Long–term strategies for improvement

The long–term strategies meeting to improve program goals and services offered SCSEP an opportunity to work directly with its partners in education, industry, workforce development, economic development, and the public. SCSEP attests that it and its partners have been involved in the WIOA joint planning and policy development process. The WIOA Combined Plan for Alaska emphasizes sector partnerships, career pathways, cross–program data and measurement, and job–driven investments with workforce partners. Three public meetings were held in November of 2015 in Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage to provide information and seek feedback from the public to help develop Alaska’s WIOA Combined Plan. Alaska’s plan stresses the importance of education, training, credentials, and skill attainment. The Combined Plan addresses economic self–sufficiency of workers by aligning workforce development with education and economic development.

Needs assessment

In preparation for development of this Combined State Plan, the ACoA began its needs assessment process in 2013 with the first of six elder/senior listening sessions held in communities across Alaska. In 2014, ACoA’s survey of Alaskans age 55 years and older drew nearly 2,300 responses, providing insight on topics ranging from health care to housing, from finances to senior services. Many responders also included open–ended comments on issues of concern to them, sharing their insights and ideas for solutions. The ACoA also surveyed service providers about their perceptions of senior needs now and within the next five years, hearing from 85 providers in Alaska. Throughout the needs assessment process, a number of concerns about financial security were raised. During the elder listening sessions, input was heard about issues ranging from the value of living a subsistence lifestyle to worries about the cost of living. The senior survey showed financial security as the 2 ranking concern of seniors in Alaska. The long–term strategy to improve SCSEP services is to include discussion with participants on financial and work incentives, to provide information on Social Security 1619b Medicaid While Working, to explore specialized work incentives through programs including Ticket to Work, Impairment–Related Work Expenses, Blind Work Expenses, and Plan to Achieve Self–Support, and to provide referrals to those in need of these services. Alaska continues to need older workers to help maintain a reliable, dedicated workforce and provide a significant cost savings for both the short and long term, as workers are in demand throughout Alaska’s economy, across all industries and in all occupations. Alaska is a great place to work and live, with unlimited potential.