WIOA State Plan Common Elements

An analysis of Florida’s workforce development activities demonstrates a broad range of services offered to Florida residents. The state’s WIOA core partners of CareerSource Florida; the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO); and the Florida Department of Education’s Divisions of Blind Services (FDBS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Career and Adult Education (DCAE) provide services that assist the state in delivering workforce, education and training activities in a cohesive manner.

Career Centers

Within the CareerSource Florida network, Florida’s career centers are designed to deliver and provide access to services for employers seeking qualified workers as well as training for new and existing employees and all job seekers.

Florida’s comprehensive career centers provide expanded services and access to core and required partner programs either through colocation of partners or linkages to partner services. Florida’s career centers provide access to all, including veterans, TANF recipients, SNAP recipients and persons with disabilities.

Services are available to Florida’s citizens and businesses through satellite and/or affiliate sites in areas strategically located within other community partners’ facilities such as local chambers, libraries and community-based organizations. All of Florida’s career centers are easily identified using the CareerSource Florida network brand and the “A proud partner of the American Job Center network.”

In addition to services offered through comprehensive career centers and affiliate sites, several local workforce development boards deploy mobile centers to provide services to Florida’s businesses and workers to support special events and in areas where access to services may be challenging. Major emphasis is placed on providing services directly at employer sites and direct service delivery in rural communities. Mobile centers are a cost-effective and customer-friendly service solution. Mobile centers play an integral role in providing services and assistance after hurricanes and other disaster events.

WIOA emphasizes the importance of serving the business customer. The CareerSource Florida network is a key resource for businesses seeking qualified workers and grants for customized training for new or existing employees. All 24 LWDBs have established dedicated business services teams who partner closely with Florida’s VR business relations teams. In several cases, designated career centers are in business districts to help local employers recruit, train and retain workers.

Communications Tools

Digital communication and social media are replacing traditional outreach tools and media as effective and efficient methods of educating and informing current and potential customers and partners. While still employing tactics such as print and radio communications and outreach, CareerSource Florida’s strategic use of digital outreach to raise awareness and use of business and career services among targeted audiences has grown significantly, in alignment with increasing use of digital resources among all customer populations.

The CareerSource Florida website serves as an important communications tool for accessing information about statewide initiatives, the latest workforce development and economic news, policy updates and board actions, state board meetings and workforce system accomplishments.

CareerSource Florida also employs integrated communications tactics including social, paid and earned media to inform Florida’s job seekers, workers and businesses as well as board members, state and local partners and various stakeholders. CareerSource Florida also leverages social media, digital placements and traditional placements to support partners’ outreach, including to specific populations such as military veterans and people with disabilities served by partner organizations. CareerSource Florida’s social media presence on platforms including Facebook and Twitter to elevate awareness and use of available services has been recognized by local area offices of the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment & Training Administration as a best practice.

Additional CareerSource Florida communications tools include timely and relevant updates on workforce system issues and news, frequent electronic messages from the President and CEO of CareerSource Florida to the CareerSource Florida Board, DEO and LWDBs; regularly scheduled and special legislative updates; and news releases and special alerts as necessary.

In Fiscal Year 2015-2016, CareerSource Florida launched its statewide Cooperative Outreach Program, an investment in brand compliant, strategic outreach tools and tactics that could be leveraged by local workforce development boards to augment existing local outreach strategies. The initiative supports local boards’ efforts to reach job-seeking customers, reconnect with previously served customers and connect with new business.

CareerSource Florida’s statewide Cooperative Outreach Program has had strong results since its inception. All 24 local workforce development boards participated in in the second year of the program. In Fiscal Year 2016-17, nearly 33 million overall advertising impressions (the total number of people reached, multiplied by how frequently they may see the ad placement) were reported based on local campaigns launched within the statewide program, including more than 20 million digital impressions. Of note is the number of new leads generated by the additional outreach efforts - more than 2,300 new employers and job seeking customers were engaged through these campaigns.

