Integrating TANF and WIOA: A Case Study for Developing New Service Strategies to Targeted Populations

Transcription

1 Integrating TANF and WIOA: A Case Study for Developing New Service Strategies to Targeted Populations GARY GOODSON, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT MANAGER VI NGO, WIOA PROGRAM SUPERVISOR RON WILSON, CEC PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

2 Purpose The purpose of our pilot project was to: Determine the viability of co-enrolling individuals from a CalWorks Career and Employment program into a WIOA program. Identify and address any structural, procedural and social impediments to the integration process. Develop a process flow road map from lessons learned to aid in replicating the process elsewhere.

3 Who Are We? Our Mission Rubicon s mission is to transform East Bay communities by equipping people to break the cycle of poverty. Our Approach To find support that s right for each individual a personalized, comprehensive collection of services that includes job placement, housing, legal services, and financial literacy. Our Results Rubicon served more than 4,000 people across Alameda County and Contra Costa County last year.

4 Alameda County Eden Area One Stop Career Center/WIOA Program - Hayward, CA Universal Career Center services WIOA Program for Adults and Dislocated Workers Career and Employment Center Hayward, CA Career and Employment Center Oakland, CA Berkeley Economic Empowerment Program Berkeley, CA

5 Rubicon Programs Service Area and Locations

6 Why Did We Integrate TANF and WIOA Under the WIOA State Plan: Section 134(c)(3)(E): Priority for employment and training must be given to public assistance recipients (TANF), low-income adults and basic skills deficient. No wrong door policy: Multiple pathways to services through Rubicon. Enhanced services

7 What is the Career Employment Center Program (CEC)? Rubicon Programs is contracted by Alameda County Social Services Administration (SSA) to run a CEC Program, which is part of the CalWORKs State Welfare to Work (WTW) Program. CalWORKs is a welfare program that provides cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The objective of the CEC Program is to help participants successfully prepare for and obtain meaningful employment, which is primarily done through our CEC Job Club.

8 CEC Pathway APPLICANT ORIENTATION Eligibility Approves CalWorks Not working or Not going to school Pathway to Job Club/Job Search Job Club/Job Search 6 Weeks Activity Classroom Modules Develop IEP Job Search EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION Working Part Time or School Part Time Pathway to Assessment Assessment CALWORKS CASE MANGEMENT Working Part Time or School Part Time Pathway to Case Management

9 Initial Challenges The Drawing Board Would WIOA enrollment cancel CEC/CalWorks benefits? When to introduce WIOA to CEC participants? How to present in order to optimize opportunity but not overwhelm participants? How to continue participants engagement after Job Club clients reassigned to other Alameda County activities? How to work in tandem with CEC Career Coaches? How would CEC participants line up with WIOA eligibility sectors? Would this work at all?

10 Initial Process: CEC Career Coach WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Program Orientation

11 Lessons Learned A high level of communication between program coaches was critical. CEC Career Coaches needed in depth training about WIOA Program to better explain the benefits of it. ocec Career Coaches were concerned about confusing and overwhelming their participants causing dropouts. owiifm - What s in it for me CEC participants feared of committing to additional workshops, hours and additional paperwork above their CalWorks weekly requirement for benefits. owe needed to minimize the steps required for CEC participates to participate in the WIOA program. Introducing the WIOA program earlier in the process was critical.

12 Initial Process: CEC Career Coach WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Program Orientation

13 Improved Process: CEC Career Coach WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Program

14 Improved Process: COMMUNICATION CEC Career Coach Participants WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Program

15 What Did We Do? Process Flow: Information on WIOA services during the 1 st week Sign-up for WIOA appointments CEC Job Club Orientation WIOA Eligibility Intake CEC Career Coach reinforce importance of WIOA Assist with WIOA eligibility paperwork Individualized Employment Plan Basic Services WIOA Vocational Counselor WIOA Program Career Planning/Counseling Training Job Search Guidance Supportive Services Extended Support Retention Services

16 Data and Outcomes CEC-WIOA Outcomes September 2015-Feburary CEC Job Club Orientation 47 Basic Services Individualized Services Employment Our initiative started in the month of September % CEC participants signed-up to enroll in WIOA basic services. 51% were co-enrolled in WIOA Individualized Services. 42% of individuals gained employment while participating in the WIOA program. Exceed the 51% in priority sector enrollments by the end of the fiscal year.

17 Data Factors Eligibility issues Selective service Proper eligibility documents Attrition Barriers to job readiness Child care Transportation Mindset Not seeing the benefits Distrust of agency Seasonal participation

18 Recommendations Start the co-enroll process early Patience/relationship building Simplify the process Warm hand-off process/communication Additional Support

19 Conclusion WIOA Program Meeting WIOA mandated requirements Increased number of clients served CEC Program Increased average wage through WIOA contribution Wrap-around services Participants Additional workforce counseling support WIOA funds (training and supportive services) Additional employment support (job leads, WIOA events, job readiness workshops) Partner Agency referrals

20 Testimony Renee Brooks, CEC-WIOA participant who is currently working at Amazon Distribution Center.

21 Questions?

22 THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! For further information contact: Gary Goodson at