HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgreement A-21-193 FRWDB WIOA Local Plan.pdf Agreement No. 21-193
Fresno Regional
Workforce Development Board
Local Plan
Program Years 2021 — 2024
10i
Fresno Regional
Workforce
Development Board
A prod partner of America's Job Center of Ca6forniaa^network.
Contact: Blake Konczal, Executive Director
Phone: (559) 490-7102
E-Mail bkonczal@workforce-connection.com
Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
I. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 4-6
II. WIOA CORE AND REQUIRED PARTNER COORDINATION
A. Coordination with AJCC Partners and WIOA Memoranda of 7
Understanding
B. Partners' Efforts to Collaborate on Co-Enrollment and Case 11
Management
C. One-Stop System's Use of Technology and Other Remote 12
Strategies
D. Coordination of Workforce Activities and Support Services 13
E. Physical and Programmatic Accessibility for Individuals with 15
Disabilities
III. STATE STRATEGIC PARTNER COORINDATION
A. Coordination with County Human Services Agency and Other 17
Local Partners That Serve Individuals Accessing CalFresh
Employment and Training Services
B. Coordination with Local Child Support Agency and Other Local 17
Partners Serving Individuals That Are Non-Custodial Parents
C. Coordination with Local Partnership Agreement Partners 18
Established in Alignment with the Competitive Integrated
Employment Blueprint and Other Local Partners That Serve
Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
D. Coordination with Community-Based Organizations and Other 19
Local Partners That Serve Individuals Who Are English
Language Learners, Foreign Born, and/or Refugees
IV. WIOA TITLE I COORDINATION
A. Staff Training and Professional Development to Increase Digital 21
Technology Skills
B. Frontline Staff Training and Professional Development to 22
Increase Cultural Competency and Effectiveness in Working with
Individuals and Groups that Have Been Exposed to Trauma
C. Coordination of Rapid Response and Layoff Aversion Activities 23
D. Services and Activities Available under WIOA Title I Adult and 26
Dislocated Worker Programs
E. Services and Activities Available under WIOA Title I Youth 29
Program
F. Entity Responsible for Disbursal of Grant Funds and the 32
Competitive Process Used to Award Contracts for WIOA Title I
Activities
G. How the Local Board Fulfills the Duties of the AJCC Operator 32
and/or the Career Services Provider or Selection of AJCC
Operators and Career Services Providers
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
V. CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROGRAM YEARS 2021 - 24 34
VI. APPENDICES
A. Stakeholder and Community Engagement Summary 37
Attachment 1
B. Public comments received that disagree with the Local Plan 38
Attachment 2
C. Signature Page Attachment 3 39
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
I. INTRODUCTION
In accordance with the requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(WIOA) of 2014 and guidance published by California Workforce Development Board and
Employment Development Department, the Fresno Regional Workforce Development
Board (FRWDB) has developed a four (4)-year Local Plan covering program years (PYs)
2021-2024. Upon approval by state officials representing the Governor, the plan will be
effective from July 1, 2021 , through June 30, 2025. This plan replaces the FRWDB's PY
2017-2020 Local Plan and its 2019 modification. While this plan carries forward some of
the strategies that have made local services effective and programs successful, it
expresses the intention of FRWDB to examine and embrace opportunities for improvement
over the life of the plan.
FRWDB is a Joint Powers Authority between the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno
and serves all communities with the county's boundaries. Pursuant to this partnership, a
non-profit organization, the Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corporation (FAWIC) has
been established and functions as the administrator for workforce programs within the
local workforce development area. The local America's Job Centers of California (AJCCs)
operate under the "Workforce Connection" Brand in Fresno County. Throughout this plan,
for ease of review, the entity responsible for workforce program administration, oversight,
and service delivery is generally referred as FRWDB.
The Local Board's Vision for the PY 21-24 Local Plan
The FRWDB has developed the following mission and vision statements to guide its work:
Mission: The Fresno Regional Workforce Development system is a Joint Powers Authority
between the City and County of Fresno, in partnership with both the public and private
sectors and exists, primarily, to assist local businesses in meeting their human capital
needs. In this, we both (1) screen and train prospective new employees and (2) assist in
upskilling existing employees. By offering such quality referral and training services,
directly linked to local industry needs, we are of greatest benefit to our unemployed and
underemployed clients.
Vision: To fully engage all available public and private resources to ensure that the Fresno
Regional Workforce Development system is the premier source for the human capital
needs of growth industry clusters within Fresno County. To integrate education and
workforce preparation to assist the best companies in Fresno County to remain and thrive
in our local community, achieving sustainable economic growth. To concurrently assist our
unemployed and underemployed residents to achieve a higher quality of life by access to
such careers in growth industry sectors.
During the planning process, members of the FRWDB participated in a discussions
regarding the direction of the local workforce system over the next four (4) years. As a
results of these discussions, the following priorities have been identified:
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
• Commit to a career pathways focus. This has, ostensibly, been a priority for the
workforce system for nearly a decade. Still, on a practical level, the focus remains on
jobs. The jobs focus can be blended into a larger strategy that identifies a career path
for every job seeker.
