Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide 2024 PDF

The following is not a new law but agency guidance to clarify the existing statutes or regulations. For more information, contact the WIOATAA Mailbox. Idaho Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Technical Assistance Guide Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide Revised 8/2024 Table of Contents Section 1: WIOA Overview.................................................................................... 1 Section 2: Adult / Dislocated Worker / Youth..................................................... 9 Section 3: Registration, Initial Assessment, Basic Career Services,............... 13 Section 4: Eligibility and Priority........................................................................ 16 Section 5: Intensive Assessment.......................................................................... 33 Section 6: ISS/Employment Plan and Services.................................................. 34 Section 7: Supportive Services............................................................................ 38 Section 8: Individualized Career Services......................................................... 48 Section 9: Occupational Skills Training............................................................. 52 Section 10: Exit..................................................................................................... 57 Section 11: Program Follow-up.......................................................................... 60 Section 12: Performance...................................................................................... 61 Section 13: Credential Attainment..................................................................... 64 Section 14: Supplemental Data Sources and Documentation.......................... 70 Section 15: Participant Records Retention after Exit...................................... 71 Section 16: Participant Worker Compensation Coverage............................... 73 Section 17: Acceptable Documents..................................................................... 75 Section 18: Definitions......................................................................................... 86 Summary of Changes........................................................................................... 89 Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide Revised 8/2024 Section 1: WIOA Overview The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the federal act that authorizes numerous workforce development programs and a One-Stop system. WIOA is the primary law governing the federally funded, state-administered, and locally delivered workforce development system. Enacted on July 1, 2015, WIOA replaced the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Also, it retains and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs are authorized explicitly in WIOA Title I-B. WIOA Key themes The law addresses numerous programs, but there are four overarching themes: Program Alignment, including Integrated Service Delivery Accountability Career Pathways Serving Individuals with Barriers to Employment WIOA State Plan - Program Alignment, including Integrated Service Delivery WIOA specifically designated six core federal investment programs in workforce skill development to ensure that workforce development programs work together. These programs must develop a unified state plan and submit joint performance metrics. The core programs are: Title I-B grants for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth Title II grants for adult education and literacy programs (Adult Ed) Title III incorporating Wagner-Peyser Employment Services Title IV grants for state Vocational Rehabilitation grants to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment In addition to the core programs, WIOA Title I also authorizes Job Corps, YouthBuild, National Dislocated Worker Grants, workforce development programs for Native Americans, and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers. The core programs must develop a Unified State Plan every four years that describes the state’s vision, goals, and implementation strategies for implementing WIOA. States are encouraged to include additional workforce partners within the state planning process to create a Combined State Plan instead of a unified plan. In 2020, Idaho developed a Combined State Plan with the following partners: WIOA Title I-B – Idaho Department of Labor WIOA Title II – Adult Education (within Career Technical Education) WIOA Title III – Idaho Department of Labor Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 1 WIOA Title IV – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Senior Community Service Employment Program – Commission on Aging Trade Adjustment Assistance – Idaho Department of Labor Jobs for Veterans State Grants – Idaho Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance - Idaho Department of Labor In addition to the state plan, WIOA specifically directs all federal workforce program partners to work together and provide coordinated services to the local community's individuals and employers through a state’s One-Stop system, which requires -other non-WIOA federal workforce programs to participate. WIOA authorizes state and local workforce development boards to develop and oversee this system. More information is provided in the One-Stop section. Accountability WIOA focuses on heightened performance measures and service delivery effectiveness. As mentioned, the core WIOA programs share identical performance measures to contribute to a joint state performance measure and ease program comparison. In addition to the program performance reports, regular program evaluations lead to increased accountability and transparency; these evaluations are primarily driven by data collection. Career Pathways States must develop career pathways in industry-specific sectors to ensure career advancement opportunities align with opportunities in the state and local communities. The plan also integrates education, training, support services, and other workforce services to advance opportunities for workers and job seekers, especially individuals with barriers to employment. Serving Individuals with Barriers to Employment The WIOA State Plan and One-Stop system must specify how they will serve individuals with employment barriers prioritized by the WIOA Title I-B programs. All program performance reports track the number and type of individuals with barriers served, and these data are also considered part of the performance measures. WIOA Governance WIOA provides numerous levels of governance for its programs. Locate resources for administering and delivering Title I-B workforce development programs on the WIOA Law & Policies Page. Federal Law USDOL WIOA, as a federal law, provides statutory directives from Congress for the programs it authorizes. The Act is divided into the following major sections: Title I - Governance and Workforce Investment Activities Title II – Adult Literacy and Education Title III – Wagner-Peyser Title IV -Vocational Rehabilitation Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 2 Title V – General Provisions This Technical Assistance Guide covers programs authorized under Title I, subtitles A and B. Title I-A defines the system’s governance, including the performance accountability system. Title I-B establishes the required workforce investment activities, qualifications for providers of those activities, and funding streams to support them. Federal Regulations Congress charged the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education with overseeing WIOA-authorized programs under their jurisdiction. These Departments issued federal regulations that provide specific directions for implementing the statutory directives. The two Departments issued joint regulations for three significant areas: State Plan, Performance, and One-Stop. The Department of Labor issued separate regulations for system governance and administering and providing the individual programs under its jurisdiction. Other notable regulations are those issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, specifically for implementing WIOA Section 188, the Equal Opportunity requirements. And those from the Office of Management and Budget regulating the administration of all federal grant funds, including specific guidance for Department of Labor grants. Federal Guidance In addition to published regulations, federal agencies issue advisories related to their programs' administration. The U.S. Department of Labor Issues Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs) and Training and Employment Notices (TENs) provide official notification and additional instructions for implementing the law's specific provisions. USDOL TEGLs often have a special designation for WIOA Operational Guidance, usually issued jointly (i.e., identical) with the Rehabilitation Services Agency and Family Literacy Agency under the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have provided joint guidance for the TANF and SNAP employment and training programs as part of the One-Stop system. WIOA State Policies State Workforce Development Board The Governor established the Idaho Workforce Development Council as a WIOA-compliant state workforce board to provide strategic direction for the workforce development system. The Workforce Development Council comprises business representatives, representatives of the state’s labor and workforce organizations, and government agencies that administer federal workforce programs. The state board assists the Governor by conducting strategic planning and facilitating operational alignment of programs at the state level, including joint performance reporting. WIOA authorizes the state board to set governance policies for the One-Stop delivery system. Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 3 Local Workforce Development Board As currently allowed by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Idaho Workforce Development Council also serves as a local workforce development board. As law and regulations allow, it selects the Title I-B service providers to participate in the One-Stop delivery system. A local board provides strategic direction through policies. It directly funds the Title I-B programs (Adult, Dislocated Workers, and Youth) and their service delivery in its local area One-Stop for job seekers and employers. It provides career and training services to eligible adults and dislocated workers.. Administrative Entity The Governor designated the Idaho Department of Labor as the Administrative Entity and Fiscal Agent for WIOA Title I funds. IDOL is responsible for ensuring the funds are spent and managed per federal law and that the programs comply with federal law and policies promulgated by the Workforce Development Council. The State may set policies and procedures to ensure federal regulations and policy compliance. Local Service Providers in One-Stop Delivery System Local boards select the following types of service providers who are responsible for delivering workforce services in the local area per the service delivery design: One-Stop Operator As of PY 21, the Idaho Department of Labor, as the One-Stop operator, is currently under contract (with local Title I-B funds) to ensure coordinated service delivery among the One- Stop partners. The One-Stop operator may have additional responsibilities determined by the Workforce Development Council. Career Services Provider As of 2022, Equus Workforce Solutions is currently under contract to provide career services and access to training services using both the WIOA Title I-B Adult program and Dislocated Worker program funding. The Idaho Department of Labor provides career services and referral to training services using Wagner-Peyser (Employment Services) program funding. Provider for Youth Workforce Investment Activities The Workforce Development Council selected the Idaho Department of Labor as the youth workforce investment activities provider and is under contract to provide services to eligible youth, including access to the required program elements. Resources The following documents are located online on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act/WIOA Law and Policies page: Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 4 Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Federal WIOA Final Rules Idaho’s WIOA Combined State Plan Idaho’s Workforce Development Council Governance and Program Policies WIOA Policy Guidance Memos (WIOAPs) WIOA Information Bulletins (WIOABs) WIOA Technical Assistance Guide (TAG) The following documents are available from your organization’s administrative staff: WIOA Provider Agreement General Provisions and Assurances attached to the Agreement One-Stop Delivery System The federal government supports over a dozen programs offering employment and training services to the public. Recognizing the need to coordinate these programs and provide related services to the target populations, Congress mandated the One-Stop delivery system to provide program services in local areas. (WIOA Sec. 122) Under WIOA, One-Stop has been co-opted as both an adjective and a noun. A One-Stop system or One-Stop network collectively describes the workforce development service delivery system. One-Stops are the locations where services are provided. WIOA has tried to shift the language where One-Stops are now “American Job Centers.” American Job Center now has required branding for everything associated with the One-Stop system. Idaho has adopted the “Proud Partner of the American Job Center Network” logo for its One-Stop branding. Approximately 20 federal programs must provide their services in the One-Stop system. WIOA also lists many other federal programs promoted to be part of the One-Stop system and allows other government or private programs to participate. The entities administering the programs are called One-Stop partners. Vision The One-Stop system's responsibility is to ensure that the services provided are seamless. The One-Stop delivery system's vision is for an individual to go to a single location to receive all the assistance he needs. The individual does not need to know which program provides each service. The staff behind the scenes will settle any fragmentation based on different program requirements and will not be placed on the individual to navigate. Although all programs contribute to the One-Stop delivery system, the adult and dislocated worker funding streams are specifically designated to establish the One-Stop system. The adult and dislocated worker programs fully complement basic and individualized career services. The One-Stop system is designed to have a single intake to receive career services. Most of the other One-Stop partner programs must provide some career services, such as intake and eligibility determination. Because the adult and dislocated worker programs provide all those services, they are usually the service providers for those programs that provide career services on behalf of all Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 5 One-Stop partners. Therefore, it is redundant in the One-Stop system for each program provider to offer individuals these same services. Idaho One-Stop Partner Programs (As of 2024) Idaho Division of Career-Technical Education WIOA Title IB Employment and Training Programs – Perkins Postsecondary Programs - CTE Adult, Dislocated Workers, Youth, & National Dislocated Adult Education & Family Literacy Act - Adult Education Worker Grants (Equus operates the Adult and Dislocated Idaho Commission on Aging Worker programs) Senior Community Service Employment Program WIOA Title III – Wagner-Peyser/Employment Services Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation TAA – Trade Adjustment Assistance WIOA Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation Jobs for Veterans Grants Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Unemployment Insurance Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Community Council of Idaho Work-related Employment and Training Programs National Farmworkers Jobs Program – WIOA Title I, Sec. Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 167 WIOA Title IV VR YouthBuild - WIOA Title I, Sec. 171 Idaho Department of Labor Resources: WIOA One-Stop Policies – Infrastructure Funding Agreement Guidance https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/WIOA/Law-and-Policies WIOA Sec. 122 Services to be provided through the One-Stop delivery system WIOA SEC. 121(e) requires each local area to establish a One-Stop delivery system providing career services. The One-Stop delivery system shall also provide access to training services, other employment and training services, programs and activities carried out by WIOA One-Stop partners, labor exchange services, and labor market information. The following career services offered through the One-Stop delivery system are detailed later on in this TAG: One-Stop Basic career services Initial assessment Labor exchange services Individualized career services Follow-up services Universal Access to Career Services WIOA self-service and informational career services are designed to be universally delivered across the One-Stop delivery system. Self Service One self-service entry point to the One-Stop is the IdahoWorks Labor Exchange services website. This website can determine eligibility for WIOA Title I-B and other workforce development Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 6 programs and offer labor exchange services. It also provides information about eligible training providers and workforce and labor market information. Information on workforce and labor market employment statistics, including accurate information relating to local, regional, and national labor market areas, in-demand industry sectors and occupations, and job vacancies, is on the Idaho Labor Market Information Website. Job-seeking customers may use JobScape, or if a student is in Idaho schools, Next Steps Idaho or Tableau In- Demand Occupations as career search tools to allow them to find the necessary information. In addition to providing information on careers and education opportunities, JobScape allows users to create accounts and perform personalized assessment activities. Staff-Assisted Services All basic career services are available from each American Job Center staff or the Idaho Department of Labor’s mobile location. Any staff member can perform a simple initial assessment and be empowered to connect the individual with the appropriate service – directly or through a referral to individualized career, training, or supportive services. Business Services They are offered through the One-Stop delivery system and shall include labor exchange services authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.) Filing job orders, preliminary screening and referring applicants, referral follow-up, and amending job order specifications as necessary to provide appropriate and adequate referrals. Assisting employers in defining job duties for job orders, training programs, and meeting basic legal requirements. Recruiting applicants to increase the labor pool. Recruit applicants for a particular employer via special efforts such as job fairs. Placing job listings into IdahoWorks. Including in the Resource Centers' employer-orientated materials. Provide employers with a list of mandatory workers and employer posters. Provide educational seminars on relevant topics and participate in local business groups. Prohibition of Nepotism No recipient or sub-recipient, including employers participating in work-based program activities such as On-the-Job training, may hire or engage a person in any position or program activity funded under WIOATAA if a member of that person's immediate family* is involved in any administrative or management capacity** related to the hiring, selection, placement, supervision (to the second degree) responsibilities and funding organization. No employer may hire an immediate family member into a work-based training position. Also, no individual (neither new hire nor incumbent worker) may enter a WIOATAA-funded work-based program activity if their family member is engaged in the abovementioned capacity. *For this rule, the term "member of the immediate family" includes persons related by blood, marriage, or decree of the court, within the second degree, to the WIOA work-based training or program activity participant, including the spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, stepparent, stepchild, grandchild, corresponding in-laws Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 7 to these family members, or any other persons related by decrees of the court within the second degree. **For purposes of this rule, the term "administrative or management capacity" includes overall administrative responsibility for the obtaining of or approval of any grant or Subgrant funded under the Act, as well as other persons who have influence or control over the administration of the program, such as the office manager, regional director, project director, deputy director and unit chiefs, and persons who have a selection, hiring, placement, or supervisory responsibilities for WIOATAA work-based program participants. Equal Opportunity Notice WIOA 10 Procedure for all participants. Program staff must: 1. Provide the participant with the WIOA 10 at the time of enrollment. The WIOA 10 can be in either electronic or paper form. 2. Discuss the WIOA 10 with the participant and document in enrollment notes it was reviewed and provided. Reference: 29 CFR § 38.36(a) Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 8 Section 2: Adult / Dislocated Worker / Youth Primary Purpose This section provides a general overview of Idaho's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program designed for WIOA Title I-B Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth program WIOA staff who provide job seekers access to employment, education, training, and supportive services to succeed in the labor market and match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Prioritizing individuals with barriers to employment, the WIOA Adult program offers workforce activities to help increase the employment, retention, earnings, and attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials of adults age 18 and older. The WIOA, Dislocated Worker program, provides services to individuals who have been terminated, laid off, or received notice of termination or layoff from employment, generally due to plant closures or downsizing. Services provided to adults and dislocated workers under Title I-B of WIOA can be a pathway to the middle class and maintain and build skills to maintain that status. Across all titles, WIOA focuses on serving “individuals with barriers to employment” and seeks to ensure access to these populations' quality services. The WIOA Youth program prepares vulnerable youth and other job seekers for successful employment, providing services that increase the youth’s knowledge of and ability to enter in- demand career pathways. (Review Top 150 List-Tableau) Suitable, Appropriate, not an Entitlement Many applicants may be eligible for WIOA Title I-B programs but are not appropriate for enrollment. Their needs or expectations may not match the available services, or they may need to resolve personal issues before benefiting from enrollment. WIOA staff should make appropriate referrals to other service providers within and outside the One-Stop system. Applicants should be encouraged to reapply if and when their circumstances change to make WIOA enrollment more suitable. WIOA is not an entitlement program. WIOA staff are responsible for enrolling eligible and appropriate applicants for service. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant can apply for WIOA. WIOA staff must confirm eligibility through an examination of the required documentation. Reference: Federal Register Vol 81 No. 161 WIOA Sec 134 (c) (3) A Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 9 Application Date, Enrollment Date, the 45-Day Clock, and IdahoWorks “Application” is the process of collecting the necessary and available information and documentation to support a determination of eligibility. Information is collected through electronic data transfer, personal interviews, or an individual’s application. The first day a WIOA staff collects applicants' eligibility information is the application date. The enrollment date is when the individual begins receiving their first service following the application's completion.WIOA staff Based on the guidelines, the eligibility/application documentation for WIOA must not be older than 45 days at the time of enrollment. Additionally, the WIOA enrollments should not be delayed due to pending supporting documentation. For further details, please refer to TEGL 10-23 Although available verification documents (ID, residency, etc.) will reflect participant information as of the application date, demographic characteristics entered in IdahoWorks should be updated to reflect the participant’s actual circumstances as of the enrollment date. Example: If an individual is employed when they begin the application process, but the job ends before enrollment, they should enroll as “unemployed.” The date the participant applies for the WIOA program must be entered in the participant's job seeker notes. General Enrollment / Eligibility of all Programs WIOA self-service and informational career services are designed to be universally delivered to individuals seeking these services in the one-stop system. Those seeking services beyond this level must show eligibility among at least one of the WIOA Title I-B programs – Adult, Dislocated Worker, or Youth – to receive a more comprehensive level of services. The state’s Eligibility and Priority of Service policy highlights the eligibility criteria for the state’s three Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I-B programs and priority of service (PoS) criteria for all of Idaho’s WIOA programs, as established by the WDC. The following section provides more detail on determining and documenting eligibility and appropriateness for enrollment. TEGL 10-23 The purpose is to streamline intake and eligibility processes, ensuring equitable access to career services and training to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of workforce development programs by reducing administrative burdens and focusing on customer needs. Reducing barriers Enrolling appropriate customers without waiting for eligibility documents upfront. Offer allowable services and gradually collect supporting documentation as services develop. Utilizing self-attestation whenever possible for eligibility documentation. o See supporting documentation pages 74-85. Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 10 We encourage all CP/CCs to get the highest level of documentation without burdening the participant. See Section 17 – Acceptable Documentation. WIOAP ????? Selective Service Registration Selective Service Allowable Source documentation U.S. citizens and legal residents aged eighteen through twenty-five who were assigned male at birth must register with the Selective Service System (SSS), including those who may have changed their gender to female. Those required to register with SSS must do so within 30 days of the individual's 18th birthday and before attaining their 26th birthday. Applications for federal financial aid for higher education, federal employment, United States Citizenship, and other government benefits, such as WIOA, have been made contingent upon Selective Service registration to encourage compliance. Selective Service registration may be verified online at Selective Service System. The individual's name, date of birth, and social security number are needed to verify the registration. A chart of who must and is not required to register with Selective Service may be found online - https://www.sss.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/WhoMustRegisterChart.pdf. The registration requirement also applies to those enrolled or enrolling in the WIOA Youth Program. Youth who turn 18 during WIOA enrollment have 30 days from their 18th birthday to register for Selective Service. If not registered within 30 days, WIOA services must be discontinued until the client is registered. Applicants whose registration cannot be verified must request a Status Information Letter from Selective Service that clarifies whether they are exempt from the registration requirement. The Selective Service uses Social Security and other databases to determine who they believe was assigned male at birth. To obtain this letter, the individual must complete a Status Information Letter Request form. Individuals who have changed their gender to male will be asked to submit this request and provide a copy of their birth certificate. As indicated in the Status Information Letter, those over the age of 26 who did not register with Selective Service may receive WIOA services if they can establish that their failure to register was not intentional. Suppose the WIOA staff determines the applicant’s failure to register with Selective Service was not knowing and willful. In that case, the applicant may complete a Registrant Statement (WIOA 74-B) explaining why they failed to register and submit it with their eligibility documents. To determine whether the failure was “knowing,” WIOA staff should ask the following: Was the individual aware of the requirement to register? If the individual knew about the registration requirement, were they misinformed about whether this applied to them(e.g., veterans discharged before their 26th birthday were occasionally told that they did not need to register)? On which date did the individual first learn they were required to register? Where did the individual live between the ages of 18 and 26? Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 11 Does the status information letter indicate that Selective Service sent letters to the individual at that address and did not receive a response? Was the failure to register done deliberately and intentionally? Did the individual have the mental capacity to choose whether or not to register? What actions, if any, did the individual take when they learned of the requirement to register? Designated female at birth If the applicant was designated female at birth and has had sex reassignment surgery, they do not need to register with the Selective Service. However, if they are applying for federal benefits that require proof of Selective Service registration (including educational loans), they must show they were never required to register with Selective Service. People who are designated female at birth are never required to register. They can prove this by requesting a Status Information Letter from the Selective Service System. They must explain in detail why they believe they were not required to register for the selective service (they were designated female at birth, were diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder [OR], an intersex condition, and have now completed sex reassignment). They should also include supporting documentation, such as a letter of affidavit from your treating physician and a copy of their original birth certificate (with female gender marker). Once they receive their Status Information Letter, could staff keep it in their files? The exemption letter will not specify why the exemption is allowed, so it will not force a participant to out themselves in any other application process. The Selective Service does, however, require a copy of their birth certificate showing their birth-assigned sex. If the sex on their birth certificate has been changed, attach any documentation noting this change. Please note: Although Selective Service materials refer to transgender people as “people who have had a sex change,” their policies apply to those who have transitioned regardless of surgical history. Complete the ‘Request for Status Information Letter’ form and submit it along with all supporting documentation to: Selective Service System P.O. Box 94638 Palatine, IL 60094-4638 Designated male at birth If a participant was designated male at birth, even if they’ve had sex reassignment surgery, they must register with the Selective Service. However, if the draft is resumed, they may file a claim for exemption from military service if they receive an order for an examination or induction. People assigned male at birth must register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. This includes those who may have transitioned before or since then. The Selective Service uses Social Security and other databases to determine who they believe was assigned male at birth. As of now, it is unclear whether transgender people are eligible for military service, but they are required to register nonetheless, and this is necessary to gain access to certain government Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 12 benefits. NAME CHANGES AND THE SELECTIVE SERVICE People assigned male at birth and required to register must also inform the Selective Service of any legal name change or change in other record information, such as an address, up until their 26th birthday. This does not include a change of gender, as the Selective Service policy is entirely based on birth-assigned sex. For transwomen and others who were assigned male at birth and have registered with the Selective Service, notification of a name change is legally required within 10 days. To update their records, they must complete a