WIOA State Plan Common Elements

The state uses a single integrated data collection system for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Titles I and III, as well as for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), known as the One-Stop Management Information System (OSMIS).  This ensures that all local providers collect, report, and maintain the same data elements.  Participant data entered into OSMIS will be included as a part of the annual WIOA programmatic reviews.  The OSMIS is integrated with the Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC) system to pre-populate many of the required data elements in OSMIS when a customer completes a customer profile within PMTC.

To be certified as a Michigan Works! Service Center, local Michigan Works! Agencies must meet criteria included in the Certification Criteria state policy for Michigan Works! Service Centers, which includes criteria for integrated case management systems and information technology systems.

Collocation of service providers and the integration of services to the fullest extent possible are the priorities of the Michigan Works! Service Centers.  The Michigan Works! Service Centers are comprised of a comprehensive subsystem within the state’s workforce investment system of publicly and privately funded programs and services that address employers’ needs for skilled workers and helps job seekers and other individuals find new jobs, retain employment, and advance their skills.  A comprehensive strategy is used to break down barriers to promote the establishment of a service delivery system that is responsive to the needs of its customers.  The Michigan Works! Service Centers provide services from the state’s major workforce development programs that are accessible in a manner that is seamless to the customer.  A single delivery system at the local level provides customers access to services in an integrated, rather than fragmented, manner.

Instances of coordination include:

• The use of a common, statewide 1-800 telephone number by the local systems as a method for initial customer contact with the system;
  • Michigan Works! Service Center’s physical layout that is consumer-driven with services by function rather than program;
     
  • Effective marketing of the Michigan Works! brand as part of the American Job Center branding to create awareness in the marketplace and establish expectations among customers concerning the types of services provided at the Michigan Works! Service Centers.  Only certified service centers may incorporate the Michigan Works! Service Center and American Job Center names and logos as a common statewide identifier;
     
  • Each office location must have a trained staff person positioned at the entrance of the Michigan Works! Service Center to direct customers upon entry and assist them in accessing various employment, workforce development, and related community services;
     
  • A system of management and staff development must be in place that supports service integration and collocation principles; and
     
  • Local Memoranda of Understanding, as required by the WIOA, to set forth provisions that describe the services to be provided by the One-Stop provider, how the costs of such services and operating and infrastructure costs will be funded, and the methods of referral of individuals between the One-Stop operators and the One-Stop partners, which define how the coordination of services between the partners will be attained.

The state uses the Michigan Adult Education Reporting System (MAERS) to collect, report and maintain data elements for WIOA Title II.  This ensures that all local adult education providers collect, report, and maintain the same data elements.  The MAERS system is integrated with the OSMIS system to connect information from co-enrolled participants across programs.

All core programs are now housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Employment and Training (LEO-E&T).  This means that all data and performance reporting functions are aligned under the LEO-E&T Director’s purview.  Workforce Development, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Bureau of Services for Blind Persons have engaged a technical assistance provider through an Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) grant to assist in identifying areas where data can be shared across data systems to enhance performance reporting as well as services to customers. The most immediate return on collaboration is expected to be the sharing of co-enrollment data across all programs and data systems.

Although Michigan lacks a unified date management system across all core program partners, the State will continue to investigate vetting potential vendors with the potential to increase data sharing.  This will allow for potential upgrades and options, in an effort to reduce any silos that may exist.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) – Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) –

MRS and BSBP use electronic case management systems that are commercial/proprietary products developed specifically for VR. These applications provide comprehensive case/fiscal management in compliance with RSA-911 reporting requirements and other regulations related to individualized services. Reporting features allow for aggregate data sharing for planning, resourcing, program development, and performance reporting. MRS are BSBP are engaged in the following activities to minimize silos:

• Under Michigan’s Employment First initiative, receiving technical assistance through an Office of Disability Employment Policy VOICE grant targeting Policy guidance and strategy recommendations on unified data platforms/exchanges that will:
  • Strengthen the alignment of the workforce development system;
  • Improve WIOA federal reporting accuracy;
  • Maximize interagency data sharing to positively impact services.
• Participation on the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - Employment and Training Operations - Data and Performance Workgroup focused on data mapping and performance reporting efficiencies.