executive summary - eawdbeawdb.org/.../h_eawdb_interimlocalplan_approved_june2015.pdf ·...

Eastern Area Workforce Development Board Interim Local Plan - Approved June 16, 2015

Executive Summary

The Eastern Area Workforce Development Board (EAWDB) continues its tradition as a progressive

leader in workforce development. The EAWDB vision encompasses three major areas: (1) making

employers the number one focus, (2) establishing a highly coordinated employment and training system

that meets the needs of employers and job seekers utilizing a one-stop delivery system, and (3)

addressing the educational needs and future work skills of youth.

The goals of this vision can be realized by identifying employers’ workforce needs and encouraging

their involvement in the system; aligning workforce and economic development efforts through a

comprehensive strategic plan that provides services to meet the needs of all customers; ensuring that

one-stop services are accessible throughout the region; and maintaining and improving comprehensive,

year-round youth programs.

The state workforce plan focuses on creating a customer driven integrated plan that emphasizes a

leveraged and collaborative system. The EAWDB’s vision/goals are in alignment with this vision and

maintain employability as the primary focus. Employability means “the balance of demand and quality

of the workforce in an ever changing marketplace.”

The services necessary to realize the EAWDB’s established economic and workforce development

goals are delivered through the local comprehensive One-Stop system. Partner services will be

accessible through the system.

The EAWDB is committed to the development of youth programs, services, and a delivery system

that provides appropriate activities for youth. The EAWDB supports year-round employment

opportunities for youth, offered in conjunction with education-based programs, to better prepare youth


for the workforce. Youth access the system through the NMWCC offices, schools, WIA partners, local

supportive service providers and online.

The EAWDB will continue to identify and address workforce needs and opportunities and guide the

development of training programs and services to meet those needs.

I. Vision and Goals

State Vision

“…the workforce system supports both the needs of private, public, and non-profit employers by

providing a trained and employable workforce needed for businesses to grow and profit when

appropriate, and allow all employers to become more effective and efficient.”

Local Vision

The Eastern Area workforce system will meet the employment and training needs of its regional

employers, job seekers and youth through one-stop centers and electronic systems that provide

employers with qualified employees and jobseekers and youth with access to skill assessments,

workforce services access and proper training, as appropriate.

Goals

Enhanced Partnerships

The EAWDB will develop and enhance existing partnerships with WIOA mandated and non-

mandated partners as well as area businesses and voluntary partners such as community-based and

faith-based organizations in order to provide quality seamless service delivery to customers.


The EAWDB commits to serving more businesses and providing higher wages and employment

opportunities through the partnership coordination.

Comprehensive One-Stops

The EAWDB will provide comprehensive one-stop centers throughout the eastern area. Co-location

and integration will enable quality, efficient, and cost effective services, decreasing duplication of

services and increasing the number of participants served with the funding available.

Employed Worker Training

By reviewing and raising the self-sufficiency level and increasing employer services, the EAWDB will

expand the availability of training to employed workers; thus increasing opportunities for promotion

and a more highly skilled workforce. Promotion of trained individuals will open entry-level positions for

the less skilled and the chronically unemployed.

Quality Service

The EAWDB will increase employer satisfaction by screening and identifying qualified candidates and

providing access to partner labor pools. Various strategies to measure the effectiveness of services will

be used in the development and improvement of services offered.

Product and Service Development

Services offered to jobseekers are categorized into Core Services, Intensive Services, and Training.

Services offered to youth include but are not limited to employability and basic skills training, leadership

opportunities and work experience coordinated through the youth providers.

Special Program Emphases


Recognizing the special needs of working customers, the EAWDB will offer universal 24-hour access

to job listings, resume’ tools, labor market information, and training program information through the

Virtual One Stop System (VOSS.)

Skill enhancement for the underemployed will be achieved through use of On-the-Job Training (OJT)

contracts, Individual Training Accounts (ITA), customized and employed worker training opportunities.

The EAWDB will improve the identification and recruitment of eligible displaced homemakers who

are underserved by the system.

II. Workforce Systems

The EAWDB supports the development of an effective and prepared workforce to meet business

needs through the process of assessment, training and education. Creating a high quality, cost-effective

workforce development program will foster local job growth and encourage economic development, as

well as promote self-sufficiency and create jobs with livable wages for a healthy economy.

