Located in:
- III. Operational Planning ElementsThe Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that support 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 PoliciesThe 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. 3. A. State Agency Organization
Current Narrative:
The WIOA State Board, created in accordance with the newly-established WIOA guidelines, reports directly to the Governor and has direct lines of responsibility and communication relationship with all WIOA partner organizations and agencies, namely the Alabama Department of Senior Services, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Alabama Department of Labor, the Alabama Community College System, the Workforce Development Division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, and the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
On the WIOA organizational chart of relationships for WIOA Alabama, these six (6) departments, in turn, oversee their respective programs and agencies and, receive input, data, and information for decision making from local constituencies, citizens, businesses, industries, employers, and members of the current and potential workforce.
The Alabama Department of Senior Services implements Alabama’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services implements Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The Alabama Department of Labor is the agency administering Wagner-Peyser, Unemployment Insurance, Trace Act, and Veterans programs. The Department of Labor is also the lead agency for the operation of Alabama’s Career Centers (One Stops). The Alabama Community College System administers all Adult Education programs for the State. The Workforce Development Division of the Alabama Department of Commerce administers the WIOA Title I programs, organizes and assists the regional workforce councils, and organizes and assists local WIOA area boards and their participants. The Workforce Development Division of the Alabama Department of Commerce also shared has operational and oversight responsibilities with the Alabama Department of Labor for Alabama Career Centers (One Stops). The Alabama Department of Human Resources operates the workforce development and employment assistance components of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Employment Training (SNAP-ET) programs for eligible families.
The essential collaborative relationships of representative boards, councils, State departments, agencies, and programs in Alabama are well established. All of the above-described entities participated in the planning of the Alabama WIOA plan and continue to work toward shared data, resources, and personnel to efficiently and effectively serve the employers, employees, and those seeking employment in Alabama. The collaborative planning process has focused attention on those with barriers to employment, to those who may be underemployed, and to the newly-identified growth areas for workforce development. New lines of communication, opportunities and technologies for data sharing, and the focus and energy of the WIOA Board members are resulting in greater opportunities and resources for the Alabama workforce.
Local level activities and programs are provided through the Alabama Career Center Systems One-Stop Career Centers. There are currently three local workforce development areas. Jefferson County, Mobile County and the remaining 65 counties as one balance of State.
Jefferson County Workforce Area is administered by the Jefferson County Office of Community Services and Economic Development. Mobile County is administered by Mobile Works, Inc., a city/county partnership. The 65 County Balance of State is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce Workforce Development Division.
The Alabama Workforce Development Board in June approved a plan to realign five (5) of the Balance of State counties with Jefferson County, eight (8) of the balance of State counties with Mobile County and the remaining fifty-two (52) counties will be organized into five (5) new local areas with Local Workforce Development Boards governing WIOA activities. This realignment will take effect on July 1, 2017.