Change of Information Form attached to the Registration Acknowledgement Card with their new name. Alternatively, they can fill out a Change of Information Form called SSS Form 2, which may be obtained at any United States Post Office, U.S. Embassy, or Consulate abroad. They may also change their information with the Selective Service by letter - including their full name, Social Security Number, Selective Service Number, date of birth, current mailing address, and a new name in the letter. With these three methods, they must attach official name change documentation and mail it to the Selective Service. Updates take four to six weeks, after which they will be mailed a new acknowledgment card. Suppose a WIOA staff determines that an individual’s failure to register with the Selective Service was not knowing and willful. The individual is eligible, and services may be provided to the participant. However, if the WIOA provider determines that evidence shows that the individual’s failure to register was knowing and willful, the participant will be denied WIOA services. Individuals denied services must be advised of the available grievance procedures. Individuals denied services must be advised of available WIOA grievance procedures. References: WIOA Section 189(h) 20 CFR 683.225 Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 140 - Information Collection for WIOA – 7-22-15 TEGL 11-11 Change 2 TEGL 22-15 - Data Validation & Performance Reporting Timelines –3-12-16 Legally entitled and authorized to work in the United States Citizenship status / Authorized to work in the United States Allowable Source Documentation To receive financial assistance services under Title I-B of WIOA, participants must be available to citizens and nationals of the United States, lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens, refugees, asylum and parolees, and other immigrants authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary’s designee to work in the United States. See https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 for the most current list of acceptable documentation. Ensure that each document is an unexpired original document. References: Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 13 Individuals not authorized to work in the United States may receive non-financial assistance services in WIOA. TEGL 10-23 20 CFR 683.285(5) TEGL 5-08 WIOA Joint Rule Narrative, page 55838 TEGL 26-16 Idaho Residency Residency Allowable Source Documentation Statewide-Service Policy Idaho residents eligible for career and training services in the Adult, Dislocated Workers, and Youth programs will receive priority for WIOA program enrollment. Residents of other states who wish to receive WIOA individualized career and training services will be considered, pending funding availability or referral to the One-Stop system in(from?) their home state. Homeless individuals may qualify as Idaho residents if they’ve provided appropriate verification. New residents to the state meet this eligibility requirement as soon as they provide a physical address for in-state residence. No minimum time factor applies for residency. Age / Date of Birth Age / Date of Birth Allowable Source Documentation Adult and Dislocated Worker Out-of-School Youth 18 and older 16-24 Age requirements are established at enrollment, so a youth who turns 25 after enrollment in the WIOA Youth Program may continue to receive youth services until WIOA activities and follow-up are complete. References: WIOA Sec 3(2) Adult & DW 20 CFR 680.120 Adult& DW WIOA Section 129(a) (C) Youth WIOA Section 129(a) (B) Youth Federal Register Vol. 80 No. 140 20 CFR 681.210 and.220 Youth TEGL 22-15 Available Services WIOA provides three types of career services: Basic Career Services Individualized Career Services Follow-Up Services Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 14 Section 3: Registration, Initial Assessment, Training Plan, Employment Plan, and Basic Career Services Registration All customers must register using Idaho’s Labor Exchange System, IdahoWorks. What is an assessment? An assessment is an ongoing, collaborative process of WIOA staff and participants to identify strengths, transferable skills, interests, work values, personal priorities, and employment barriers. It is not something that a WIOA staff does to the participant, but rather an activity in which the WIOA staff serves as a facilitator supporting the participant in the goal-setting process. An assessment leads to self-awareness and relies on the participant being an active part of the process. A WIOA staff will help the participant collect and analyze information to develop an action plan and identify appropriate program service options to achieve self-sufficient employment. An assessment should address a participant’s needs, strengths, support systems, education, job skills, and interests and remove barriers to employment career goals gathered informally through participant interviews, observations, or formal assessment tools. Reference 20 CFR 678.430 (a) WIOA has two types of Assessments Initial assessment/Initial interview Intensive assessment Assessment/Initial interview The initial assessment, recognized as an “initial interview” among One-Stop partners, is the preliminary evaluation of a participant's work history, skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, education, and needs to assess the participant's employability. Personal interviews between the WIOA staff and participants can provide in-depth information that is not easily obtained through other methods. Since personal interviews do not typically follow a predetermined set of questions, different data is gathered with each interview. Because responses to questions posed in the interview cannot always be recorded while the interview is in progress, care should be taken to note complete answers afterward. The WIOA-required intensive assessment, which requires a deeper dive into a participant’s interests, is more thoroughly covered in Section 5. The initial assessment provides the WIOA staff with information about the participant's current interests, attitudes, aptitudes, and personal beliefs – all of which have a bearing on employability, eligibility, and appropriateness. A thorough interview will help WIOA staff determine whether a customer is appropriate for WIOA. Occasionally, a customer may be eligible for the WIOA program but will have barriers that may make successful participation difficult. Through the interview process, the WIOA staff can work with the customer, determine if enrollment in WIOA is appropriate, and recommend resources to the customer to remove barriers to employment. Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 13 The 5-S Assessment Interview Various tools are available to help an interviewer reach their information-gathering goal. One of them that has helped WIOA staff is the 5-S interview method, a suggested case management tool for keeping assessment interviews structured and focused on gathering information relevant to the WIOA program's goals and the participant's goals. The 5-S Interview and similar tools aim not to ask all the questions but to learn more about the customer. The 5-S Interview Template can be located in IdahoWorks resources. 1. Self 2. Situation 3. Support 4. Strategies 5. Skills Training and Employment Plan IdahoWorks is the repository for participants’ individual service strategy (ISS). WIOA staff must use the employment and training plan template before adding the ISS to IdahoWorks. Please review WIOAP 01-21 Management Information System for more information. Basic Career Services Basic career services must be made available to all individuals seeking assistance in the One-Stop delivery system, and, at minimum, participants must have access to the following services: Determination of whether the individual is eligible to receive assistance from the adult dislocated worker or youth programs, Outreach, intake (including identification through the state's worker profiling and Reemployment Services system of unemployment insurance (UI) claimants likely to exhaust benefits), and orientation to information and other services available through the One-Stop delivery system, Initial assessment of skills levels to determine literacy, numeracy, and English language proficiency to assess aptitudes, abilities (including skills gaps), and support service needs. Labor exchange services Job search and placement assistance, and when needed by an individual, career counseling including:  Information on in-demand industry sectors and occupations (WIOA Sec. 3(23),  Appropriate recruitment and other business services on behalf of employers. Referrals to and coordination of activities with other programs and services, Labor market employment statistics information to individuals and employers, Performance information and program cost information on eligible providers of education, training, and workforce services by program and type of providers, Information and meaningful assistance to individuals seeking assistance in filing a claim for unemployment compensation, “Meaningful assistance” means,  Assisting on-site using staff who are well-trained in unemployment compensation claims filing and the rights and responsibilities of claimants, Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 14  Assisting by phone or via other technology, as long as the assistance is provided by trained and available staff and within a reasonable time,  The State’s unemployment insurance program, the WIOA adult or dislocated worker programs, or some combination thereof may pay for this assistance. Assistance in establishing eligibility for programs of financial aid assistance for training and education programs not provided under WIOA, Provide referrals to and coordinate activities with other programs and services, Labor market information, including information relating to local, regional, and national labor market areas, Information on eligible providers of training services by program and provider type, Information and appropriate referrals to services and assistance, including but not limited to:  Childcare,  Child support services,  Medical assistance is available through the state’s Medicaid program and Children’s Health Insurance Program,  Benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),  Assistance through the earned income tax credit,  Assistance under a state program for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other support services and transportation provided through that program,  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors housing counseling and assistance services. Reference: WIOA Sec 134 (c) (2) (A) (i) (xi) 20 CFR 678.430 (a) 20 CFR 680.150 (a) TEGL 10-16, Change 3 TEGL 16-16 Section 4: Eligibility and Priority A. Adult Priority The priority of service for individualized career services is to be determined, in order, by the following priority groups: 1. Veterans and eligible spouses who are recipients of public assistance, low income, or basic skills deficient. 2. All other individuals are recipients of public assistance, low income, or deficient basic skills. NOTE: Seventy-five percent (75%) of Adult program enrollments must be from these priority groups. 