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. 3. A. State Agency Organization
Describe the organization and delivery systems at the State and local levels for the programs covered in the plan, including the organizational structure. Include an organizational chart.
Current Narrative:
The organization and delivery systems for the core programs covered in this Unified Plan are described below.
Adult, Youth, Dislocated Worker, and Wagner-Peyser Programs
The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is the State Workforce Agency (SWA) established to provide oversight and administration of state and federal workforce programs. The Bureau of Employment Services (BES), within the MDOL, is designated to provide financial, administrative and policy support to Maine’s one-stop system.
The BES provides labor exchange and employment services at one-stop centers across the state and through the Maine JobLink. BES also administers several USDOL-funded employment and training programs including: Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Rapid Response, Registered Apprenticeship Program. Bureau staff also conduct Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) certification and issue bonds to employers through the Federal Bonding grant. BES also administers the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP), a state-funded program targeted to low income individuals enabling them to attain post-secondary credentials in high-demand, high-wage occupations
Vocational Rehabilitation
Within the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), vocational rehabilitation services are delivered through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI). DVR and DBVI staff are regionally based in seven one-stop centers and provide statewide coverage.
Adult Education Organizational Structure
The Office of Adult Education and Family Literacy is the state agency within the Maine Department of Education that provides services, instruction, and vocational training primarily for individuals beyond the compulsory school age through a career pathways system. Elements of this system include learner intake, assessment, advising, instruction, and individual learning plans. It is guided by data management and analysis, annual monitoring, and annual professional development plans. The system uses appropriately certified staff, is designed to meet identified local needs, and makes use of partnerships and alignment with workforce development, postsecondary institutions, and support services.
Maine Adult Education offers courses in literacy and adult basic education, English language acquisition, citizenship, high school completion, college transition, career exploration and preparation, job skills training, and personal enrichment. In addition, support services, such as academic and career advising, and financial literacy are provided. Maine Adult Education has over 76 programs located throughout the state administered through public school administrative units.
