quotes must be obtained.

3. Advertising is not required.

4. Requisitions will be processed by originator and approved by their administrative

supervisor and their Executive Council supervisor, if different from supervisor.

Purchases in excess of $10,000 but less than $40,000

1. Written specifications will be developed and approved by their administrative

supervisor and Executive Council supervisor prior to bidding.

2. Sealed written bids are required unless waived by the College President.

3. Advertising is required for purchases over $15,000 and coordinated with the Board

Secretary or through the Purchasing Accounting Specialist.

4. Request for bids, including specifications, will be sent to all known responsible

suppliers in the merged area as well as other competitive suppliers. Whenever

possible and applicable, bid requests will be sent to suppliers identified on the most

current listing of Targeted Small Businesses by the State of Iowa.

5. Each request for bids and notice of bid letting will provide that the College reserves

the right to reject any or all bids.

6. Bid requests will identify a closing date for receipt of bids and a bid opening date.

7. Appropriate personnel will review bids to make a recommendation.

8. The selected bidder will require approval by the College President/designee.

9. Unsuccessful bidders will be notified by the Board Secretary or designee.

10. Requisitions will be processed and approved consistent with approvals.

Purchases in excess of $40,000.00

1. All above procedures apply.

2. Bids will be opened by the College administration.

3. All awards will be authorized by Board action.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

Equipment Purchases

1. Procedures outlined above apply.

2. The College President may elect to review/approve purchases on a periodic or

ongoing basis.

3. The Chief Financial Officer/designee will approve all equipment purchases.

4. All computers, printers, software, etc. will require approval by the Iowa Workforce

Development Chief Information Technologies Officer or their designee to assure

compatibility with existing technology and equipment with the Iowa Workforce

System.

5. All computers, printers, software, etc. will require approval by the Western Iowa

Tech Community College Chief Information Officer or their designee to assure

compatibility with existing technology and equipment with the Western Iowa Tech

Community College system.

7-1-13 to 6-30-17 Region 12 Service Plan

XI. REGION 12 WIA TITLE I LOCAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

This section contains the procedure to be used to file a WIA-related complaint in

Region 12. Complaints must be addressed to the Region 12 WIA Director to resolve

alleged violations of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), federal or state

regulations, grant agreement, contract or other agreements under the Act. Upon

enrollment into WIA, participants will be provided with a copy of the Region 12

Participant Handbook containing the Local Complaint Procedures.

Filing a Complaint

Any interested person, organization or agency may file a complaint within 90

calendar days of the alleged occurrence. When an organization, agency or individual

not enrolled in WIA services expresses a desire to file a complaint, Job Training

Partner’s staff will provide the individual with a copy of the Local Complaint

Procedures and will instruct the individual on how to file a complaint.

Content of the Complaint

Complaints must be clearly portrayed as such and meet the following requirements:

1. Complaints must be legible and signed by the complainant or the

complainant’s authorized representative;

2. Complaints must pertain to a single subject, situation or set of facts and

pertain to issues over which the state has authority (unless appealed from the

local level);

3. The name, address and phone number (or TDD number) must be clearly

indicated. If the complainant is represented by an attorney or other

representative of the complainant’s choice, the name, address and phone

number of the representative must also appear in the complaint;

4. Complaints must state the name of the party or parties complained against

and, if known to the complainant, the address and telephone number of the

party or parties complained against;

5. Complaints must contain a clear and concise statement of the facts, including

pertinent dates, constituting the alleged violations;

6. Complaints must cite the provisions of WIA regulations, grant agreements, or

other agreements under WIA believed to have been violated, if applicable.

Complaints alleging a program violation not covered under the WIA will be

referred to the appropriate organization;

7. Complaints must state the relief or remedial action(s) sought; and

8. Copies of documents supporting or referred to in the complaint must be

attached to the complaint.

Complaints must be addressed to:

Iowa Region 12 WIA Director

Western Iowa Tech Community College

PO Box 5199

Sioux City, IA 51102-5199

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Acknowledgement of a Complaint and Notice of Opportunity for a Hearing

A complaint is deemed filed when it has been received by the Region 12 WIA

Director and meets the requirements outlined above. Upon receipt of a complaint, the

Region 12 WIA Director will send a copy of the complaint and a letter of

acknowledgement and notice to the complainant and any persons or entities cited in

the complaint within ten calendar days. The letter of acknowledgement and notice

will contain the filing date and notice of the following opportunities:

1. The opportunity for informal resolution of the complaint at any time before a

hearing is convened; and

2. The opportunity for a party to request a hearing by filing with the Region 12

WIA Director within seven calendar days of receipt of the acknowledgement

of the complaint.

a. Failure to file a written request for a hearing within the time provided

constitutes a waiver of the right to a hearing and the Region 12 WIA

Director will rule on the complaint based upon the information

submitted;

b. If a hearing is requested within seven calendar days of receipt of the

acknowledgement of the complaint, the hearing will be held within 20

calendar days of the filing of the complaint;

c. The opportunity for a party to submit written evidence, statements and

documents in a time and manner prescribed by the complaint officer.

Complaint Resolution

If the requirements of the complaint procedure outlined above have been met and an

informal remedy has not been agreed upon by the complainant and the Region 12

WIA Director, the Region 12 WIA Director shall convene a review panel of three

Coordinating Service Provider representatives and one RWIB member to review

complaints within twenty calendar days of the receipt of the request for hearing. The

review panel may, at its discretion, request oral testimony from the complainant and

the parties complained against.

Within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the complaint, the review panel will issue a

written decision including the basis for the decision, and, if applicable, remedies to be

granted. The decision will detail the procedures for appeal to Iowa Workforce

Development if the complainant is not satisfied with the decision.