The EAWDB seeks to make the One-Stop Centers the “First Stop” for employers seeking qualified

people for positions in their business. With the philosophy that it is employers that create jobs, the

EAWDB has made serving employers its number one priority. To provide services to employers the

EAWDB either directly or through its service providers:

seeks partnerships with the Chambers of Commerce and other business-driven

organizations, economic development agencies, and community-based organizations;

creates one-stop centers that offer more comprehensive services;

emphasizes customer satisfaction and continuous improvement


identifies and prioritizes “on the job training,” services to working customers, training for

underemployed workers, job seeker assessment and training for displaced homemakers;

trains One-Stop staff to work with employers; and

markets the One-Stop products and services to employers.

Recognizing the need for overcoming barriers to employment at the lowest possible level, the

comprehensive One-Stop delivery system offers adults and dislocated workers access to informational,

self-directed, and staff-assisted Core, Intensive, and Training services.

The EAWDB Youth Council guides and governs the youth programs and services offered within the

area. The youth council is comprised of a group of individuals from the areas of business, education,

community based organizations and other individuals with expertise related to youth or youth services.

The primary purpose of the youth program is to prepare youth to be successful members of the

community and workforce and to remain lifelong learners. It achieves this mission through offering

services such as:

Employability and life skills training

Adult Mentoring

Leadership Opportunities

Preparation for and linkages to post-secondary education

Tutoring, mentoring and counseling

Linkages to other programs that offer services appropriate to youth

The youth program is accessible to youth through the One Stop Centers where services and resources

are channeled toward successful outcomes.


III. Needs Assessment

A. Workforce investment needs of employers, job seekers and/or employed

workers in the local area are:

A well-trained, educated and properly motivated workforce;

Providers for the recurring training of the existing workforce;

Work ethics and employability skills such as reliability, attitude, attendance and personal responsibility;

Accurate assessment of applicant and job skills

Counseling and information on available high-quality, long-term employment and training opportunities consistent with their skills;

Training in job search skills including interviewing, resume writing, Internet research and resources;

Life-long learning and training opportunities;

Job creation through economic development;

Training for targeted in-demand occupations;

Information regarding entrepreneurship and small business ownership;

Increased accessibility to information and services relating to medical insurance, childcare, transportation and housing support and other barriers which may prevent full employability;

Information compliance and accommodations regarding employment laws including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Referrals to other agencies to meet the job seekers’ and employers’ specialized needs such as domestic violence and substance abuse.

B. Present and future needs of employers in the local area

Due to the unusually large geographic area and the diversity of industry within the eastern area,

identifying employers’ needs is an enormous challenge constantly being addressed by the EAWDB.

EAWDB One-Stop contract staff will be increasing outreach to more effectively assess the present and

future needs of employers in each county. Better use of existing tools such as OJT contracts, targeted

tax credits, and other programs will assist both employers and workers.

The EAWDB has made a deliberate effort to avoid duplication of efforts by community colleges,

economic development organizations, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations to determine

employer needs in the area, and will continue to solicit such information through meetings including

these entities.


C. Current and future employment opportunities

These jobs have been identified through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

(NMDWS) Labor Market Information (LMI) for the eastern region with average annual growth rates of

twenty percent (20%) or higher.

Health and Social Services

Mining

Educational Services

Accommodations and Food Services

Administrative and Support Services

Transportation and Warehousing

D. Job Skills necessary to obtain employment opportunities are:

Job seeking and job retention skills;

Employability skills such as attendance, attitude and integrity

Technical skills necessary to perform the components of the job;

Ability to self-teach through reading and study;

Problem solving and critical thinking skills including the ability to think and understand the general processes of a job, make valid assumptions and judgments about what outcomes are expected and know when those parameters are exceeded;

Reading; Writing; and Mathematics competencies

Social interaction skills; and

Customer service skills

IV. One-Stop Delivery System

A. Description of the One-Stop delivery system, including the number of

comprehensive centers and the supplementary arrangements.

The EAWDB maintains a One-Stop delivery system that enhances the quality of employment and

training opportunities and provides other services to job seekers. The goal of the One-Stop delivery

system is to coordinate and leverage programs, provide services and ensure a governance structure that

will allow customer access to a seamless system of workforce investment services.


