West Virginia PYs 2024-2027 | WIOA State Plan Portal

- Options for Submitting a State Plan
- How State Plan Requirements Are Organized
- a. Economic, Workforce, and Workforce Development Activities Analysis
  - 1. Economic and Workforce Analysis
    A. Economic Analysis
    i. Existing Demand Industry Sectors and Occupations
    ii. Emerging Demand Industry Sectors and Occupations
    iii. Employers’ Employment Needs
    Narrative for all items above
    B. Workforce Analysis
    i. Employment and Unemployment
    ii. Labor Market Trends
    iii. Education and Skill Levels of the Workforce
    Narrative for all items above
    C. Comparison of Economic and Workforce Analytical Conclusion. Describe areas of opportunity for meeting hiring, education, and skills needs identified in the economy compared to the assets available in the labor force in the state.
  - 2. Workforce Development, Education and Training Activities Analysis
    A. The State’s Workforce Development Activities
    B. The Strengths and Weaknesses of Workforce Development Activities
    C. State Workforce Development Capacity
    Narrative for all items above
- b. State Strategic Vision and Goals
  - 1. Vision
  - 2. Goals
  - 3. Performance Goals
  - 4. Assessment
  - Narrative for all items above
- c. State Strategy
  - 1. Describe the strategies the State will implement, including industry or sector partnerships related to in-demand industry sectors and occupations and career pathways, as required by WIOA section 101(d)(3)(B), (D). “Career pathway” is defined at WIOA section 3(7) and includes registered apprenticeship. “In-demand industry sector or occupation” is defined at WIOA section 3(23)
  - 2. Describe the strategies the State will use to align the core programs, any Combined State Plan partner programs included in this Plan, required and optional one-stop partner programs, and any other resources available to the State to achieve fully integrated customer services consistent with the strategic vision and goals described above. Also describe strategies to strengthen workforce development activities in regard to weaknesses identified in section II(a)(2)
  - Narrative for all items above
- a. State Strategy Implementation
  - 1. State Board Functions
  - 2. Implementation of State Strategy
    A. Core Program Activities to Implement the State’s Strategy
    B. Alignment with Activities Outside the Plan
    C. Coordination, Alignment and Provision of Services to Individuals
    D. Coordination, Alignment and Provision of Services to Employers
    E. Partner Engagement with Educational Institutions and other Education and Training Providers.
    F. Improving Access to Postsecondary Credentials
    G. Coordinating with Economic Development Strategies
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
  - 1. The State operating systems that will support coordinated implementation of State strategies (e.g., labor market information systems, data systems, communication systems, case management systems, job banks, etc.).
  - 2. The State policies that will support the implementation of the State’s strategies (for example. co-enrollment policies and universal intake processes where appropriate). In addition, provide the State’s guidelines for State-administered one-stop partner programs’ contributions to a one-stop delivery system and any additional guidance for one-stop partner contributions.
  - 3. State Program and State Board Overview
    A. State Agency Organization
    B. State Board
  - 4. Assessment and Evaluation of Programs and One-Stop Program Partners
    A. Assessment of Core and One-Stop Program Partner Programs.
    B. Previous Assessment Results
    C. Evaluation
  - 5. Distribution of Funds for Core Programs
    A. For Title I Programs
    i. Youth Activities in Accordance with WIOA Section 128(b)(2) or (b)(3)
    ii. Adult and Training Activities in Accordance with WIOA Section 133(b)(2) or (b)(3)
    iii. Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities in Accordance with WIOA Section 133(b)(2) and Based on Data and Weights Assigned
    B. For Title II
    i. Describe the methods and factors the eligible agency will use to distribute title II funds.
    ii. Describe how the eligible agency will ensure direct and equitable access to all eligible providers to apply and compete for funds and how the eligible agency will ensure that it is using the same grant or contract announcement and application procedure for all eligible providers.
