Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 1. B. Data-collection and reporting processes used for all programs and activities, including those present in one-stop centers
Data-collection and reporting processes used for all programs and activities, including those present in one-stop centers.10
[10] For the PY 2016 state plan, descriptions of data collection and reporting processes need only include currently known indicators.
Current Narrative:
(B) Data-collection and reporting processes used for all programs and activities, including those present in the AJCs.
The MWE System
The MWE is the State’s online job bank and workforce system that is the foundation, support, and common link aligning Maryland’s workforce system to include Labor Market Information Labor Exchange, and workforce case management systems.
The MWE is utilized to manage and validate operational activities, via an internet–accessible participant reporting and data collection system that all MD Labor and Local Area case managers use to report, collect, verify, and manage participant data from each of the local and regional teams. The system’s case management capabilities allow staff to determine program eligibility, track services, and report results to federal funding sources. MWE is the official data source for all performance and program management data for WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs; WIOA Title III Wagner-Peyser employment services, JVSG, SCSEP, and Trade. The State has directed considerable funds and resources in this system’s development to ensure that performance measure calculations are consistent with current federal reporting requirements as specified by USDOL.
LACES System
MD Labor has adopted the online LACES (Literacy, Adult and Community Education System), developed by LiteracyPro Systems to collect and report performance data from adult education providers. The system was designed specifically to report to the National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS), as required by all states receiving WIOA Title II funding. LACES is currently utilized by approximately one–half of the states to report to NRS. In addition to meeting the requirements for federal reporting, LACES offers adult education providers a tool to manage student demographic, assessment, and progress data. Data may be exported from LACES or imported from partner programs to provide integrated reporting.
AWARE System
DORS utilizes the AWARE VR case management system, a product from Alliance Enterprises. AWARE is a web–based, comprehensive, statewide database of participants, employers, staff, and vendors. The AWARE system is also used by the majority of the VR agencies throughout the nation. AWARE provides DORS with a comprehensive set of modules and tools grouped by general function. Case, Financial, and Organizational modules are each available from the Main Menu. DORS staff can access the modules for which they have been granted the security to do so. The features and procedures in AWARE are consistent and standardized throughout all modules, providing easy navigation and task completion throughout the system. Individual modules are based on VR business practices and Federal requirements. Alliance Enterprises is required by contract to ensure that AWARE VR remains current with all federal reporting requirements. AWARE enables all DORS staff to execute their required tasks, and collect and access all data and reports required to do their case management work and monitor performance. AWARE supports the two primary federal case types that DORS provides – VR and Independent Living Older Blind. In addition, AWARE allows DORS to set up “custom” case types for special programs, such as the new Pre–Employment Transitioning Services. Finally, AWARE has been customized to meet DORS’ need to batch transmit client authorizations (POs) directly into the State’s FMIS. This allows DORS to integrate client tracking and the vendor payment system into one single system, thus eliminating the duplication of effort.
WORKS System
The Maryland DHS’ WORKS system is an online management information system that tracks work activity for a number of human service programs, including TANF. The system is used to collect and report data for federal reporting requirements and to provide both DHR and its local social service departments with information to help monitor results of work programs. WORKS ensures compliance and interfaces with a number of other DHR systems.
Performance Accountability System and Related Performance Issues
Performance-related support is a regular component of technical assistance and training activities throughout the year provided by the State agencies. In addition to specific performance measure training conferences held as needed, staff participate in roundtables and provide locally customized training upon request. State and local workforce development staff receive quarterly performance reports and data that help them to monitor and continuously improve their participant reporting and performance outcomes.
In addition to locally customized reports that coincide with the USDOL’s quarterly performance reporting formats for MWE users, MD Labor computes PY-to-date performance outcomes so that Local Boards can monitor their progress toward meeting negotiated performance goals. MD Labor staff work closely with the local and regional teams to monitor and enhance performance throughout the year. Regularly scheduled training sessions are conducted to provide the local and regional teams with basic and specific training on performance indicators, data entry, and data element validation. MD Labor is also committed to providing bi-annual performance reports, fiscal and other pertinent information regarding workforce programming to both Local Board chairs and chief local elected officials to ensure that both are well-informed of the workforce activities in their respective Local Areas.
DORS also monitors performance on an ongoing basis. DORS staff have access to AWARE VR standardized performance reports on an ongoing basis - weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Performance is monitored regularly to ensure progress toward the achievement of performance goals. Additionally, Alliance Enterprises has been working with DORS and other VR agencies to develop new data reporting elements in accordance with WIOA common performance measures. As Alliance Enterprises updates AWARE, DORS will ensure that staff are provided necessary training. Also, DORS staff will continue to work with its workforce partners toward implementing WIOA common performance measures.