3. Veterans and eligible spouses who are NOT recipients of public assistance, low income, or basic skills deficient. 4. Other individuals not receiving public assistance are low-income or basic skills deficient and have a potential barrier to employment as defined by WIOA. Barriers to employment as defined by WIOA are the following: Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 15 a.Displaced homemakers, b.English language learners, low levels of literacy, cultural barriers, c.Exhausting TANF within two years, d.Ex-offenders, e.Homeless individuals/runaway youth, f.Long-term unemployed (27 or more consecutive weeks), g.Migrant and seasonal farmworkers, h.Persons with disabilities, i.Single parents (Including single pregnant women), j.Youth in foster care or aged out of the system, k.Individuals within an under-represented demographic, such as sex, race, or ethnicity (Native Americans/Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, African-Americans, Latino/Hispanic, etc.), l. Older individuals (age 55 and older). 5. Other individuals within these recognized groups: a. Individuals referred by other One-Stop partner programs, b. Individuals residing in rural counties. 6. Any other eligible individual deemed appropriate for services or training to obtain or retain employment. For purposes of WIOA eligibility, a veteran is defined as a person who: Served on active duty for more than 180 days and was discharged with other than a dishonorable discharge or Was discharged from active duty because of a service-connected disability or As a reservist, was called to active duty and served during a period of war or qualifying campaign and was discharged with other than a dishonorable discharge. A qualifying spouse is the spouse of any of the following: Any veteran who died of a service-connected disability, or Any member of the Armed Forces who is listed in one of the following categories for at least 90 days: missing in action, captured in the line of duty, forcibly detained by a foreign government, or Any veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability. Any other enrolled adult determined appropriate for services to obtain or retain employment. To receive WIOA training services, employed adults must not exceed self-sufficiency guidelines. References: 20 CFR 680.110 Federal Register Vol 80 No.140 TEGL 22-15 TEGL 10.16 Change 3 TEGL 19.16 Idaho Policy for Adult Program Service Provisions – Eligibility and Priority Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 16 Idaho Statewide Service Policies for WIOA Service Provision – I and II Self-Sufficiency for Employed Adults An employed individual enrolled in the Adult program considering training services must be evaluated for self-sufficiency. An employed adult in a permanent position is considered self- sufficient if their projected family income exceeds 155 percent of the Lower Level Standard Income Levels (LLSIL). Reference: 20 CFR 680.210 WIOA Definition of Low-Income An individual who meets any one of the following criteria is considered low-income for WIOA adult priority of service: Receives, or in the past six (6) months, have received or is a member of a family receiving or in the past six months has received assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), known as Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI); or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Receives an income or is a member of a family receiving income that, based on family size, is not over the current U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) 70 percent of the Lower Level Standard Income Levels (LLSIL) or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines, both of which are updated annually. See the IdahoWorks resource section for the most recent guidelines. IdahoWorks References:  WIOA Sec 3 (36) (A)  Idaho Policy for Adult Program Service Provisions – Eligibility and Priority WIOA Definition of Public Assistance Federal, State, or local government cash payments for which eligibility is determined by a needs or income test, which, in Idaho, includes: 1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 2. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) 3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI-SSA Title XVI) 4. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance Program Note: SNAP (food stamps), unemployment insurance, food banks, energy assistance, free or reduced school lunch, and other similar services are not considered public assistance under WIOA. They may, however, be an indicator of low-income status. WIOA Income-Based State or Local Assistance 1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 2. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 17 3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI-SSA Title XVI) 4. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance Program Family Size and Income Guidelines Definitions-Family: two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or decree of the court who are living in a single residence and included in one or more of the following categories: 1. A married couple and dependent children, 2. A parent or guardian and dependent children, or 3. A married couple. Dependent child: as referenced in the definition of family, includes children living in a single residence with parent(s) or guardian(s) and who DO NOT meet the definition of an independent child based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) guidelines. Independent child: shall include those children living in a single residence with parent(s) or guardian(s) and who fall into one (or more) of the following categories: Are 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the current year, An orphan or ward of the court or was a ward of the court until the individual reached the age of 18, Is currently enrolled as a college, graduate, or post-graduate student, Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, Is a married individual, Has legal dependents other than a spouse, Is a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence because of other unusual circumstances or They live with their parents(s) or guardian(s) but provide more than 50% of their support. Family size: The family composition is determined at the application's date. Members in the household who do not meet one of the family definition categories are not included in the family size. When determining family income for eligibility purposes, an individual with a disability’s income is based on the individual’s income rather than their family’s income. The individual’s income must still meet the definition of being considered low-income. Family income: means all income received by all members included in the family size (determined at the time of application) during the six months before application/registration, annualized by multiplying the six-month income by two (6-month income x 2). Income must be included unless specifically identified as being excluded from family income. Reference: 20 CFR 675.300 Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 18 The income of prior family members who may have comprised part of the family during the past six months but are no longer household members at the time of application (i.e., divorced, separated, or deceased spouse or other family members) would not be counted for income determination purposes. Only the income of the current family members should be calculated and applied against the current family size. Included and Excluded Income Guidelines for Enrolled Adults. Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL): Income level (adjusted for regional, metropolitan, urban, and rural differences and family size) determined annually by the Secretary of Labor based on the most recent lower living family budget issued by the Secretary. The Central Office distributes the Low Income Guideline Chart each year as this information is available. Included in Family Income 1. Money wages and salaries before any deductions; a. Net receipts from non-farm self-employment (receipts from a person's own unincorporated business, professional enterprise, or partnership after deductions for the business expense), b. Net receipts from farm self-employment (from a farm that operates as an owner, renter, or sharecropper, after deductions for farm operating expenses). 2. Regular payments from railroad retirement, strike benefits from union funds, worker's compensation, and training stipends, 3. Alimony, 4. Military: Pension payments such as those received by military retirees and pension benefits, 5. Pensions, whether private or government employees, 6. Regular insurance or annuity payments other than Supplemental Security Income disability (SSI) or veterans’ disability, 7. College or university grants (excluding Pell Grant), scholarships (not needs-based), assistantships, 8. Net gambling or lottery winnings, 9. Dividends, interest, net rental income, net royalties, and periodic receipts from estates or trusts. 10. Social Security Disability Insurance payments (SSDI) 11. WIOA One-Stop partner programs where income is not subsidized (e.g., On-the-Job Training wages), 12. Unemployment compensation, 13. Child support payments, 14. Old age survivor’s insurance benefits are received under section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 402). Old age survivor’s insurance benefits include: a. Social Security Survivor Benefits: paid to people up to age 18 who have had a parent die and the parent paid wages into the system, and b. Social Security Retirement Benefits: paid to people who reached their social security age. Exclude from Family Income 1. Public Assistance cash payments (including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), SSI, Refugee Case Assistance (RCA), and General Assistance (GA)), 2. Foster care child payments, Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 19 3. Title IV of the Higher Education Act (i.e., Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study (FWS), 4. Needs-based scholarship assistance, 5. Income earned while [the veteran was] on active military duty and specific veteran's benefits (i.e., compensation for service-connected disability, compensation for service-connected death, vocational rehabilitation, and education assistance), 6. Capital gains, 7. Any assets are drawn down as withdrawals from a bank, the sale of a property, a house, or a car, 8. Tax refunds, gifts, loans, lump-sum inheritances, one-time insurance payments, or compensation for an injury, 9. Non-cash benefits such as employer-paid fringe benefits, food or housing received in place of wages, Medicare, Medicaid, school meals, and housing assistance, 10. Tribal Government Payments (i.e., Per Capita Payments, Lease Payments, Individual Indian Money (IIM), 11. One-stop partner programs where income is subsidized. (e.g., work experiences, support services), 12. Any amounts received as military pay or allowance by any person who served on active duty and certain other specified benefits must be disregarded as income. B. Dislocated Worker Eligibility Dislocated worker services are provided to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Dislocated worker services aim to help individuals obtain