    C. Vocational Rehabilitation Program
  - 6. Program Data
    A. Data Alignment and Integration
    i. Describe the State’s plans to make the management information systems for the core programs interoperable to maximize the efficient exchange of common data elements to support assessment and evaluation
    ii. Describe the State’s plans to integrate data systems to facilitate streamlined intake and service delivery to track participation across all programs included in this plan
    iii. Explain how the State board will assist the governor in aligning technology and data systems across required one-stop partner programs (including design and implementation of common intake, data collection, etc.) and how such alignment will improve service delivery to individuals, including unemployed individuals
    iv. Describe the State’s data systems and procedures to produce the reports required under section 116, performance accountability system. (WIOA section 116(d)(2)).
    B. Assessment of Participants’ Post-program Success
    C. Use of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Wage Record Data
    D. Privacy Safeguards
  - 7. Priority of Service for Veterans.
    A. Describe how the State will implement the priority of service provisions for covered persons in accordance with the requirements of the Jobs for Veterans Act, codified at section 4215 of 38 U.S.C., which applies to all employment and training programs funded in whole or in part by the Department of Labor.
    B. Describe how the State will monitor priority of service provisions for veterans.
    C. Describe the triage and referral process for eligible veterans and other populations determined eligible to receive services from the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program’s Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist/Consolidated Position.
    Narrative for all items above
  - 8. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals with Disabilities
  - 9. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals who are English Language Learners
IV. Coordination with State Plan Programs
V. Common Assurances (For All Core Programs)
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
  - a. General Requirements
    1. Regions and Local Workforce Development Areas
    A. Identify the regions and the local workforce development areas designated in the State
    B. Describe the process and policy used for designating local areas, including procedures for determining whether the local area met the criteria for “performed successfully” and “sustained fiscal integrity” in accordance with 106(b)(2) and (3) of WIOA. Describe the process used for identifying regions and planning regions under section 106(a) of WIOA. This must include a description of how the State consulted with the local boards and chief elected officials in identifying the regions
    C. Provide the appeals process and policy referred to in section 106(b)(5) of WIOA relating to designation of local areas
    D. Provide the appeals process and policy referred to in section 121(h)(2)(E) of WIOA relating to determinations for infrastructure funding
    2. Statewide Activities
    A. Provide State policies or guidance for the statewide workforce development system and for use of State funds for workforce investment activities
    B. Describe how the State intends to use Governor’s set aside funding for mandatory and discretionary activities, including how the State will conduct evaluations of Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth activities.
    C. Describe how the State will utilize Rapid Response funds to respond to layoffs and plant closings and coordinate services to quickly aid companies and their affected workers. States also should describe any layoff aversion strategies they have implemented to address at risk companies and workers.
    D. Describe the State policies and procedures to provide Rapid Responses in cases of natural disasters including coordination with FEMA and other entities.
    E. Describe how the State provides early intervention (e.g., Rapid Response) and ensures the provision of appropriate career services to worker groups on whose behalf a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition has been filed. (Section 134(a)(2)(A) and TAA Section 221(a)(2)(A) .) This description must include how the State disseminates benefit information to provide workers in the groups identified in the TAA petitions with an accurate understanding of the provision of TAA benefits and services in such a way that they are transparent to the dislocated worker applying for them (Trade Act Sec. 221(a)(2)(A) and Sec. 225; Governor-Secretary Agreement). Describe how the State will use funds that have been reserved for Rapid Response to provide services for every worker group that files a TAA petition and how the state will ensure the provision of appropriate career service to workers in the groups identified in the petition (TAA Sec. 221(a)(2)(A)).
    NOTE: until the TAA PROGRAM is reauthorized, the requirements to provide rapid response and appropriate career services to worker groups on whose behalf a petition has been filed is not applicable.