The 2017-2018 statewide communications and outreach plan aligns with CareerSource Florida’s three corporate goals: communicate the CareerSource Florida network vision to enhance thought leadership, strategies and policies that strengthen excellence to Florida businesses, job seekers and workers; leverage strategic partnerships to cultivate local, regional and state capacity building that increases economic opportunity; and emphasize data-driven decisions to keep Florida’s workforce system accountable by encouraging performance achievement and boosting talent pipeline alignment.

CareerSource Florida’s strategic, integrated outreach, including the Cooperative Outreach Program with local workforce development boards, has contributed to significant increases in employer awareness of the state workforce system. According to market surveys conducted in the spring of 2017, more than half of those surveyed report being aware and knowledgeable of their local workforce development board or career center, nearly double the 26 percent who reported awareness and knowledge in 2013.

Employ Florida: Online Workforce Services and Virtual Career Center

Today’s job seekers and businesses expect and need access to workforce services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Employ Florida website at www.employflorida.com is Florida’s virtual job-matching tool, providing access at no charge to employment opportunities, resume-building resources and other services. Employ Florida helps connect businesses, job seekers and Floridians looking to grow in their careers.

Employ Florida is the state’s most comprehensive source for current Florida job openings. Employ Florida launched in 2005 and since its inception, 254,563 employers have registered on the site and nearly three million resumes have been posted. Employ Florida provides businesses access to thousands of current resumes, recruiting and hiring resources, valuable information on training options and links to labor market information at both the state and local levels. Florida’s job seekers can search for employment opportunities from numerous job and corporate websites as well as those placed directly on Employ Florida by businesses or through LWDBs and/or career centers. Employers and job seekers can locate Florida’s workforce services and resources anywhere in the state via Employ Florida or by calling the toll-free Employ Florida Helpdesk, staffed by DEO.

Employ Florida is consistently upgraded to maintain relevancy and incorporate improved technology. The use of micro-portals, powered by Employ Florida, provide specialized and targeted job matching to add value for both employers and job seekers with specific interests and needs. CareerSource Florida and DEO, in collaboration with LWDBs and other partners, maintain dedicated entry points with customized job search information and resources. These resources are for Florida veterans, job seekers age 50 and older, those interested in green jobs, people with disabilities, recent college graduates and people and businesses impacted by specific events such as hurricanes.

The Florida Abilities Work portal at www.abilitieswork.employflorida.com is a tool for employers and job seekers with disabilities. The micro-portal is housed on the Employ Florida website with a logo button for ease of access. The portal was specifically designed to provide resources to people with disabilities and to assist employers who are interested in hiring. The 2014 Florida Legislature appropriated funding for a help desk that is staffed by Vocational Rehabilitation. The portal was developed in response to the Governor’s Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities collaboratively with input from several partners including the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, VR and Division of Blind Services (FDBS) and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. Focus groups convened around the state, allowing input from stakeholders including employers, field staff, customers and family members. A communications group of representatives from partner agencies met during development to ensure a consistent message.

Florida’s partners who serve specific populations engage in activities critical to Florida’s workforce development network.

Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Workforce Development Activities

Activities for youth and students are designed to assist in developing a concept of work, navigating the community and obtaining work experience during high school. Pre-Employment Transition Services for students with disabilities or potentially eligible students include career exploration counseling, work readiness and self-advocacy training and experiential activities such as community-based work experience and on-the-job training. Support services available to eligible students with disabilities or youth with disabilities include assistive technology and services, transportation and uniforms. Intensive services are designed for those who need additional support with appropriate work behavior, require repetition to acquire skills, build endurance to work and identify the right fit or environment for work. These services include Discovery, Youth Peer Mentoring, Project SEARCH, services provided under Third-party Cooperative Arrangements with school districts and tuition, books and supplies for postsecondary education programs.

VR offers services for adults (and youth, if needed to achieve job goals) that include vocational and other assessments to help job seekers best define their job goals. If needed to meet their goal, medical and psychological services are obtained. VR helps job seekers obtain educational or job readiness training to prepare for their career. Job search, placement, coaching, supported employment and self-employment services are available, as well as interpretive, assistive and rehabilitation technology services. VR maintains a vast network of contracted employment service providers throughout the state and has initiatives in place to increase the variety and quantity of services offered.