• Expand our approach to service delivery to include considerations of an "emotional
quotient" or fit between what matters to people and the jobs that they do. This is likely
an undervalued component in the workforce system's career planning process and a
shift in this direction could yield better outcomes for local programs, particularly in terms
of job retention and career progression.
• Ensure that everyjob seeker has the foundational skills to succeed in the world of work.
These include strong communication, math, digital and "soft skills." Critical thinking,
problem solving and adaptability are key to every worker's success on the job.
• Create and implement more programs that contextualize instruction of basic skills into
vocational programs. This includes programs where English as a second language and
basic education skills are embedded into job-specific skills training.
• Recognizing the many needs, preferences, barriers, and goals of individuals seeking
assistance from local workforce development programs, expand partnerships to create
greater access to a broad range of services and support for customers. Such
partnerships may include, for example, relationships with mental health agencies,
immigrant and refugee assistance programs, and K-12 education agencies.
• Focus on assisting workers to develop greater "career agility" by teaching skills (e.g.,
digital technology, process management, accounting) that cut across jobs and
industries.
Section V of this plan summarizes these and other issues, strategies, approaches and key
considerations that FRWDB and the system partners will examine over the course of this
plan.
Developing the WDB's PY 2021-2024 Four-Year Plan
Development of the Local Plan was the result of FRWDB's significant engagement with
organizations and individuals throughout Fresno County who guide, contribute to, and
benefit from workforce system services. A series of community and stakeholders forums
were held, as were several "agency-to-agency" discussions with local partners. These are
summarized in Appendix 1 to this Plan. Developing the plan also involved a process of
reviewing and evaluating existing partnerships, services, and systems and identifying
areas that can be strengthened. FRWDB's executive leadership led the planning process
on behalf of the local board. Completing the plan took nearly approximately six (6) months,
after which it was made available for public review and comment, prior to being forwarded
to the California Workforce Development Board for review.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Impact of COVID-19 on the PY 2021-2024 Plan
Every aspect of developing the PY 2021-2024 FRWDB Local Plan was influenced by the
onset on COVID-19, the ensuing public health crisis, and the myriad effects of the
pandemic on businesses, schools, government operations, and the local workforce
development delivery system. While the stakeholders met, discussions were held,
priorities were identified, and a new four (4)-year plan was developed, the influence of the
pandemic on the planning process is undeniable, as its shaped stakeholders' views about
the economy, the workforce, training and, virtually every aspect of the workforce system.
While the content of this plan frequently references the pandemic, most descriptions of
activities and services, are described in a "non-pandemic" context. FRWDB leaders
recognize that effects of COVID-19 will likely shape our work over the next several years,
particularly during the first half of the period covered by this plan. It is important to note
that the FRWDB Local Plan is part of the PY 2021-2024 Regional Plan developed by the
San Joaquin Valley and Associated Counties Regional Planning Unit. The Regional Plan
directly addresses core issues pertaining to the role of local boards and local workforce
systems in economic and workforce recovery.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
II. WIOA CORE AND REQUIRED PARTNER COORDINATION
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act includes requirements for Local Boards to
establish a framework for collaboration among state and local programs that are financially
supported by nineteen distinct federal fund sources. Six (6) of these programs constitute
the four (4) "core partners:" the WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth
Programs; the WIOA Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program; the WIOA
Title III Wagner-PeyserAct Program; and the WIOATitle IV State Vocational Rehabilitation
Services Program. The core partners, together with thirteen other federally supported
programs, make-up the WIOA-mandated One-Stop partners. The FRWDB has entered
into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the organizations managing each
federal program at the local level. The narrative that follows describes coordination with
the WIOA core and other required program partners as prescribed by the WIOA.
Coordination with AJCC Partners and WIOA Memoranda of Understanding
Throughout the last 40 years, FRWDB has built strong and effective relationships with
state and local agencies that represent the One-Stop partner programs. Over the next four
(4) years, FRWDB looks forward to further enhancing coordination with each of the
workforce system partners.
Overview of Local One-Stop System Partners
Following is a summary of the local/regional organizations representing the 19 federal
One-Stop partner programs, with which the FRWDB has developed MOUs.
Federal Partner Programs MOU Partner
Title I Adult Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board
Title I Dislocated Worker
Title I Youth
Title 11 Adult Education and Literacy State Center Adult Education Consortium
West Hills Adult Education Consortium
Title III Wagner-Peyser Employment Development Department (EDD)
Unemployment Insurance UI
Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation California Department of Rehabilitation DOR
Carl Perkins Career Technical State Center Community College District
Education West Hills Community College District
Title V Senior Community Service Senior Service America, Inc.
Employment Program (SCSEP) SER—Jobs For Progress
Job Corps Career Systems Development Corporation
Native American Programs California Indian Manpower, Inc.