The party(ies) may appeal the decision by filing an appeal in accordance with the

State Complaint Procedures of the Workforce Development Center System

Handbook. If no appeal of the decision is filed within the time provided, the decision

shall become final. Complaints determined not to be under the jurisdiction of these procedures will be

returned to the complainant within seven days of receipt of the complaint advising the

complainant of the appropriate authority.

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Informal Settlement

A complaint may, unless precluded by statute, be informally settled by mutual

agreement of the parties any time before a hearing is convened. The settlement must

be effected by a settlement agreement or a statement from the complainant that the

complaint has been withdrawn or resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction. The

Region 12 WIA Director must acknowledge the informal settlement and notify the

parties of the final action. With respect to the specific factual situation which is the

subject of controversy, the informal settlement constitutes a waiver by all parties of

the formalities to which they are entitled under the terms of the Iowa Administrative

Procedure Act, Iowa Code Chapter 17A, WIA, and the rules and regulations under

WIA.

Hearings

Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing, a review panel will give all parties at

least seven days written notice either by personal service or certified mail of the date,

time and place of the hearing. The notice may be waived in case of emergency, as

determined by the panel, or for administrative expediency upon agreement of the

interested parties.

The notice of hearing will include:

1. A statement of the date, time, place, nature of the hearing;

2. A brief statement of the issues involved; and

3. A statement informing all parties of their opportunities at the hearing:

a. Opportunity for the complainant to withdraw the request for hearing

before the hearing;

b. Opportunity to reschedule the hearing for good cause, provided the

hearing is not held later than 20 days after the filing of the receipt of

request for hearing;

c. Opportunity to be represented by an attorney or other representative of

choice at the complainant’s expense;

d. Opportunity to respond and present evidence and bring witnesses to

the hearing;

e. Opportunity to have records or documents relevant to the issues

produced by their custodian when such records or documents are kept

by or for the state, contractor or its subcontractor in the ordinary

course of business and where prior reasonable notice has been given to

the Region 12 WIA Director;

f. Opportunity to question any witnesses or parties;

g. The right to an impartial review panel; and

h. A final written agency decision shall be issued within 60 days of the

filing of the complaint.

Appeal

Any party receiving an adverse decision at the local level may file an appeal within

10 calendar days to the IWD Complaint Officer. In addition, any complaint filed at

the local level with no decision within 60 days of the date of the filing may be

reviewed by IWD. The request to review the complaint must be filed with the

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Complaint Officer within 15 calendar days from the date on which the decision

should have been received.

The appeal or request for review must comply with the procedures as prescribed in

this section for filing a complaint. The parties involved will be afforded the rights

and opportunities as prescribed in this section for filing a state level complaint.

An appeal to the IWD Complaint Officer must be filed within 10 calendar days from

the issuance date of the decision and include:

1. The date of filing the appeal; and

2. The specific grounds upon which the appeal is made. Those provisions upon

which an appeal is not requested will be considered resolved and not subject

to further review.

3. Appeals must be addressed to:

Complaint Officer

Division of Workforce Development Center Administration

Iowa Workforce Development

150 Des Moines Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

Labor Standards Violation

Alleged violations of labor standards must be filed in accordance with the applicable

collective bargaining agreement. All other alleged violations must be within the

purview of either the Coordinating Service Provider or Regional Workforce

Investment Board to resolve.

Complaints Alleging Discrimination

Questions or complaints alleging a violation of the nondiscrimination provisions of

WIA may be directed or mailed to :

Director, Civil Rights Center

U.S. Department of Labor

Room N4123

200 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20210

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XII. CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

The State of Iowa in conjunction with the Region 12 Workforce Investment Board

will solicit input to the approval of this Regional Customer Service Plan as well as

any future modification of the Regional Customer Service Plan. Public Notices will

be published on the Job Training Partner’s website www.jobtrainingpartners.org to

invite the public to RWIB meetings where the Regional Customer Service Plan will

be reviewed. A Public Hearing Notice will also be posted on the Job Training

Partner’s website www.jobtrainingpartners.org for 30 days, beginning on the first day

the plan is made available to the public, to invite participation in the process prior to

formal RWIB approval and submission to the state for acceptance. Any comments

received will be submitted along with the Plan. All local Coordinating Service

Provider members and Mandatory Partners will be invited to review draft documents.

The plan will be provided to local labor and business through the RWIB membership.

The process began with copies of the plan provided to various individuals and made

available to the public. On February 18, 2013 the public comment process began

when a notice and the draft Customer Service Plan were posted on the Job Training

Partners website and hard copies were made available at the IowaWORKS Greater

Siouxland and Job Training Partners offices. A Public Hearing was held

on March 27, 2013 when the public comment period ended after 30 day’s

duration.

Public Comments Received

No public comments were received. This was documented in the RWIB meeting

minutes of March 27, 2013.

http://www.jobtrainingpartners.org/

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XIII. IOWA REGION 12 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: DESCRIPTION

OF REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ONE-STOP CENTER

ATTACHMENTS

A. Partner Services Matrix

a. Region 12 One-Stop System Partner Contact and Site Information

b. Partner Services Matrix

B. Partner Services Descriptions

C. Customer Referral Form

D. Cost Sharing Agreement

E. Common Forms

F. Region 12 Workforce Investment Board Bylaws

G. Performance Goals

1. PY13 WIA Performance Measures

2. PY14 WIA Performance Measures

3. PY15 WIA Performance Measures

4. PY16 WIA Performance Measures

ATTACHMENT “C” IOWA REGION 12 CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN …meetyournewcareer.com/documents/21_attachment_2.pdf · IOWA REGION 12 CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN JULY 1, 2013 through ... Contract - [PDF Document] (2024)