VR has formalized a Business Relations Program, with the vision to build and sustain partnerships with business and industry through effective services that are driven by the needs of employers. These partnerships will lead to competitive integrated employmentandcareer opportunities for VR customers. Efforts are underway in the Business Relations Program to define and customize services to employers, create strategic partnerships to support workforce needs and establish an employment-focused culture within the rehabilitation process.

Florida Division of Blind Services (FDBS) Workforce Development Activities

From 2016-2017, FDBS served 10,374 clients, 1,664 of whom were assisted in obtaining competitive integrated employment. FDBS identified activities anticipated to expand, integrate and improve services to individuals with visual disabilities within the workforce system while increasing collaboration among core partners. The activities include:

• Expanding opportunities for students to receive FDBS services and securing opportunities for students and youth with disabilities to practice and improve workplace skills. Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) were included in the 2017-2018 VR contracts. By adding these services, the FDBS provides students and youth with disabilities opportunities to participate in work-based learning experiences, apprenticeships and internships to improve workplace skills.
• Ensuring that clients who participate in training and education programs benefit from engagement. FDBS collaborates with CareerSource Florida and the Division of Public Schools to provide opportunities for training, education and workplace activities. FDBS has memoranda of understanding with CareerSource Florida, Exceptional Student Education and VR.
• Expanding utilization of online job systems such as DEO’s web portal, the state/federal Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) and the Florida Jobs Connection to expose employers to job-ready FDBS consumers. Staff is trained on how to use TAP throughout the state. FDBS uses biweekly reports to capture staff’s use of this resource.
• Encouraging and tracking industry certifications, apprenticeships and postsecondary outcomes. The Bureau of Business Enterprise (BBE) tracks Continuing Education Units (CEUs), food manager certifications and vendor licensures. Employment placement specialists are continually notified of information regarding industry certifications, apprenticeships and postsecondary opportunities via emails and during monthly conference calls.
• Developing and implementing an employment skills training program at the FDBS Residential Rehabilitation Center to better prepare blind and visually impaired youth and adults for success in future employment. A pre-employment program at the Residential Rehabilitation Center began in 2016. Classes are conducted quarterly to increase the employment rate for visually impaired youth and adults.
• Increasing the provision of accessibility tools, awareness and regular follow-up with consumers to ensure equality in educational experiences and vocational opportunities. FDBS strengthened its relationship with the community rehabilitation programs to ensure appropriate and client-specific assistive technology is consistent with needs of all clients and is reflected in the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). FDBS monitors the contract and receives client feedback via satisfaction survey.
• Implementing a comprehensive communications and outreach plan. FDBS will develop targeted marketing strategies to reach under-served and unserved populations based on data collected via the needs assessment. Outreach activities are tracked by the district offices monthly and reported quarterly.
• Working with each client to ensure that IPE goals are consistent with and/or are amenable to transportation resources. FDBS created a list of transportation vendors based on feedback from each district office. This list serves as a resource to all districts and is updated as needed.
• Developing and strengthening employer relationships by providing employer training, support, education and resources related to employing individuals with visual impairments in accordance with Section 503 regulations. FDBS provides employment placement specialists with marketing tools/toolkits to use when meeting with potential employers and CareerSource Florida staff. Employers receive education regarding FDBS programs/services with the goal of increasing opportunities for clients seeking employment.
• Strengthening statewide collaborative partnerships with core partners. FDBS increased communication with core partners and participates in regularly scheduled conference calls and meetings.
• Increasing opportunities for data sharing and improving data validity and integrity. Although data sharing is a challenge, (i.e., getting a signed release of information for each client for all agencies), a draft of the data sharing agreement is under review for approval by both DOE and DEO.
• Promoting integrated employment in the community as the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities under the Employment First Florida initiative. FDBS provides training and education on integrated employment to staff and community providers.
• Maintaining and strengthening contracts with private non-profit organizations to provide four core components: vocational rehabilitation, transition, supported employment and rehabilitation engineering. Vocational rehabilitation, transition and pre-ETS are combined in the 2017-2018 contracts. Contracted providers are monitored via desk audits or onsite based on an established timeframe or at any time if an issue arises. By working with providers, FDBS will increase work-based experiences and provide career exploration in a variety of fields. FDBS coordinates with multiple partners to maximize supported employment services
• Increasing the number of individuals with significant and most significant disabilities receiving services. In January 2016, FDBS implemented an online application to increase accessibility to individuals who may qualify for services. FDBS created multiple initiatives throughout the state to increase referrals, such as the See Different initiative and FDBS 75 Years Celebrations. Several PSAs were delivered through internet and digital cable provider Comcast.
• Supporting FDBS clients in becoming self-supporting. FDBS provides services to train visually impaired individuals on orientation and mobility, cooking and other support (e.g., job placement, supported employment, purchase of adaptive equipment, etc.) to foster independent living goals of clients.
• Identifying an approach to expedite eligibility and service delivery to individuals who are at risk of losing employment. The revised version of Policy 2.16 Timeliness of Services, effective October 18, 2017, includes language to prioritize services to individuals at risk of becoming unemployed.
• Increasing staff development and continuing education. A list of employees who have a CRC is maintained by the state office. The FDBS encourages CRC credentialed staff to participate in trainings, such as the Florida Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (FAER), Florida Rehabilitation Association (FRA) and WIOA, that provide CEUs to ensure they maintain their credentials. FDBS encourages employees who do not have a CRC to obtain certification by providing a financial incentive
• Aligning FDBS policies and procedures to address new WIOA requirements. All policies in the Bureau of Client Services were reviewed and revised as appropriate to include WIOA requirements. A number of these policies have been implemented and other revisions are pending final review.
• Providing ongoing Employment Outcomes Professional II (EOP II) Training to vocational rehabilitation staff and community providers. FDBS tested the Vermont Model in a limited number of districts. EOP II Training is applied in all districts to increase communication with employers and assess needs.
• Providing training and education sponsorship to eligible vocational rehabilitation clients and staff. FDBS supports clients in their obtainment of college degrees by assisting with tuition, meals and room and board as appropriate.
• Supporting community rehabilitation provider trainings designed for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. MOUs are in place with VR, Exceptional Student Education and CareerSource Florida to ensure individuals who are blind and visually impaired fully participate in the workforce.