  - b. Adult and Dislocated Workers Program Requirements
    1. Work-Based Training Models
    2. Registered Apprenticeship
    3. Training Provider Eligibility Procedure
    4. Describe how the State will implement and monitor for the Adult Priority of Service requirement in WIOA section 134 (c)(3)(E) that requires American Job Center staff, when using WIOA Adult program funds to provide individualized career services and training services, to give priority of service to recipients of public assistance, low-income individuals, and individuals who are basic skills deficient (including English language learners).
    5. Describe the State’s criteria regarding local area transfer of funds between the adult and dislocated worker programs
    6. Describe the State’s policy on WIOA and TAA co-enrollment and whether and how often this policy is disseminated to the local workforce development boards and required one-stop partners. Trade Act Sec. 239(f), Sec. 235, 20 CFR 618.325, 20 CFR 618.824(a)(3)(i).
    7. Describe the State’s formal strategy to ensure that WIOA and TAA co-enrolled participants receive necessary funded benefits and services. Trade Act Sec. 239(f), Sec. 235, 20 CFR 618.816(c)
    8. Describe the State’s process for familiarizing one-stop staff with the TAA program. 20 CFR 618.804(j), 20 CFR 618.305
  - c. Youth Program Requirements.
    1. Identify the State-developed criteria to be used by local boards in awarding grants or contracts for youth workforce investment activities and describe how the local boards will take into consideration the ability of the providers to meet performance accountability measures based on primary indicators of performance for the youth program as described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) of WIOA.¹¹ Further, include a description of how the State assists local areas in determining whether to contract for services or to provide some or all of the program elements directly.
    2. Explain how the State assists local workforce boards in achieving equitable results for out-of-school and in-school youth. Describe promising practices or partnership models that local areas are implementing and the state’s role in supporting and scaling those models within the state for both in-school and out-of-school youth.
    3. Describe how the State assists local workforce boards in implementing innovative models for delivering youth workforce investment activities, including effective ways local workforce boards can make available the 14 program elements described in WIOA section 129(c)(2); and explain how local areas can ensure work experience, including quality pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship, is prioritized as a key element within a broader career pathways strategy.
    4. Provide the language contained in the State policy for “requiring additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment” criterion for out-of-school youth specified in WIOA section 129(a)(1)(B)(iii)(VIII) and for “requiring additional assistance to complete an education program, or to secure and hold employment” criterion for in-school youth specified in WIOA section 129(a)(1)(C)(iv)(VII). If the state does not have a policy, describe how the state will ensure that local areas will have a policy for these criteria.
  - d. Single-area State Requirements
    1. Any comments from the public comment period that represent disagreement with the Plan. (WIOA section 108(d)(3).)
    2. The entity responsible for the disbursal of grant funds, as determined by the governor, if different from that for the State. (WIOA section 108(b)(15).)
    3. A description of the type and availability of WIOA title I Youth activities and successful models, including for youth with disabilities. (WIOA section 108(b)(9).)
    Narrative for all items above
    4. A description of the roles and resource contributions of the one-stop partners.
    5. The competitive process used to award the subgrants and contracts for title I activities.
    6. How training services outlined in section 134 will be provided through individual training accounts and/or through contracts, and how such training approaches will be coordinated. Describe how the State will meet informed customer choice requirements regardless of training approach.
    7. How the State Board, in fulfilling Local Board functions, will coordinate title I activities with those activities under title II. Describe how the State Board will carry out the review of local applications submitted under title II consistent with WIOA secs. 107(d)(11)(A) and (B)(i) and WIOA sec. 232.
    8. Copies of executed cooperative agreements which define how all local service providers will carry out the requirements for integration of and access to the entire set of services available in the one-stop delivery system, including cooperative agreements with entities administering Rehabilitation Act programs and services.
