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. 2. the State Policies That Will Support the Implementation of the State’s Strategies (e.g., Co-enrollment Policies and Universal Intake Processes Where Appropriate). in Addition, Describe the State’s Process for Developing Guidelines for State-administered One-stop Partner Programs’ Contributions to a One-stop Delivery System, Including Benchmarks, and Its Guidance to Assist Local Boards, Chief Elected Officials, and Local One-stop Partners in Determining Equitable and Stable Methods of Funding Infrastructure in Accordance with Sec. 121(h)(1)(b). Beginning with the State Plan Modification in 2018 and for Subsequent State Plans and State Plan Modifications, the State Must Also Include Such Guidelines.
Current Narrative:
2) State policies supporting state strategy implementation
All Arizona workforce system policies will support the alignment of service delivery and focus on creating and growing business. The Council will review and revise all workforce system policies and include alignment and seamless strategies that are customer focused and demand driven. Policy development will be a collaborative approach, bringing in stakeholders to assist, including DES, ADE, and LWDAs.
As stated previously in this Plan, the Council is interested in developing a state workforce system that:
Is integrated and customer-centric;
Facilitates continuous improvements processes;
Developing and utilizing career pathways and; and
Effectively uses aligned data in decision making.
The current state policies are as follows:
Regional Designation: Created in 2016, this policy outlines the state’s determination to designate each local area as a region for the first program year of implementation. The state intends to review these designations after the first year. This policy will be incorporated into the local governance policy once that policy is updated.
Local Governance: Updated in February of 2017, this policy articulates the State’s vision and purpose for the LWDBs, provides guidance on the appointment and certification of LWDBs, outlines the roles, responsibilities, and authority of the chief elected officials and the LWDBs in regards to the local workforce system, and describes the process for local area designation.
One-Stop Delivery System: Updated February 2017, this policy provides LWDBs and other workforce system partners with instructions and guidance regarding the administration of ARIZONA@WORK Job Center Service Delivery system.
One-Stop Operator Selection: Adopted February 2017, this policy provides LWDB and other workforce system partners with instruction and guidance regarding the roles and responsibilities of the ARIZONA@WORK Job Center Operator and competitive selection process required under WIOA.
One-Stop Certification: This policy, effective August of 2017, establishes statewide objective criteria and procedures for use by local workforce development boards to certify ARIZONA@WORK Job Centers. The criteria is in adherence to WIOA requirements related to the effectiveness, physical and programmatic accessibility, and continuous improvement, as well as measuring the local area’s progress in achieving the statewide vision for the ARIZONA@WORK Job Center delivery system outlined in the One-Stop Delivery System policy. LWDBs must certify to be eligible to use infrastructure funds in the State funding mechanism. This policy applies to ARIZONA@WORK Job Center comprehensive, affiliate and specialized sites.
ARIZONA@WORK Job Center MOU and Infrastructure Costs: Updated August 2017, outlines the purpose and criteria for development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the operation of the One-Stop Delivery System regarding infrastructure costs. Infrastructure cots of one-stop centers are non-personnel costs that are necessary for the general operation of the one-stop center, such as facility rental, maintenance, technology and equipment. This policy also addresses the steps the State will have to take if an agreement on the infrastructure cost sharing is not reached by any local area.
WIOA Titles I and III Statewide Monitoring Policy: This policy, effective November of 2017, establishes the oversight role of the Workforce Arizona Council (Council) in the Titles I and III monitoring process, which is designed to ensure compliance with WIOA law and regulation, Council policy, and policies of the DES related to the implementation of WIOA. Monitoring information is used to inform the Council on the systems’ current status to support the Council in fulfilling its statutorily defined strategic objectives. The roles of the ACA/OEO and the DES in supporting the Council oversight role is delineated.
Service Integration: This policy has not yet been examined, but is intended to be reviewed and updated to comply with WIOA. The intent of this policy is to align staff and services around employment and training functions rather than providing services through silos and independent funding streams. This includes elements of functional alignment and functional management.
The Council also intends to explore additional policies as innovative ideas emerge through practice or research as well as guidance implementation of issues addressed in these policies, including topics such as infrastructure cost-sharing resolution. The Council’s four standing committees will take the lead in exploring best practices both within and outside of the system. They will also ensure the full Council stays connected with the implementation efforts of state and local entities.