One-Stop services are delivered in conjunction with partners throughout the eastern area. See

Attachment A for a map that shows the One-Stop Center locations in the eastern area.

The Eastern Area is vast and includes 44,000 square miles, 44 incorporated communities and dozens

of unincorporated villages. Budget constraints and the rural demographics have made it difficult to

provide One-Stop offices in each community. Six of the twelve counties have Workforce Connection

Centers with Eddy county hosting two offices for a total of seven area offices. With those limitations

some employers and jobseekers have more than an hour drive (one way) to visit a one-stop center. As a

result of the size of the area, the limited number of offices and the infrastructure conditions the EAWDB

relies on the Virtual One Stop System (VOSS) for the provision of services to localities without a physical

office.

One of the EAWDB objectives is to enhance access to WIA information and programs via the

internet. Remote access to VOSS and the NMWCC website from any web-connected personal computer

greatly enhances access to the WIA system and provides a means of customer service even when a one-

stop location isn’t available in the community.

B. One-Stop operator(s), including the appeals process available to

entities that were not selected as the One-Stop operator(s)

The EAWDB has selected ENMU-Ruidoso to operate the one-stop system in the local area in

accordance state procurement procedures. No appeals were made. The appeal process for individuals

or organizations is to submit a letter of appeal which states the basis of the appeal to the Chair of the

EAWDB through its Administrative Entity. The appeal will be reviewed by the EAWDB and a public

appeal hearing established. If the individual or organization is not satisfied with the results of the

hearing they can appeal to the NMDWS.


C. EAWDB corrective actions with One-Stop operators and/or providers of

services

If the One-Stop operator or service provider is not providing the services agreed to as contracted,

the EAWDB will meet with the operator or provider to discuss all shortcomings. If corrective actions are

not taken, the EAWDB will send a written notification to the operator or provider requesting these

corrective actions be done within thirty (30) days. The EAWDB through its AE will work to establish a

timeline for completion of the corrective actions which if not completed will result in sanctioning. If

corrective actions are not completed in an acceptable manner the EAWDB can exercise its termination

option.

D. How the local board will terminate a One-Stop operator for cause

If these deficient areas noted in (C) above are not corrected within thirty (30) days the EAWDB will

send a letter of termination to the operator. The operator has thirty (30) days to appeal this decision to

the State Board who will provide a final decision.

The EAWDB has implemented the grievance and appeals procedure identified in WIA State Issuance

11.2.15 “Grievance and Appeals Procedures” and any amendments hereto.

For complete information on State Issuance 11.2.15 see Attachment B.

E. Programs and funding streams that will support service delivery through

the One-Stop system including availability and coordination of the One-Stop

partners Memorandum of Understanding(s) (MOU).

Coordination among partners prevents duplication of effort and identifies resources and services.

The One-Stop contractors, operating under the authority and support of the EAWDB, will ensure that


services are available at each One-Stop Center through co-location, assisted referral, information, or

virtual access.

Partners and programs involved in supporting the WIA One-Stop system are: NM Department of

Workforce Solutions – Wagner Peyser Labor Exchange, Unemployment Insurance, Trade Adjustment act,

Veterans, Migrant Farm workers; NM Public Education Department – Adult Basic Education and Literacy,

Perkins Post Secondary Vocational Education, NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; NM Aging and

Long-Term Service Department, Older Americans Act Title V Services; NM Human Services Department –

Community Services, Food Stamps (EBT); US Department of Housing and Urban Development – HUD

programs; Job Corps; NM Commission for the Blind; Native American Grantees – Native American

programs, and Title I WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth and Community action programs.

F. Information, services and access for the customers

Services and information may be provided through the co-location of service providers situated at a

single site, through virtual delivery of required One-Stop services or a combination that provides ready

access to information. Co-located partners are encouraged to provide not only their unique services but

also information on and access to services by all partner programs within the One-Stop centers. One-

Stops will provide the assessment testing, advising and assistance necessary for clients to evaluate, with

assistance, their skills and abilities relative to local and regional job markets. Partner information and

core services will be provided at all One-Stop Centers through either direct contact with co-located staff

or referral. An Integration Plan (see Attachment C) will delineate the responsibilities of optional

partners and partner agencies to ensure fully integrated centers that are consistent with the goals of the

WIA One-Stop delivery system.