in-demand, quality employment. Dislocated workers must meet the general eligibility requirements of Idaho residency, selective service registration, and U.S. work authorization. The dislocation of an individual implies the existence of a job of dislocation. The job of dislocation must have occurred within three years of enrollment. For military discharge, the period is 48 months. Dislocated worker self-sufficiency Use the WIOA 74C to determine dislocated worker self-sufficiency. A participant who earns 90% or more of the dislocation wage is considered self-sufficient and not eligible for training services. In addition to general eligibility requirements, dislocated workers must also meet one of the eight following criteria listed below: Group 1 Dislocated Worker: WIOA 3(15), Idaho Workforce Development Program Specific Requirements Policy Group 1 allowable source documentation Individuals who have been laid off received a notice of layoff were recently terminated or have received a notice of termination from employment through no fault of the applicant. (See Note regarding the use of Unemployment Insurance as sole eligibility documentation below) Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 20 AND Are eligible for or have exhausted Unemployment Insurance (UI) compensation, OR Has been employed for a duration sufficient to demonstrate attachment to the workforce but is not eligible for unemployment compensation due to insufficient earnings or having performed services for an employer not covered under state unemployment compensation law. Verification of workforce attachment is only necessary when an applicant worked for an employer not covered or eligible for UI due to insufficient earnings. Attachment can be demonstrated by full-time (30 hours or more per week or 1,560 hours worked per year) in the same or similar occupation for at least one year out of the last three before registration. AND Unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation. An individual is considered unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation when: Labor market information for the occupation shows a zero or negative growth rate, The local Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development representative, or other credible sources of regional economic information confirm the occupation or industry has shown a significant employment decline in the local labor market area, Employment Services confirms that, in the previous sixty days, there was a lack of job orders for that occupation to qualified job seekers, A plant closure or substantial layoff within the labor market area in the same industry or occupation has occurred in the last six months, The individual has been actively seeking but cannot find employment for four weeks in their previous industry or occupation. (The four weeks of unemployed time can be waived if the case manager can verify/document that the registrant is unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation), or A person is laid off from a job due to a lack of certification or Doctor or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor's statement indicating the applicant's inability to return to previous industry/occupation due to physical limitations. Terminated/laid-off Refers only to involuntary discharge, not for cause or work-related misconduct, Individuals may qualify as "laid off or terminated" when the Unemployment Insurance (UI) entity adjudicated the case and determined that the discharge was not for cause or that the decision to quit was explicitly warranted. Temporary Employees An applicant may not be automatically disqualified from enrollment in the WIOA dislocated worker program because the job of dislocation was not considered a permanent position. An employee under a temporary contract or placed by a temporary employment agency with an employer might be eligible under the same category as the company's regular employees (substantial layoff, plant closing) if a closing or significant layoff Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 21 did not cause the dislocation. Temporary employees directly under contract with the company are considered eligible, as are regular employees, if a layoff or closing caused their dislocation. The applicant must be unlikely to return to the job/industry, arbitrarily confirmed by the unemployment insurance division or the temporary agency. o However, temporary employees who are unemployed because the project or undertaking they were hired for has been completed are considered dislocated only after contacting the temporary agency and the agency has failed to find suitable work. Contracted Employees Employees working within a set contract (not through a temporary agency) that ends on a scheduled date are not eligible for the WIOA Dislocated Worker program. If the job ends before the contract end date and the applicant is not at fault for the separation, they are considered to have a job of dislocation. NOTE regarding the use of Unemployment Insurance as sole eligibility documentation: WIOA staff must evaluate and assess a potential dislocated worker’s status during the application, enrollment, and assessment process. The WIOA staff's assessment and the decision must be documented in enrollment notes for the participant to be eligible. Refugees/Foreign Trained Workers: The US Department of Labor has clarified that individuals whose job dislocation occurred outside the US qualify for WIOA dislocated worker services; however, documents traditionally used to verify eligibility may not be obtainable. The Idaho Office for Refugees (IOR) or their “Global Talent Idaho” (GTI) project staff verification of job dislocation and other eligibility factors is an allowable source of documentation for refugees/other immigrants served by IOR since their work history and dislocation are on record with IOR as part of their resettlement in the US. Suppose the individual is presently employed in the United States, and dislocation occurred outside the United States. In that case, WIOA staff should use the ONET to identify the US median wage for the job of overseas dislocation. Suppose the individual is permanently employed and earning less than 90% of the dislocation wage. They would not be considered self-sufficient. Use the WIOA-74C to support this. Group 2. Plant Closure or Substantial Layoff: Group 2 allowable source documentation Individuals who have been laid off or received a notice of termination or layoff from employment due to any permanent closure or substantial layoff at a facility or enterprise. Substantial Layoff is any reduction in force that is not the result of a plant closing and which results in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30 days of: At least 500 employees (excluding employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week), |OR Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 22 At least 50 employees (excluding employees regularly working less than 20 hours per week) and at least 33% of the regular full-time workforce. Group 3. General Announcement of Closure: Group 3 allowable source documentation Is employed at a facility where the employer has made a general announcement that such facility will close within 180 days. (Applicants from this group are eligible for the full range of WIOA services), OR Currently employed at a facility where the employer has announced that such facility will close after 180 days. (Applicants from this group may only receive "basic" career services and are not eligible to receive "individualized" career or "training" services until such a time that the specified closure date is within 180 days) A general announcement is a verifiable communication from the employer, authorized representative or designee informing the public of the business's closure or substantial layoff. A planned closure date for the facility is required. Group 4. Self-Employed: Group 4 allowable source documentation An individual who was self-employed (including employment as a farmer, rancher, or fisherman) or was a contributing family member in a self-employment endeavor but is unemployed due to a business downturn or failure that occurred as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of natural disasters. (Natural disaster is defined as a hurricane, tornado, storm flood, high water, wind- driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, or other catastrophe identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency), Group 5. Displaced Homemaker: Group 5 allowable source documentation An individual who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home and has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income, OR Is a dependent spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty and whose family income is significantly reduced because of a deployment, a call or order to active duty, a permanent change of station, or the service-connected death or disability of the participant, AND Is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment. Group 6. Spouse of an Armed Forces Member: Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 23 Group 6 allowable source documentation Is a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, AND Has experienced a loss of employment as a direct result of relocation to accommodate a permanent change in the duty station of such members, OR A spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty and unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment. Group 7. Separating Service Member: Group 7 allowable source documentation A separating service member with a discharge other than dishonorable who has received a notice of separation from the Department of Defense is appropriate for enrollment in DW career services while still a part of the Active Duty military. USDOL’s Employment and Training Administration policy generally dictates that a separating service member is unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation. Group 8. Governor's Group: Group 8 allowable source documentation Individuals laid off or terminated due to natural disasters or severe economic downturns, as defined and approved by the Governor or designated representative. References: WIOA Sec 3(15) (16) 20 CFR 680.120.130 TEGL 22-15 TEGL 19-16 C. Youth Program The WIOA Youth program prepares vulnerable youth and other job seekers for successful employment, providing services that increase the youth’s knowledge of and ability to enter in- demand career pathways. Youth funds in Idaho are designated for out-of-school youth only. YOUTH ELIGIBILITY Out of School Youth are: Ages 16-24 - Age eligibility is established at enrollment. A youth who turns 25 after enrollment may continue to receive youth services until WIOA activities and follow-up are complete. They are not attending any school, including secondary or post-secondary institutions. All-State education agencies recognize 2- and 4-year colleges as "schools," The Department has determined that secondary and postsecondary institutions are considered "schools" to determine school status for WIOA youth program eligibility. Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 24 A participant can register for a training session but cannot begin the training session before meeting all eligibility requirements and successfully enrolling into WIOA to receive tuition assistance from WIOA. This will not affect a participant's status as an out- of-school youth (OSY, WIOAB 04-22) If the only “school” the youth attends is adult education (an AE program) provided under Title II of WIOA, YouthBuild, or JobCorps, the youth is considered an OSY. If enrolled in the fall, youth cannot be enrolled in the WIOA youth program during the summer between school years. Youth cannot be enrolled in the WIOA youth program between high school graduation and postsecondary education if they have registered for postsecondary education, even if they have not yet begun postsecondary classes at the time of WIOA youth program enrollment. Credit and Noncredit courses If a youth is enrolled in a non-credit-bearing postsecondary class, they would not be considered attending postsecondary school and, therefore, an OSY. Credit courses are generally designed for students interested in earning college units toward a degree or certificate. Students who take credit courses receive a letter or number grade at the end of the training session. Noncredit courses are classes offered through an institution’s Continuing Education Division or Workforce Training Division. They are intended for students who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, or enrich their understanding of a wide range of topics. Upon course completion, students will receive a pass or no pass grade. Noncredit classes are NOT applicable toward a degree. Upon completing a series of required classes, students may receive a noncredit certificate of completion. References: WIOA Section 129(a) (B) 20 CFR 681.210,220, 230 Federal Register Vol. 80 No. 140 TEGL 22-15 TEGL 21-16 PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT Release of Information A parent/guardian signature is required on the Release of Information for applicants under 18 to provide services. However, the requirement can be waived if an exception is deemed appropriate for applicants who cannot produce the parent/guardian signature. The situation must be fully documented in enrollment notes explaining why the parent/guardian could not sign. Income DOES NOT need to be considered if the Out-Of-School youth falls under one of the following barriers: School dropout on date of enrollment - School dropout allowable source documentation An OSY is an individual who no longer attends any school and has not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent. A youth's eligibility status is Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 25 determined at enrollment; therefore, if they have not received a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent AND are not attending any school, they are considered a dropout. References: WIOA Sec 354 WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (B) (ii) (iii) (1) 20 CFR 681.210.230.240 TEGL 22.16 Offender - Offender allowable source documentation Subject to either the juvenile or adult justice system. References: WIOA Sec 3(39) WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (B) (IV) WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (C) (IV) (III) 20 CFR 681.210,220 Federal Register Vol 80 No 140 TEGL 21.15 TEGL 21.16 Homeless - Homeless allowable source documentation References: WIOA Sec 129(1) (a) (B) (V) 20 CFR 681.210.220 Federal Register Vol 80 No 140 TEGL 22-15 Runaway -Runaway allowable source documentation References: WIOA Sec 129 (1) (a) (B) (V) WIOA Sec 129 (1) (a) (C) (iv) 20 CFR 681.210 (5).220 (4) Federal Register Vol 80 No 140 TEGL 22-15 Pregnant or Parenting - Pregnant or Parenting allowable source documentation References: WIOA Sec 129 (a) (1) (B) (VI) CFR 681.210(7) 220(6) TEGL 22-15 TEGL 21.16 Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 26 An individual with a disability - Individual with a disability allowable source documentation Section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102) defines Disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual or is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities: Activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working References: Section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 WIOA Sec 3 (25) WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (B) (VII) 20 CFR 681.210(8)220(7)280 Federal Registry 80 No140 TEGL6-14 Foster Child - Foster Child allowable source documentation An individual in foster care or who has aged out of the foster care system or has attained 16 years of age and left foster care for kinship, guardianship, or adoption, a child eligible for assistance under the Social Security Act, or in an out-of-home placement. References: WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (B) (IV) Federal Registry 80 No 140 TEGL 22-15 Low-Income Requirement for Out-Of-School Youth Although most out-of-school youths do not need to be low-income to participate in the WIOA youth program, the Act does require the following category of youth to be low-income: A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and are basic skills deficient or English language learner, Or An individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or secure and hold employment as defined in the Low Income for OSY section above. However, WIOA allows a low-income exception of five percent (5%) of the youth categorized above. These participants must meet all other eligibility criteria for WIOA. Due to the need to carefully track the regional limit imposed on this small eligibility group, WIOA staff must contact the WIOATAA mailbox before proceeding with a 5% enrollment. The applicant's enrollment packet should include a copy of the grants unit's approval and document justification in the enrollment notes. Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 27 References: 681.250 (a) & (c) Low income for OSY is only required under the following conditions: Allowable source documentation Low income and needs additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment defined as: Has been treated by a professional for mental health issues, including traumatic events, depression, or substance abuse-related problems, OR Has been or is a victim of abuse or resides in an abusive environment as documented by a licensed professional (licensed professionals include Marriage and Family Therapists, Counselors, Psychologist, Social workers, Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners, OR Has been unemployed for at least three of the last six months (not necessarily consecutive), OR Has a family history of chronic unemployment (during the two years before application, family members were unemployed longer than employed), OR Limited English-speaking or cultural displacement (i.e., refugees). References: WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (B) (VIII) WIOA Sec 129(a) (1) (C) (VIII) WIOA Sec 129(a) (3) (B) 20 CFR 681.210,220,300,310 TEGL 22-15 TEGL 21-16 Low-Income and high school graduate or recognized equivalent who is: o Basic skills deficient. o Has English reading, writing, or computing skills on a generally accepted standardized test at or below the 8th-grade level. o ESL o Test Benchmarks Educational Functioning Levels ESL is an eligible individual with limited reading, writing, speaking, or comprehension of the English language and whose native language is a language other than English or who lives in a family or community environment where a language other than English is the dominant language. References: WIOA Section 3(5) WIOA Section 129 (a) (1) (B) (III) (aa) WIOA Section 129 (a) (1) (C) (iv) (I) Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 28 20 CFR 681.210; 220; 290 Federal Register Vol 80 No 140 TEGL 22-15 Note: The state of Idaho does not regulate or monitor homeschooled youth. If the parent uses the approved school curriculum, follows all their rules, etc., the youth should be considered “in school.” Conversely, if they state “we are home-schooling” but can’t provide a direct connection to the school district’s policy, procedure, curriculum, etc., they should be identified as “out-of-school.” References: WIOA Section 3(54) TEGL 21-16 Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C 677) Youth Elements: Along with intake, eligibility, objective assessment, and individual service strategy in IdahoWorks with youth ages 16 to 24, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires that every local workforce development area make 14 program elements available. These program elements are services intended to assist youth in preparing for the workforce. While all program elements must be made available in a local area, each youth does not have to receive all 14 elements (Local areas must make follow‐up services available to all youth for at least 12 months after program exit). Youth workers generally decide which program elements to provide to youth based on their objective assessment. They also record a plan to provide these services in the youth’s Individual Service Strategy (ISS), directly tied to at least one performance indicator. In general, each youth is expected to receive exposure to multiple program elements while participating in the WIOA youth program. The ISS, which must be developed with input from the youth, must also have particular goals for each program element provided and indicate the progress made by the youth towards these goals. The 14 youth program elements are: 1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and dropout prevention Services focus on providing academic support, helping youth identify areas of academic concern, overcoming learning obstacles, and providing tools and resources to develop learning strategies. 2. Alternative secondary school services or dropout recovery services Services, such as basic education skills training, individualized academic instruction, and English as a Second Language training, assist youth who have struggled in traditional secondary education. An alternative education program is a comprehensive educational program delivered in a nontraditional learning environment that is distinct and separate from the existing general or special education program. 3. Paid and unpaid work experience Planned, structured learning experiences provide the youth participant with opportunities for career exploration and skill development in a workplace for a limited time. 4. Occupational skills training Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 29 occupational skills training is an organized program of study that provides specific vocational skills that lead to proficiency in performing tasks and technical functions required by specific occupational fields at entry, intermediate, or advanced levels. Local areas must prioritize training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that align with in‐demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area. 5. Education is offered concurrently with workforce preparation and training for a specific occupation. This program element reflects an integrated education and training model and describes how workforce preparation activities, basic academic skills, and hands‐on occupational skills training are to be taught within the same time frame and connected to training in a specific occupation, occupational cluster, or career pathway. While programs developing basic academic skills, which are included as part of alternative secondary school services and dropout recovery services (program element 2), workforce preparation activities that occur as part of a work experience (program element 3), and occupational skills training (program element 4) can all occur separately and at different times (and thus are counted under separate program elements), this program element refers to the concurrent delivery of these services which make up an integrated education and training model. 