Education and Training Activities for Adult Education

Florida’s adult education system provides academic instruction and education services below the postsecondary level that increase an individual’s ability to read, write and speak in English and perform mathematics or other activities necessary for the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its equivalent. Adult education programs served 205,355 adults in 2014-15; 173,901 in 2015-16; and 169, 308 in 2016-17. The state of Florida has aligned content standards for adult education with state-adopted academic standards.

Training activities are provided statewide through face-to-face workshops, webinars, podcasts and conferences. Needs assessments are conducted to assist in determining state professional development priorities. Current initiatives determine training topics such as college and career readiness standards, integrated education and training models, essential components of reading instruction, career pathways, mathematics instruction and GED® preparation.

Florida’s Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (FICAPS) is Florida’s adult education approach to career pathways. Students will simultaneously enroll in an adult education course (GED® Integrated and English Literacy for Career and Technical Education) and a career and technical certificate program.

Adult education programs will collaborate with their LWDB to determine local high-wage high-demand careers when developing career pathways. The Division of Career and Adult Education (DCAE) promotes implementation of non-credit bridge programs that promote the teaching of literacy skills in a career context.

One-stop career center partners and adult education programs work collaboratively within their local areas and assessment and instructional services are often provided onsite. Local CareerSource Florida network staff can participate in Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) trainings conducted by DCAE throughout the year. Many career centers provide representatives directly to the adult education facility to provide counseling, advising and other services related to awareness of workforce resources. The sharing of cross-referral outcomes is a priority of DCAE to support the goals of WIOA and increase student access and achievement.