One-Stop Centers Vision - The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has issued many Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs) to guide states and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) in the implementation and delivery of services under WIAO.
Since 1998, One-Stop Centers (now known as American Job Centers) have and continue to provide services that link job seekers with employers. Critical to the success of WIOA is having One-Stop Centers that have the tools and resources to deliver high quality career, education and training services needed to help jobseekers obtain jobs and help businesses find the skilled workers and access to training support for their current workforce.
Much has changed since 1998. There is an increased demand for high-quality education, employment and training services across the nation to meet the needs of businesses and workers with footprints that cross regions and states. WIOA supports the adoption of a national vision for a One-Stop delivery system. The One-Stop Centers must provide customers access to quality services in their communities to obtain training (i.e. build basic educational skills, occupational skills, certificates, degrees) and career choice guidance while meeting the needs of employers.
ETA has identified three characteristics of a high quality One-Stop Center:
- Provide Excellent Service to Job Seekers, Workers and Businesses - Welcoming environment to all customers - Develop, offer and deliver high quality business services - Improve the skills of job seekers and customers - Create opportunities for individuals at all skill and experience levels - Provide career services that motivate, support and empower customers - Value skill development
- One-Stop Centers Reflect Innovation and Effective Service Design - Use an integrated and expert intake process for all customers entering the One-Stop center - Design and implement practices that actively engage industry sectors - Balance traditional labor exchange services with strategic talent development - Ensure meaningful access to all customers - Include both virtual and center-based service delivery - Incorporate innovative and evidence-based delivery training models
- One-Stop Centers Operate with Integrated Management Systems and High-Quality Staffing - Reflect the establishment of robust partnership among partners - Organize and integrate services by function rather than program - Develop and maintain integrated case management system - Develop and implement operational policies - Use common performance indicators - Train and equip One-Stop Center staff - Staff the center with highly trained career counselors
LWDBs are required to have policies and procedures in place for accessing One-Stop Centers and their one-stop delivery system. LWDBs are required to complete certification of centers at least every three years.
Is your LWDB ready to implement policies and start the certification process of your One-Stop Center(s)? What steps have you taken to ensure that your One-Stop Centers are ready? We are here to help you.
If you are interested in gaining more information regarding WIOA and Certification of One-Stop Centers please contact me at Tkaufman@edsisolutions.com