  - e. Waiver Requests (optional)
    1. Identifies the statutory or regulatory requirements for which a waiver is requested and the goals that the State or local area, as appropriate, intends to achieve as a result of the waiver and how those goals relate to the Unified or Combined State Plan;
    2. Describes the actions that the State or local area, as appropriate, has undertaken to remove State or local statutory or regulatory barriers;
    3. Describes the goals of the waiver and the expected programmatic outcomes if the request is granted;
    4. Describes how the waiver will align with the Department’s policy priorities, such as:
    A. Supporting employer engagement;
    B. Connecting education and training strategies;
    C. Supporting work-based learning;
    D. Improving job and career results, and
    E. Other guidance issued by the department.
    5. Describes the individuals affected by the waiver, including how the waiver will impact services for disadvantaged populations or individuals with multiple barriers to employment; and
    6. Describes the processes used to:
    A. Monitor the progress in implementing the waiver;
    B. Provide notice to any local board affected by the waiver;
    C. Provide any local board affected by the waiver an opportunity to comment on the request;
    D. Ensure meaningful public comment, including comment by business and organized labor, on the waiver.
    E. Collect and report information about waiver outcomes in the State’s WIOA Annual Report.
    7. The most recent data available regarding the results and outcomes observed through implementation of the existing waiver, in cases where the State seeks renewal of a previously approved waiver.
    Narrative for all items above
  - Title I-B Assurances
  - Adult Program Performance Indicators
  - Dislocated Program Performance Indicators
  - Youth Program Performance Indicators
- Program-Specific Requirements for Wagner-Peyser Program (Employment Services)
  - a. Employment Service Staff
    1. Describe how the State will staff the provision of labor exchange services under the Wagner-Peyser Act, such as through State employees, including but not limited to state merit staff employees, staff of a subrecipient, or some combination thereof.
    2. Describe how the State will utilize professional development activities for Employment Service staff to ensure staff is able to provide high quality services to both jobseekers and employers
    3. Describe strategies developed to support training and awareness across core programs and the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program and the training provided for Employment Services and WIOA staff on identification of UI eligibility issues and referral to UI staff for adjudication
  - b. Explain how the State will provide information and meaningful assistance to individuals requesting assistance in filing a claim for unemployment compensation through one-stop centers, as required by WIOA as a career service
  - c. Describe the State’s strategy for providing reemployment assistance to UI claimants and other unemployed individuals
  - d. Describe how the State will use W-P funds to support UI claimants, and the communication between W-P and UI, as appropriate including the following:
    1. Coordination of and provision of labor exchange services for UI claimants as required by the Wagner-Peyser Act;
    2. Registration of UI claimants with the State’s employment service if required by State law;
    3. Administration of the work test for the State unemployment compensation system, including making eligibility assessments (for referral to UI adjudication, if needed), and providing job finding and placement services for UI claimants; and
    4. Provision of referrals to and application assistance for training and education programs and resources.
  - e. Agricultural Outreach Plan (AOP). Each State agency must develop an AOP every four years as part of the Unified or Combined State Plan required under sections 102 or 103 of WIOA. The AOP must include an assessment of need. An assessment need describes the unique needs of farmworkers in the area based on past and projected agricultural and farmworker activity in the State. Such needs may include but are not limited to: employment, training, and housing.
    1. Assessment of Need. Provide an assessment of the unique needs of farmworkers in the area based on past and projected agricultural and farmworker activity in the State. Such needs may include but are not limited to: employment, training, and housing.