6. Leadership development opportunities Leadership development opportunities encourage responsibility, confidence, employability, self‐determination, and other positive social behaviors. 7. Supportive services As defined in WIOA Sec, 3(59), Supportive Services for youth enable individuals to participate in WIOA activities. 8. Adult mentoring Adult mentoring for youth must: Last at least 12 months and may take place both during the program and following exit from the program; Be a formal relationship between a youth participant and an adult mentor that includes structured activities where the mentor offers guidance, support, and encouragement to develop the competence and character of the mentee; While group mentoring activities and mentoring through electronic means are allowable as part of the mentoring activities, at a minimum, the local youth program must match the youth with an individual mentor with whom the youth interacts face- to-face. Local programs should ensure appropriate processes to screen and select mentors adequately. Mentoring may include workplace mentoring, where the local program matches a youth participant with an employer or employee of a company. 9. Follow-up services Follow‐up services: Are critical services provided following a youth’s exit from the program to help ensure the youth is successful in employment or post‐secondary education and training May include regular contact with a youth participant's employer, including assistance in addressing work‐related problems that arise Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 30 May begin immediately following the last expected date of service in the Youth program when no future services are scheduled Do not cause the exit date to change or trigger re‐enrollment in the program. Must be provided to all youth participants for a minimum of 12 months unless the participant declines to receive follow‐up services or cannot be located or contacted. Must include more than only a contact attempted or made for securing documentation to report a performance outcome 10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling Comprehensive guidance and counseling provide individualized counseling to participants, including career and academic counseling, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, mental health counseling, and referral to partner programs. (WIOA sec. 129(c)(1)(C)(J)) When referring participants to necessary counseling that cannot be provided by the local youth program or its service providers, the local youth program must coordinate with the organization it refers to ensure continuity of service. When resources exist within the local program or its service providers, it is allowable to provide counseling services directly to participants rather than refer youth to partner programs. All youth should receive career and academic counseling. Other counseling should be provided as necessary depending on the needs of the individual youth, as determined through the intake and assessment process and recorded in the youth’s ISS. 11. Financial literacy education The financial literacy education program element includes activities that: Support the ability of participants to create budgets, initiate checking and savings accounts at banks, and make informed financial decisions; Support participants in learning how to manage spending, credit effectively, and debt, including student loans, consumer credit, and credit cards; 12. Entrepreneurial skills training Entrepreneurial skills training provides the basics of starting and operating a small business. 13. Services that provide labor market information All WIOA youth participants should be provided with labor market information. The method of delivery and the particular Services and information should be determined by the needs of the individual youth. Labor market information should be presented in easily understood and usable formats. 14. Postsecondary preparation and transition activities Postsecondary preparation and transition activities and services prepare ISY and OSY for advancement to postsecondary education after attaining a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. These services include exploring postsecondary education options, including technical training schools, community colleges, 4‐year colleges and universities, and registered apprenticeships. Note: The WIOA staff can determine which of these 14 federally required program services a youth participant receives based on each participant’s objective assessment and individual service strategy entered into IdahoWorks. Local programs are not required to provide every program service to each participant. Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 31 References: WIOA Section 129 (a) (3) (A) (iii) 20 CFR 681.250 (c) TEGL 21-16 Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 32 Section 5: Assessment Intensive Assessment WIOA requires that the WIOA staff conduct, document, and data enter an intensive assessment of each participant after enrollment. The intensive assessment thoroughly covers the academic and basic skill levels, employability, interests, aptitudes (including interests and aptitudes for nontraditional jobs), supportive service needs, and developmental needs to identify participants' appropriate services and career pathways. A complete assessment conducted by One-Stop partners within 90 days of enrollment may be used by WIOA staff when working with a co-enrolled participant. However, WIOA staff must review these assessments for appropriateness and accuracy. Intensive Assessment is a comprehensive and specialized assessment of the skill levels and service needs of the participant, which must include the following: An in-depth interview and evaluation to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment goals, Developing a written employment plan, or Individual Service Strategy (ISS), identifies the employment goals, steps, timetables, and a combination of services needed for the participant to achieve a specific occupational goal. Formal assessments, such as a TABE or other approved tools, may also address various factors related to a participant’s intensive assessment. Reference: 20 CFR 678.430 (b) Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 33 Section 6: Individual Service Strategy (ISS) ISS The WIOA staff and the participant must develop an individual service strategy based on the intensive assessment. The ISS should be developed and updated as needed, based on the needs of each participant. The ISS should directly link the performance objectives for the program, identify career pathways that include education and employment goals, consider career planning and the objective assessment results, and prescribe achievement objectives and services for the participant. Career assessment tools are designed to discover candidates' skills, aptitudes, and talents. These tools are designed to help individuals understand how various personal attributes (i.e., data values, preferences, motivations, aptitudes, and skills) impact their potential success and satisfaction with different career options and work environments. WIOA staff may prefer formal assessment tools to validate a participant's career choice, but they are not always necessary. It will be up to the WIOA staff to decide if these tools will benefit the participant and the WIOA staff to develop goals leading to self-sufficient employment. Most formal assessment tools fall into one of these categories: Aptitude and Ability Assessments – These tests attempt to measure a participant’s overall ability, including general aptitude, reading ability, typing speed, or other skills. Interest Inventories – Standardized interest inventories measure the individual’s preference for various activities. Those preferences/interests can be linked to occupations or occupational clusters that closely match their interests. The Idaho Department of Labor utilizes interest inventories: Interest Determination, Exploration and Assessment System (IDEAS), Holland’s Self-Directed Search (SDS), O-Net Interest Profiles, and O-Net Work Importance Locator. Personality and Management Style Inventories assess the emotional, social, and motivational aspects. The Idaho Department of Labor does not utilize, administer, or endorse assessments of this type. However, WIOA providers should be familiar with providers in their local area who may use or distribute these tests. References: WIOA Sec 129 (c) (1) (B) WIOAP 01-19 WIOAP 01-19 Change 1 Individualized Career Services Individualized career services must be made available to eligible and enrolled adults and dislocated workers when a service provider determines additional services beyond basic career services are required for an individual to obtain or retain employment. Not all individuals will receive all services. WIOA staff may use partner programs' recent assessments to determine if individualized services are appropriate. Individualized career services can be found at the link: Individualized career services. References: Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide – Revised 8/2024 34 WIOA Sec 134 (c) (2) (A) (xxii) 20 CFR 678.430(b) 20 CFR 680.150(b) TEGL 10-16, Change 3 TEGL 16-16 TEGL 19-16 Follow-Up Adult and Dislocated Worker Follow-Up Services Follow-up Services' goal is to ensure job retention, wage gains, and career progress for those who obtain unsubsidized employment. WIOA staff must only provide follow-up when they are placed in unsubsidized employment. Follow-up services should provide personalized encouragement and resolve issues that may arise. WIOA law states that adults or relocated workers who have been exited and are in 12-month follow-up may not receive paid supportive services. Follow-up services do not extend the date of exit. References: WIOA Sec 134 (c) (2) (A) (xiii) 20 CFR 678.430(c) 20 CFR 680.150 TEGL 16-16 TEGL 19-16 TEGL 10-16, Change 3 Youth Follow-Up Services All youth participants must be offered an opportunity to receive follow-up services that align with their individual service strategies. The services provided must be determined based on the individual's needs. The type and intensity of follow-up services may differ for each participant. Furthermore, follow-up services must be provided to all participants for at least 12 months, regardless of whether the participant successfully exited the program. Follow-up services for youth also may include the following program elements:

Idaho WIOA Technical Assistance Guide 2024 PDF

Document Details

Tags

Related

Summary

Full Transcript

Upgrade to continue