G. Local plan for delivery of core, intensive, and training services


Self-directed Core Services such as initial assessment, informational workshops, and self-directed

activities are universally available to all customers at the One-Stop center. As a job seeker’s

employment needs dictate and their eligibility allows, adults and dislocated workers seeking training,

developmental education, job search, and placement services may move progressively through

established gateways to staff-assisted Core Services, Intensive services and, if needed, Training Services.

Intensive Services include comprehensive assessment, the development of individual employment plans,

case management, work experience and career counseling, which are available to participants unable to

obtain employment after receiving Core Services. Training Services are available to eligible participants

unable to obtain employment even after receiving Intensive Services. These services may include

occupational skills training, on-the-job training, entrepreneurial training, or customized training.

The required Core Services of intake, eligibility determination, assessment, career counseling, referral, placement, unemployment insurance, and follow-up will be provided at comprehensive One-Stop Centers.

Intensive Services encompassing case management will be provided and could be delivered through a One-Stop center, a virtual network or contracted through a local community college. The type of service will be determined by the availability of eligible local providers and type of service needed. – Intensive services may be delivered directly in a One-stop center.

Classroom training services may be delivered through eligible training providers.

Customized training, OJT and work experience contracts will be provided in cooperation with employers.

H. Youth services connected with the One-Stop delivery system

The role of the Youth Council is to oversee youth providers/partners in the delivery of services and

to provide leadership through recommendations to the EAWDB. This is further delineated in the service

provider contract(s) with the EAWDB in consultation with the Youth Council. Youth providers will use

the Virtual One Stop System (VOSS) or its subsequent replacement as designated by the Board. Youth

providers will be required to familiarize staff and clients with resources and assistance available through

partner agencies within local communities.

Connections between the youth program and One-Stop system may include those that facilitate:


The referral, coordination and provision of youth activities;

Linkages to the job market and employers;

Training and education resources;

Access for eligible youth to the information and services as required above; and

Other activities designed to achieve the purposes of the youth system and youth activities.

I. Private sector employers’ participation in the local workforce investment

system and assisting the employers in meeting hiring needs.

The EAWDB has made serving employers its number one priority. To provide the service to

employers the EAWDB seeks partnerships with business organizations; trains one stop staff to actively

market one stop products and services to employers, places increased emphasis on employer

satisfaction and continuous improvement, places program emphasis on OJT, customized training, and

training for underemployed workers and displaced homemakers.

VI. Local Governance

A. Fiscal agent or entity responsible for the disbursal of grant funds described in WIA

§117(d)(3)(B)(i)(III) and determined by the Chief Elected Official(s) under WIA §117(d)(3)(B)(i)

describing the experience in administering government contracts and how it ensured its compliance

with the USDOL and NMDOL fiscal requirements

Employment and Economic Information Center of New Mexico, LLC was designated as the fiscal

agent beginning July 1, 2012 with the concurrence of the CEOs. The Executive Director was an employee

of the New Mexico Department of Labor for thirty-two years with financial management responsibilities

for BLS, WIA, ETA and other US DOL programs as well as subsequent program contractor for US DOL and

NM DWS projects. He had no unresolved findings requiring repayment of funds from US DOL audits.


B. Agreement specifying the roles of the individual Chief Elected Official(s), including fiscal

liability

A copy of the agreement and the list of signatures is included as Attachment D.

C. Partnership between the EAWDB and the CEOs with board by-laws and partnership

agreements or MOUs

The EAWDB developed the Partnership Agreement defining CEO and the EAWDB relationship. The

Partnership Agreement was approved by the EAWDB on October 15, 2013. CEOs are provided with full

information about EAWDB activities, policies, programs and decisions.

A copy of the By-laws is included as Attachment E.

D. Conflict of interest for an EAWDB member, including voting on any matter regarding provision

of service by that member or the entity that he or she represents, and any matter that would provide

a financial benefit to that member

Conflict of interest issues are addressed in the By-laws and requests for waiver are a standing

agenda item on every board meeting agenda.

E. Youth Council and its involvement in implementing portions of the local plan relating to eligible

youth.

