Wagner-Peyser Act

(3) Describe strategies developed to support training and awareness across core programs and the UI program and the training provided for Employment Services and WIOA staff on identification of UI eligibility issues and referral to DUI staff for adjudication.

Under Title III of WIOA, the Wagner-Peyser Act, a greater emphasis is placed on providing services to UI claimants with referrals to additional AJC services. This is in an effort to ensure claimants remain eligible for UI benefits and to provide meaningful assistance in their efforts to regain employment. Labor exchange services, which are the primary services provided under Wagner-Peyser, fall under the basic career services identified in WIOA. Wagner-Peyser staff must use funds authorized by WIOA to provide basic career services.

As a result of increased collaboration, DWDAL and the DUI have enhanced staff training and coordination on policy implementation efforts. The two divisions will continue working to assess Title I and III AJC staff training needs and the Chief Learning Officer will assist with the development and delivery of trainings.

In October 2019, DWDAL held a three-day reemployment retreat with targeted professional development sessions for approximately 100 Wagner-Peyser and MD Labor central office staff. Topics included utilizing the MWE, resume workshops, and accessibility. Staff from the DUI participated in the event and presented on UI eligibility and referral coordination.

DUI and OWD reemployment staff discuss issues related to adjudication informally via phone daily. In addition, DUI and OWD meet monthly to discuss improvements to processes in place and to make adjustments as needed.

The MWE was adapted to allow communication between workforce staff and DUI to report issues for non-RESEA claimants. In addition, the current RESEA database crosswalks to DUI to report issues found during eligibility reviews. Staff also email issues to an established email address for DUI to report other issues identified. BEACON will allow the two-way sharing of data with the MWE once it is fully implemented. This will eliminate the number of interactions currently utilized.

In 2017, the State implemented the Reemployment Exchange module within MWE.  Maryland’s purchase of the REX module allowed the State to establish a single web-based application for both workforce registration and filing of unemployment claims. The common registration function allows for seamless transition between UI and workforce platforms. Integration of the two systems provides a centralized data system and coordinated registration for UI claimants to enter and perform necessary tasks while collecting UI benefits. Upon completion of a UI registration, a Wagner-Peyser registration is automatically created. Rather than seeking the same data elements, requiring the claimant to spend more time on entering and re-entering information into both systems, which is the case currently, the REX module allows for the claimant to focus on what is important: reemployment.

Through the purchase of the REX module, Maryland is more proactive in its reemployment activities. Immediately after an individual files an initial UI claim or a UI weekly certification in REX, the system creates a reemployment roadmap for the individual. Implementing a robust, online system facilitates the sharing of information in real time between the UI benefits system and MWE. This, in turn, ensures proper payments are made and those claimants are actually meeting the goals set for them by the State’s workforce and DUI staff. This requires, the continued cross-training between workforce and DUI staff.