Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities

Rapid Response funds and layoff aversion strategies will continue to be provided in partnership with local workforce development boards and state workforce development staff. Rapid Response activities are described at length in Section III(a)(2)(C) of this plan.

In addition to the procedures described in Section III of this plan, the state’s policy and procedure for providing Rapid Response services in cases of natural disasters follow:

The first priority for funding applications are those required Rapid Response (RR) activities; including agreements with local boards to provide:

1. Immediate and onsite contact with the employer, representatives of affected workers, and the local community; which may include an assessment of:
   1. lay-off schedule and plans of the employer
   2. potential for averting the layoff in consultation with state or local economic development agencies
   3. background and probable assistance needs of the affected workers
   4. reemployment prospects for workers in the local community; including:
   5. Job Fairs, resource fairs, and outplacements activities targeted to impacted employees of a specific
   6. available resources to meet the short and long-term needs of the affected workers
2. The provision of information and access to:
   1. unemployment compensation benefits,
   2. comprehensive One-Stop system services, and
   3. employment and training activities, including information on Trade Adjustment
3. Assistance (TAA) - The provision of guidance and/or financial assistance in establishing a labor-management committee including:
   1. provision of training and technical assistance to committee members in their role and mission
   2. funding the operation cost of the committee to provide advice and assistance in carrying out rapid response activities and in the design and delivery of WIOA authorized services to affected workers. (typically no longer than six months)
   3. providing a list of potential candidates to serve as a neutral committee chair
4. The provision of emergency assistance adapted to a particular closing, layoff or disaster

After adequate funding has been reserved for required rapid response and rapid response enhancement activities, is for allowable Rapid Response Additional Assistance (RRAA) activities.

Allowable RRAA activities are limited to provision of direct services (e.g., intensive and training) to individuals affected by natural disasters, workplace closings, mass layoffs or other dislocation events.

A local area must demonstrate:

1. increased numbers of unemployed individuals attributable to a specific dislocation event or events, and
2. insufficient local funds to provide direct services to the identified dislocated workers

State Rapid Response Coordinator Responsibilities

State Rapid Response Coordinator responsibilities include the following:

• Provide overall grant management of the Rapid Response program;
• Serve as the central point of communication for local government officials, FEMA in cases of natural disaster and the Local Rapid Response Coordinator;
• Provide training and technical assistance to the local areas;
• Develop prospective strategies for addressing dislocation events that ensure rapid access to the broad range of allowable assistance in conjunction with other appropriate federal, state and local service
• agencies and officials, employer associations, technical or other business councils and labor organizations;
• Compile information and distribute it to the KANSASWORKS State Board, the USDOL, and others as needed;
• Coordinate outreach efforts regarding Rapid Response;
• Establish and maintain dislocated worker and Rapid Response information on the Department of Commerce and KANSASWORKS.com websites;
• Monitor participation in all planned activities to ensure appropriate and meaningful activities and programs are being provided;
• Develop and maintain communication and coordination with the local boards chief elected officials (CEOs), business retention and recruitment organizations, economic development agencies, employer associations, business councils, labor organizations, federal agents such as FEMA personnel and technical councils to ensure all employer needs are met, including those related to Rapid Response.

The State Rapid Response Coordinator may develop additional activities to provide effective Rapid Response services upon notification of a permanent closure, layoff or natural disaster resulting in a mass job dislocation. These services may include the following:

• Assistance to local communities, local boards, and CEOs to develop a coordinated response to dislocation events, and, as needed, obtain access to state economic development assistance. Such coordinated response may include the development of an application for National Emergency Grants for discretionary funds;
• Linkages with appropriate agencies including FEMA, employer associations, local boards, business councils, and labor organizations for developing a strategy to serve impacted employees and to provide emergency assistance adapted to the particular closing, layoff or natural disaster.

In May 2007, the Kansas Rapid Response Team successfully mobilized and partnered with local, state and federal agencies to respond to the Greensburg tornado.

National Emergency Grant

Layoffs of over 150 workers may require a National Emergency Grant (NEG). NEGs are discretionary awards that temporarily expand service capacity at the state and local levels through time-limited funding assistance in response to significant dislocation events.