The EAWDB established a Youth Council as described in Section 117(h). The Youth Council is

appointed by the board in cooperation with the Chief Elected Officials in the Eastern Region. Members

of the Youth Council who are not members of the EAWDB are voting members of the Youth Council and

non-voting members of the EAWDB.


The purpose of the Youth Council is to provide expertise in youth workforce development policy and

assist the EAWDB to:

Develop and recommend local youth employment and training policy and practice.

Broaden employment and training policy to incorporate youth development.

Establish networks with other organizations serving youth.

Evaluate a range of issues that impact young people’s success in the labor market.

The members of the Youth Council included (Section 117(h)(4)):

EAWDB members with special interest or expertise in youth policy;

Representatives of youth service agencies, including juvenile justice and local law enforcement agencies;

Representatives of public housing authorities;

Parents of eligible youth;

Individuals including former participants, representatives of organizations with experience relating to youth activities;

Job Corps representatives; and

Other individuals agreed to by the EAWDB Chair and the Chief Elected Officials.

The charge to the Youth Council (Section 117(h)(4)) is to:

Develop the portions of the EAWDB Investment Plan pertaining to eligible youth under the WIA, as determined by the Chair of the EAWDB.

Recommend eligible youth service providers to be awarded grants or contracts on a competitive basis to carry out youth activities under the WIA, subject to approval of the EAWDB.

Conduct oversight with respect to eligible providers of youth services in the local area

Coordinate youth activities that: o Provide eligible youth seeking assistance in achieving academic and employment success,

effective and comprehensive activities, which shall include options for improving educational and skill competencies and provide effective connections to employers.

o Ensure ongoing mentoring opportunities for eligible youth with adults. o Provide training opportunities for youth. o Provide incentives for recognition and achievement to eligible youth. o Provide opportunities for eligible youth in activities related to leadership, development,

decision-making, citizenship, and community service. o Carry out other duties as determined by the EAWDB Chair.


In carrying out these functions, the Youth Council can help to facilitate those programs serving

eligible youth that have the following components (Section 129(c)(1):

Comprehensive objective assessment of the academic levels, skills levels, and service needs of each participant;

Development of individualized service strategies for participants that identify an employment goal,, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the participant taking into account the assessment conducted;

Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, in appropriate cases;

Strong link between academic and occupational learning;

Preparation for post secondary education, when appropriate; and

Effective connections to intermediaries with a strong link to (1) the job market and (2) local and regional employers.

Responsibility for oversight of youth workforce development programs rests with:

EAWDB working with the Youth Council;

EAWDB has delegated its responsibility for oversight of providers and other responsibilities to the Youth Council and EEICNM, the administrative entity.

F. Administrative Services

EEICNM has been the Administrative entity since July 1, 2012. The current agreement between the

EAWDB and EEICNM can be extended through June 30, 2015.

G. Local grievance procedure established in accordance with 20 CFR 667.600

The EAWDB has implemented the grievance and appeals procedure identified in WIA State Issuance

11.2.15 “Grievance and Appeals Procedures” and any amendments thereto.

For the complete information on State Issuance 11.2.15 see Attachment B.

H. WIA limitations on services that may be provided by the EAWDB or its staff


The EAWDB strictly enforces the prohibition of the provision of services by the Board itself or its AE

and Fiscal staff.

I. Access to all EAWDB meetings and activities by the public including persons with disabilities

The EAWDB will comply with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act and applicable state and federal

laws and regulations related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Board meetings will be held in

accessible facilities and will be publicized in advance in accordance with the state Open Meetings Act.

All legal notices will include a request for notification if special assistance for disabled individuals is

required. The Board and its committees will meet in well-publicized locations across the Eastern Area.

The meetings, minutes, and a membership list may be viewed on the official EAWDB website at

www.eawdb.org. Individuals residing in remote areas will be given the opportunity to participate in

meetings and to attend Board activities through conference calls and other available technology.

J. Executive Committee/Fiscal Agent/Administrative Agent/One-Stop Operators

The Executive Committee is comprised of the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, and the Chair of Vice-Chair of

each committee. A list of the current Executive Committee members is included as Attachment F.

FISCAL AGENT – The current Fiscal Agent is included as Attachment G.

ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITY-The current Administrative Entity is included as Attachment H.

ONE STOP OPERATOR –The current One Stop Operator is included as Attachment I.

