Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities

Delaware currently utilizes this funding to support required and allowable statewide employment and training activities. Below are several of the required activities which Delaware plan’s to fund with the Governor’s set aside:

• A portion of Delaware JobLink (DJL) is funded with the Governor’s set aside. DJL is a federal reporting, case management and fiscal accountability system. DJL also provides direct client services. For job seekers and employers, it is a talent matching and career exploration tool. This system also houses the eligible training provider list including training providers cost and performance.

• In PY 2015, we identified a need for additional training for staff to facilitate workshops or provide other services in a group setting. We identified the need and researched training providers. We worked with Dale Carnegie to customize a training which was provided to 20 staff in PY 2015. We plan to build on this training through continuous improvement and peer reviews.

• Technical assistance to local One Stops. Technical assistance is provided monthly in person to One Stop supervisors and case managers who administer WIOA adult, dislocated worker and youth programs.

• Monitoring and oversight of activities for services to youth, adults, and dislocated workers.

Delaware plans to utilize this funding to continue to support allowable statewide employment and training activities. Listed below are several initiatives for which we have utilized this funding in the recent program year. We plan to continue to support the below initiatives and implement others as the needs are determined.

• Refresher training. In the past Delaware has utilized this fund to increase skills of job seekers who have demonstrated a deficiency in basic skills. Through an assessment, we targeted this service to job seeker/career service customers who could most quickly benefit from a refresher course in math and English. The individuals targeted had once demonstrated these skills but due to not utilizing them in their currently careers had become deficient.

• Basic Computer/Job Surfing. This is a two part basic computer class designed for the customer who is deficient in basic computer skills. There are several points in the service delivery system where candidates are assessed for this training. Individuals may self-refer or be mandatory for this course. This training will assist job seekers/career service customers in utilizing self-service tools available through the internet. This includes creating a resume in Delaware JobLink job searching on the internet and applying for jobs through the internet.

VI (2) (B) Rapid Response. Delaware conducts rapid response activities to dislocated workers primarily through employer outreach. Employers are identified and contacted through WARN notices and other notifications of mass lay-offs. Because no two layoffs are identical, the needs of employers and dislocated workers will differ, as will the type and scale of needed services, the impact on the economy, and the availability of job opportunities. While Rapid Response must be consistent across all layoffs with respect to the quality, effectiveness, and timeliness of service delivery, the response must be customized and responsive to each specific event. . The most common activity is to provide information to dislocated workers in the form of group settings or rapid response workshops. Workshops are held on site at the employer location, union halls, community centers and other locations within the community. On site rapid response workshops are generally held when there are larger groups of dislocated workers. Rapid Response activities are primarily performed through scheduled workshops facilitated in conjunction with the DOL-DET of Unemployment Insurance (DOL-UI). These workshops cover topics such as services available through the local One-Stops; job search and training opportunities; general Unemployment Insurance information; and other services available through the Department of Labor are covered. At the conclusion of each workshop, feedback is provided by participants regarding other services they are interested in and offer suggestions how to improve the Rapid Response workshop. Once we have the worker survey results and other information, Rapid Response provides a comprehensive array of service to accelerate reemployment. While most of the effort is usually expended in the early stages of a dislocation event or an impending dislocation, it is important to continue Rapid Response services until all worker and employer needs are met. DEDO is the lead agency in providing layoff aversion strategies to employers. DOL-DET’s Business Services Unit contacts DEDO when they are notified or become aware of a company who is at risk. This has historically been a difficult task with employers in Delaware as they tend not to be too forthcoming when having difficulties. It is important to note. DEDO is a member of the DOL Business Services Team, which meets monthly to share employer information, including business expansions and/or layoffs. Normally at risk companies are contacted through regular employer outreach, notification, or when other information is received. Business Service Representatives (BSR) have a specific territory within Delaware each is responsible for servicing. If an employer conveys information regarding possible layoffs with the representative, the BSR immediately contacts the Community Services Coordinator (CSC). The CSC oversees the Business Services Unit. The CSC will gather initial information and immediately contact DEDO. From this point on, DEDO would be the lead agency with DOL-DET BSRs providing assistance.