    2. An assessment of the agricultural activity in the State means: 1) Identifying the top five labor-intensive crops, the months of heavy activity, and the geographic area of prime activity; 2) Summarize the agricultural employers’ needs in the State (i.e. are they predominantly hiring local or foreign workers, are they expressing that there is a scarcity in the agricultural workforce); and 3) Identifying any economic, natural, or other factors that are affecting agriculture in the State or any projected factors that will affect agriculture in the State
    3. An assessment of the unique needs of farmworkers means summarizing Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker (MSFW) characteristics (including if they are predominantly from certain countries, what language(s) they speak, the approximate number of MSFWs in the State during peak season and during low season, and whether they tend to be migrant, seasonal, or year-round farmworkers). This information must take into account data supplied by WIOA Section 167 National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) grantees, other MSFW organizations, employer organizations, and State and/or Federal agency data sources such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration
    4. Outreach Activities
    A. Contacting farmworkers who are not being reached by the normal intake activities conducted by the employment service offices
    B. Providing technical assistance to outreach staff. Technical assistance must include trainings, conferences, additional resources, and increased collaboration with other organizations on topics such as one-stop center services (i.e. availability of referrals to training, supportive services, and career services, as well as specific employment opportunities), the Employment Service and Employment-Related Law Complaint System (“Complaint System” described at 20 CFR 658 Subpart E), information on the other organizations serving MSFWs in the area, and a basic summary of farmworker rights, including their rights with respect to the terms and conditions of employment.
    C. Increasing outreach worker training and awareness across core programs including the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program and the training on identification of UI eligibility issues
    D. Providing State merit staff outreach workers professional development activities to ensure they are able to provide high quality services to both jobseekers and employers
    E. Coordinating outreach efforts with NFJP grantees as well as with public and private community service agencies and MSFW groups
    5. Services provided to farmworkers and agricultural employers through the one-stop delivery system
    A. Providing the full range of employment and training services to the agricultural community, both farmworkers and agricultural employers, through the one-stop delivery system. This includes:
    i. How career and training services required under WIOA Title I will be provided to MSFWs through the one-stop centers
    ii. How the State serves agricultural employers and how it intends to improve such services
    Narrative for all items above
    B. Marketing the employment service complaint system to farmworkers and other farmworker advocacy groups
    C. Marketing the Agricultural Recruitment System for U.S. Workers (ARS) to agricultural employers and how it intends to improve such publicity.
    6. Other Requirements
    A. Collaboration
    B. Review and Public Comment
    C. Data Assessment
    D. Assessment of Progress
    E. State Monitor Advocate
  - Wagner-Peyser Assurances
  - Wagner Peyser Program Performance Indicators
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Programs
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
  - a. State Rehabilitation Council.
    1. All VR agencies, except for those that have an independent consumer-controlled commission, must have a State Rehabilitation Council (Council or SRC) that meets the criteria in Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act. The designated State agency or designated State unit, as applicable, has:
    2. In accordance with Assurance (a)(1)(B), if selected, please provide information on the current composition of the Council by representative type, including the term number of the representative, as applicable, and any vacancies, as well as the beginning dates of each representative’s term.
    3. If the SRC is not meeting the composition requirements in Section 105(b) of the Rehabilitation Act and/or is not meeting quarterly as required in Section 105(f) of the Rehabilitation Act, provide the steps that the VR agency is taking to ensure it meets those requirements.
    4. In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(21)(A)(ii)(III) of the Rehabilitation Act, include a summary of the Council’s input (including how it was obtained) into the State Plan and any State Plan revisions, including recommendations from the Council's annual reports, the review and analysis of consumer satisfaction and other Council reports.
    5. Provide the VR agency’s response to the Council’s input and recommendations, including an explanation for the rejection of any input and recommendations.
  - b. Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA).
    1. The VR services needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the State, including:
    A. Individuals with the most significant disabilities and their need for Supported Employment;
    B. Individuals with disabilities who are minorities and individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program;
    C. Individuals with disabilities served through other components of the workforce development system; and
    D. Youth with disabilities, including students with disabilities and their need for pre-employment transition services. Include an assessment of the needs of individuals with disabilities for transition career services and pre-employment transition services, and the extent to which such services are coordinated with transition services provided under IDEA.