VII. Funding

A. Budget (All administrative functions are performed by the AE)


The budget is included as Attachment J

B. Fund Allocation limitations, if any, and priorities applied by one-stops (under 20 CFR 663.600 and

WIA sections 133(b)(2)(A) or (3)

Priorities for service in the event of fund limitations are developed. The EAWDB will assure that

Core Services are available to all persons defined as adults (age 18 or over). If funds are limited, the

EAWDB will use state and local priority of service policies established according to federal guidelines.

The Board has adopted a $19 per hour “self sufficiency” standard for eligibility for employed worker

training.

VIII. Activities to be Funded

A. Competitive process to be used to award grants and contracts in the local area for activities

carried out under WIA Title 1.

For any program, project grant, or contract exceeding $60,000, a detailed request for proposal (RFP)

will be developed with a list of tasks, completion dates and rating factors. RFP packages will be available

at EAWDB meetings, provided to all requesters and received by an announced deadline. Evaluators,

including members of the Youth Council for youth RFPs, will then rate each proposal and provide the

overall scores to the Board for their decision. Technical assistance will be provided if required.

Contracts with government agencies (federal, state, city, county, school, community college, and

university) may be awarded directly without RFP procedures for purchases and contracts. This

procedure will be openly presented at Board meetings for Board concurrence.

All RFP and purchasing activities will be conducted in accordance with New Mexico and Federal

Procurement code.


All proposed paperwork will be kept on file for review by the state-monitoring agency.

At a minimum, 30% of youth funds must be spent on out-of-school youth. The EAWDB has

instituted a 40% out-of-school minimum to keep up with anticipated changes at the federal level.

B. Framework for the youth program design in the local area and how the 10-program elements

required in 20 CFR 664.410 will be provided within that framework.

The EAWDB upon recommendation of the youth council will enter into contracts with competitively

selected youth provider(s) to provide regional programs which include the following elements:

Preparation for post secondary educational opportunities;

Strong linkages between academic and occupational learning

Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities;

Effective linkages with intermediaries with strong employer connections;

Alternative secondary school services;

Paid and unpaid work experiences;

Occupational skill training;

Leadership development opportunities;

Comprehensive guidance and counseling; and

Follow-up services.

The Youth Council has recommended and the EAWDB approved on June 11, 2012, the current

provider contract. The current contract can be extended through June 30, 2015.

C. Coordination with Job Corps, Youth Opportunity Grants, and other youth programs in the local

area

Job Corps, regional cooperatives, staff or committee members, and existing youth providers will be

appointed to the Youth Council. MOUs have been developed between providers and agencies indicated

above.


D. Process to be used for identifying eligible providers of youth activities

The Youth Council will recommend providers based on well-publicized competitive grants to the

EAWDB who will then award grants. Appropriate committees of the Board will evaluate these providers

as appropriate for WIA activities.

E. Type and availability of youth activities in the local area, including successful providers of such

activities

Youth employment and training providers currently in the area include but are not limited to:

Existing Public Post Secondary Institutions

Regional Educational Cooperatives

New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Adult Basic Education

Economic Development Providers

Job Corps

New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Community Based Organizations and Grantees

New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired


F. Type and availability of adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities in the

local area.

Adult and Dislocated Worker employment and training providers currently in the area include but

are not limited to:

NMDWS

Post Secondary Institutions

NM Aging and Long-Term Service Department

New Mexico Coalition on Literacy

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Adult Basic Education

TANF services

HUD-Family Self Sufficiency programs

NM DVR

G. Limits on Individual Training Accounts (ITA) as established by EAWDB policies within

requirements of the State.

The EAWDB has established local policy 11-12 which provides for the duration and cost limits of 104

weeks and $6000.00 in accordance with state policy 11.2.11 within a five-year period.

IX. Coordination and Non-Duplication

A. Coordination of workforce investment activities by the EAWDB with statewide rapid response

activities

Rapid response activities coordination between the NM DWS Rapid Response Unit and EAWDB have

been developed and will provide integration efforts among state agencies and local service providers.

Rapid response activities coordination between the NM DWS Rapid Response Unit and EAWDB follow


SAE Information Notice No. 40-00 which defines the State of New Mexico Rapid Response Procedure

and coordination responsibilities.