    2. Identify the need to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation programs within the State.
  - c. Goals, Priorities, and Strategies
    1. Describe how the SRC and the VR agency jointly developed and agreed to the goals and priorities and any revisions; and
    2. Identify measurable goals and priorities in carrying out the VR and Supported Employment programs and the basis for selecting the goals and priorities (e.g., CSNA, performance accountability measures, SRC recommendations, monitoring, other information). As required in Section 101(a)(15)(D), (18), and (23), describe under each goal or priority, the strategies or methods used to achieve the goal or priority, including as applicable, description of strategies or methods that—
    A. Support innovation and expansion activities;
    B. Overcome barriers to accessing VR and supported employment services;
    C. Improve and expand VR services for students with disabilities, including the coordination of services designed to facilitate the transition of such students from school to postsecondary life (including the receipt of VR services, post-secondary education, employment, and pre-employment transition services); and
    D. Improve the performance of the VR and Supported Employment programs in assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve quality employment outcomes.
    Narrative for all items above
  - d. Evaluation and Reports of Progress: VR and Supported Employment Goals
    1. Progress in achieving the goals and priorities identified for the VR and Supported Employment Programs;
    2. Performance on the performance accountability indicators under Section 116 of WIOA for the most recently completed program year, reflecting actual and negotiated levels of performance. Explain any discrepancies in the actual and negotiated levels; and
    3. The use of funds reserved for innovation and expansion activities (Sections 101(a)(18) and 101(a)(23) of the Rehabilitation Act) (e.g., SRC, SILC).
  - e. Supported Employment Services, Distribution of Title VI Funds, and Arrangements and Cooperative Agreements for the Provision of Supported Employment Services.
    1. Acceptance of title VI funds:
    2. If the VR agency has elected to receive title VI funds, Section 606(b)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act requires VR agencies to include specific goals and priorities with respect to the distribution of Title VI funds received under Section 603 of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of supported employment services. Describe the use of Title VI funds and how they will be used in meeting the goals and priorities of the Supported Employment program.
    3. Supported employment services may be provided with Title 1 or Title VI funds following placement of individuals with the most significant disabilities in employment. In accordance with Section 101(a)(22) and Section 606(b)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act, describe the quality, scope, and extent of supported employment services to be provided to individuals with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities; and the timing of transition to extended services.
    4. Sections 101(a)(22) and 606(b)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act require the VR agency to describe efforts to identify and arrange, including entering into cooperative agreements, with other State agencies and other appropriate entities in order to provide supported employment services. The description must include extended services, as applicable, to individuals with the most significant disabilities, including the provision of extended services to youth with the most significant disabilities in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 363.4(a) and 34 C.F.R. § 361.5(c)(19)(v).
  - f. Annual Estimates
    1. Estimates for next Federal fiscal year—
    A. VR Program; and
    B. Supported Employment Program.
  - g. Order of Selection
    1. Pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) of the Rehabilitation Act, this description must be amended when the VR agency determines, based on the annual estimates described in description (f), that VR services cannot be provided to all eligible individuals with disabilities in the State who apply for and are determined eligible for services.
    2. For VR agencies that have defined priority categories describe—
    A. The justification for the order
    B. The order (priority categories) to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to be provided VR services ensuring that individuals with the most significant disabilities are selected for services before all other individuals with disabilities; and
    C. The VR agency’s goals for serving individuals in each priority category, including how the agency will assist eligible individuals assigned to closed priority categories with information and referral, the method in which the VR agency will manage waiting lists, and the projected timelines for opening priority categories. NOTE: Priority categories are considered open when all individuals in the priority category may be served.
    3. Has the VR agency elected to serve eligible individuals outside of the order of selection who require specific services or equipment to maintain employment?
  - h. Waiver of Statewideness.
  - i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development.
    1. Analysis of current personnel and projected personnel needs including—
    A. The number of personnel currently needed by the VR agency to provide VR services, broken down by personnel category; and
    B. The number and type of personnel that are employed by the VR agency in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services, including ratios of qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors to clients;
    C. Projections of the number of personnel, broken down by personnel category, who will be needed by the VR agency to provide VR services in 5 years based on projections of the number of individuals to be served, including individuals with significant disabilities, the number of personnel expected to retire or leave the field, and other relevant factors.