B. Plan to avoid duplication of services

The EAWDB has placed a strong emphasis on the integration and non-duplication of services in the

one-stop system. This is to be achieved through the alignment of staff in the center by strength and

function rather than program.

X. Special Populations and other Groups

A. Non-discrimination, equal opportunity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

process [WIA §188(a)(2)]

The state policy and the EAWDB Open Meetings Resolution contain the described process. The

EAWDB open meetings resolution is included as Attachment K.

B. In addition to the five youth barriers as defined in 11.2.14 and 11.2.8 NMAC, the EAWDB has

established a sixth barrier (An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational

program or to secure or hold employment) eligibility criterion as required by the WIA. The EAWDB has

defined this barrier to be: an individual (including youth with a disability) who requires additional

assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment. Because the State

has chosen to not define “additional assistance” as relates to WIA Youth program eligibility, each Local

Board has the responsibility for determining its own definition of this eligibility category. The EAWDB

has defined this as: Any youth who meets any of the following criteria: a gifted student (as defined by

New Mexico State Department of Education Regulations) who requires additional assistance to

complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment; a youth who’s family is

dependent upon public assistance; a youth with poor work history as evidenced by the loss of and/or


changing of jobs three or more times in a twelve month period; or a youth who is at risk of school

and/or employment failure based on family/home factors, a youth with parents in the criminal justice

system, family violence factors, behind graduation rate on credits, substance abuse by youth or family

members, behind grade level, is a member of a household that has received public assistance in the last

six months, is believed by school or public agency to be at risk, is/or was an ESL student, family history of

seasonal or poor work history, referred by police or courts, has a history of or is at risk of gang

involvement.

Up to five percent of the youth participants may be individuals who do not meet the minimum

income criteria, if such individuals still meet one of the following barriers (which are different from the

barriers for low income youth):

A. A school dropout; B. Basic skills deficient; C. Are one or more grade levels below the grade level appropriate to the individual’s age; D. Pregnant or a parent; E. Possess one or more disabilities, including learning disabilities; F. Homeless or a runaway; G. An offender; or H. Faces serious barriers to employment as identified by the Local Board. (Local Boards who wish

to use this eligibility category must define “serious barriers to employment” in their Local Plan. The EAWDB has defined this as: Any youth who meets any of the following criteria: a gifted student (as defined by New Mexico State Department of Education Regulations) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment; a youth who’s family is dependent upon public assistance; a youth with poor work history as evidenced by the loss of and/or changing of jobs three or more times in a twelve month period; or a youth who is at risk of school and/or employment failure based on family/home factors, a youth with parents in the criminal justice system, family violence factors, behind graduation rate on credits, substance abuse by youth or family members, behind grade level, is a member of a household that has received public assistance in the last six months, is believed by school or public agency to be at risk, is/or was an ESL student, family history of seasonal or poor work history, referred by police or courts, has a history of or is at risk of gang involvement.

Note: Individuals ages 18 through 21 may be eligible for both Adult and Youth programs if they

meet the respective eligibility requirements for both programs.


XI. Performance accountability and Improvements

A. Local levels of performance measures negotiated with the Governor and CEOs including a

description of the core indicators of performance; customer satisfaction indicators; local methods to

ensure incremental progress and improvement on performance measurers; and EAWDB timely and

accurate reporting of all performance measures data (client specific)

The current EAWDB performance measures are included as Attachment L.

B. Improvement of eligible providers of services and meeting the employment needs of local

employers and participants

As stated above in parts “II Workforce System” and “IV. One Stop Delivery System” section “I.

Private sector employers’ participation in the local workforce investment system and assisting the

employer in meeting hiring needs,” the EAWDB has placed a first level priority on serving employers’

need and has instituted several measures to insure that its priorities are met. Those measures are

mentioned in those prior parts of this plan. One of those measures “emphasizes customer satisfaction

and continuous improvement.” In order to do that the EAWDB has provided training for One Stop staff

to assist them in service to employers. The EAWDB has established a priority for providers to expend, to

the best of their ability, at least half of available adult training funds on OJT and customized training, as

this seems to be a more direct benefit to employers than individual training accounts.

executive summary - eawdbeawdb.org/.../h_eawdb_interimlocalplan_approved_june2015.pdf ·...

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