    Narrative for all items above
    D. Ratio of qualified VR counselors to clients:
    E. Projected number of individuals to be served in 5 years:
    2. Data and information on personnel preparation and development, recruitment and retention, and staff development, including the following:
    A. A list of the institutions of higher education in the State that are preparing VR professionals, by type of program; the number of students enrolled at each of those institutions, broken down by type of program; and the number of students who graduated during the prior year from each of those institutions with certification or licensure, or with the credentials for certification or licensure, broken down by the personnel category for which they have received, or have the credentials to receive, certification or licensure.
    B. The VR agency’s plan for recruitment, preparation and retention of qualified personnel, which addresses the current and projected needs for qualified personnel; and the coordination and facilitation of efforts between the VR agency and institutions of higher education and professional associations to recruit, prepare, and retain personnel who are qualified, including personnel from minority backgrounds and personnel who are individuals with disabilities.
    C. Description of staff development policies, procedures, and activities that ensure all personnel employed by the VR agency receive appropriate and adequate training and continuing education for professionals and paraprofessionals:
    i. Particularly with respect to assessment, vocational counseling, job placement, and rehabilitation technology, including training implemented in coordination with entities carrying out State programs under section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998; and
    ii. Procedures for the acquisition and dissemination of significant knowledge from research and other sources to VR agency professionals and paraprofessionals and for providing training regarding the amendments to the Rehabilitation Act made by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
    Narrative for all items above
    3. Description of VR agency policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) to ensure that VR agency professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including—
    A. Standards that are consistent with any national or State-approved or -recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing VR services; and
    B. The establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, in accordance with section 101(a)(7)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
    Narrative for all items above
    4. Method(s) the VR agency uses to ensure that personnel are able to communicate in appropriate modes of communication with or in the native language of applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English speaking ability.
    5. As appropriate, describe the procedures and activities to coordinate the designated State unit's comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
  - j. Coordination with Education Officials.
    1. Describe plans, policies, and procedures for coordination between the designated State agency and education officials responsible for the public education of students with disabilities, that are designed to facilitate the transition of the students with disabilities from the receipt of educational services in school to the receipt of vocational rehabilitation services, including pre-employment transition services.
    2. Describe the current status and scope of the formal interagency agreement between the VR agency and the State educational agency. Consistent with the requirements of the formal interagency agreement pursuant to 34 C.F.R. § 361.22(b), provide, at a minimum, the following information about the agreement:
    A. Consultation and technical assistance, which may be provided using alternative means for meeting participation (such as video conferences and conference calls), to assist educational agencies in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to post-school activities, including pre-employment transition services and other vocational rehabilitation services;
    B. Transition planning by personnel of the designated State agency and educational agency personnel for students with disabilities that facilitates the development and implementation of their individualized education programs (IEPs) under Section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
    C. The roles and responsibilities, including financial responsibilities, of each agency, including provisions for determining State lead agencies and qualified personnel responsible for transition services and pre-employment transition services;
    D. Procedures for outreach to and identification of students with disabilities who need transition services and pre-employment transition services. Outreach to these students should occur as early as possible during the transition planning process and must include, at a minimum, a description of the purpose of the vocational rehabilitation program, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and scope of services that may be provided to eligible individuals;
    E. Coordination necessary to satisfy documentation requirements set forth in 34 C.F.R. part 397 regarding students and youth with disabilities who are seeking subminimum wage employment; and
    F. Assurance that, in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 397.31, neither the SEA nor the local educational agency will enter into a contract or other arrangement with an entity, as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 397.5(d), for the purpose of operating a program under which youth with a disability is engaged in work compensated at a subminimum wage.
    Narrative for all items above
  - k. Coordination with Employers
  - l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
    1. State programs (designate lead agency(ies) and implementing entity(ies)) carried out under Section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998;
    2. Programs carried out by the Under Secretary for Rural Development of the Department of Agriculture;
    3. Non-educational agencies serving out-of-school youth;
    4. State use contracting programs;
    5. State agency responsible for administering the State Medicaid plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
    6. State agency responsible for providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities;
    7. State agency responsible for providing mental health services; and
    8. Other Federal, State, and local agencies and programs outside the workforce development system.
    9. Other private nonprofit organizations.
  - Assurances
  - Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General) Certifications
    1. The (enter the name of designated State agency or designated State unit, as appropriate,) is authorized to submit the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act), as amended by title IV of WIOA[1], and its State Plan supplement under title VI of the Rehabilitation Act;
    Enter the name of designated State agency or designated State unit, as appropriate
    2. In the event the designated State agency is not primarily concerned with vocational and other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, the designated State agency must include a designated State unit for the VR program (Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act). As a condition for the receipt of Federal funds under title I of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of VR services, the (designated State agency or the designated State unit when the designated State agency has a designated State unit)[2]agrees to operate and is responsible for the administration of the State VR Services Program in accordance with the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan[3], the Rehabilitation Act, 34 CFR 361.13(b) and (c), and all applicable regulations[4], policies, and procedures established by the Secretary of Education. Funds made available to States under section 111(a) of the Rehabilitation Act are used solely for the provision of VR services and the administration of the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan;
    Enter the name of designated State agency
    3. As a condition for the receipt of Federal funds under title VI of the Rehabilitation Act for supported employment services, the designated State agency, or the designated State unit when the designated State agency has a designated State unit, agrees to operate and is responsible for the administration of the State Supported Employment Services Program in accordance with the supplement to the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan[5], the Rehabilitation Act, and all applicable regulations[6], policies, and procedures established by the Secretary of Education. Funds made available under title VI are used solely for the provision of supported employment services and the administration of the supplement to the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan;
    4. The designated State unit or, if not applicable, the designated State agency has the authority under State law to perform the functions of the State regarding the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and its supplement and is responsible for the administration of the VR program in accordance with 34 CFR 361.13(b) and (c);
    5. The State legally may carry out each provision of the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and its supplement.
    6. All provisions of the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and its supplement are consistent with State law.
    7. The (enter the name of authorized representative below) has the authority under State law to receive, hold, and disburse Federal funds made available under the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and its supplement;
    Enter the name of authorized representative below
    8. The (enter the title of authorized representative below) has the authority to submit the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and the supplement for Supported Employment services;
    Enter the title of authorized representative below
    9. The agency that submits the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and its supplement has adopted or otherwise formally approved the plan and its supplement.
    Footnotes
    Certification Signature
  - Vocational Rehabilitation Program Performance Indicators
  - GEPA 427 Form Instructions for Application Package - Vocational Rehabilitation
    1. Describe how your entity’s existing mission, policies, or commitments ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the proposed project or activity.
    2. Based on your proposed project or activity, what barriers may impede equitable access and participation of students, educators, or other beneficiaries?
    3. Based on the barriers identified, what steps will you take to address such barriers to equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity?
    4. What is your timeline, including targeted milestones, for addressing these identified barriers?
  - GEPA 427 Form Instructions for Application Package - Supported Employment
    1. Describe how your entity’s existing mission, policies, or commitments ensure equitable access to, and equitable participation in, the proposed project or activity.
    2. Based on your proposed project or activity, what barriers may impede equitable access and participation of students, educators, or other beneficiaries?
    3. Based on the barriers identified, what steps will you take to address such barriers to equitable access and participation in the proposed project or activity?
    4. What is your timeline, including targeted milestones, for addressing these identified barriers?
- All WIOA Core Programs
- Additional Indicators of Performance
Other Appendices