(WIOA Section 166)
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Proteus, Inc.
(WIOA Section 167)
Jobs for Veterans State Grants Employment Development Department (EDD)
Youth Build Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Employment Development Department (EDD)
Community Services Block Grant Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Housing and Urban Development E&T Not applicable. Fresno Housing Authority does not? receive
funds for an Employment and Training Program
Unemployment Insurance UI Employment Development Department EDD
Second Chance Act Grantee Not applicable. There is no Second Chance Act program in
Fresno County.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Fresno County Department of Social Services
Families (TANF)/CalWORKs
Memoranda of Understanding with System Partners
Other general roles and responsibilities of each partner listed above are:
• Continuous partnership building between all parties as outlined in the MOU;
• Continuous partnership building and planning responsive to State requirements;
• Continuous partnership between State and local representatives engaged in WIOA
activities and related workforce preparation and development;
• Responsiveness to specific local and economic conditions, including employer needs;
• Adherence to strategic planning principles adopted by the WIOA for long range
planning, including the requirement for continuous improvement;
• Adherence to common data collection and reporting, including needs for modification
or change;
• Diligence in developing coordinated local leadership in workforce development;
• Responsiveness to participant/customer needs;
• Maintenance of system infrastructure;
• Shared technology and information;
• Performance management to measure the success of the local One-Stop System
overall and to enhance performance in a spirit of quality management and continuous
improvement; and
• Identification of each partner's appropriate contribution to meeting the performance
standards negotiated between the State of California and WDB.
The MOU also indicates that infrastructure costs shall be allocated as follows:
• EDD, DOR and DSS contribute financially to the infrastructure costs as outlined in the
Resource Sharing Agreement, allocated by square footage and communication costs
for each Partner.
• Communication Costs: Each partner shall be allocated the communication costs at the
site based upon the percentage of the number of square feet at the site partner commits
to use relative to the total space of the site.
• In addition, partners contribute through the provision of in-kind services, such as
assisting with the AJCC's Self-Reliance Team, assisting individuals in the resource
room, and providing receptionist staff.
Coordination with AJCC Partner Programs
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
The following information summarizes the ways in which FRWDB and the local workforce
system collaborate with organizations managing the federally mandated One-Stop partner
programs.
WIOA Title I — Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth Programs: The three (3) formula-
funded programs are administered by FRWDB. Services are delivered at one
comprehensive and four (4) affiliate America's Job Centers of California (AJCCs).
WIOA Title 11 — Adult Education and Literacy: The State Center Adult Education
Consortium, which serves Fresno and Madera counties and border communities in Kings
and Tulare counties, and the West Hills Regional Consortium provide WIOA Title 11 adult
education and literacy providers in the local areas. Referrals are regularly made between
the Title I and Title 11 programs and many participants are co-enrolled. When the California
Department of Education requests applications for Adult Education Title 11 Education
and Literacy Activities, FRWDB staff reviews applications to determine how they
complement the Local Workforce Development Plan.
WIOA Title III — Wagner-Peyser: Wagner-Peyser staff are co-located in the Workforce
Connection AJJC Centers in Fresno and Mendota. AJCC staff attends EDD
Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment orientations to provide information on available
WIOA services. In addition, FRWDB and AJCC staff work with EDD to coordinate
marketing and outreach to Unemployment Insurance claimants, ensuring full access to all
available WIOA services. EDD and FRWDB also collaborate on Rapid Response
orientations for laid off workers.
WIOA Title IV — Vocational Rehabilitation: WIOA Title IV staff is co-located at the
Workforce Connection Centers. WIOA and DOR staff are cross-trained in the eligibility
requirements for each partner's services in order to ensure appropriate referrals. Regular
meetings are held to discuss and enhance the referral process and co-enrollments. DOR
staff is available to provide technical assistance and training to AJCC and partner staff in
the areas of disability awareness and the use of competitive integrated employment.
Carl Perkins Career Technical Education: The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) is a principal source of federal funding to states and
discretionary grantees for the improvement of secondary and postsecondary career and
technical education programs across the nation. The purpose of the Act is to develop more
fully the academic, career, and technical skills of secondary and postsecondary students
who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs. The community colleges,
which as the primary recipients of Perkins funding in Fresno County, regularly make
referrals to and receive referrals from staff of the AJCCs.
Title V Older Americans Act: Senior Service America, Inc. and SER — Jobs for Progress
both operate Senior Community Services Employment Programs (SCSEP) that serve
Fresno County Residents. The program offers outreach, intake, and orientation services;
provides information and referrals to supportive services available to eligible persons;
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
provides group presentations; provides Older Americans workshops; provides group
counseling services; offers short-term pre-vocational services; enrolls eligible seniors who
are 55+, low income, and have barriers to employment; and provides part-time, temporary
on the job training through community service assignments at local nonprofits and
government agencies to enrolled participants.
Job Corps: Program representatives conduct eligibility determination for Job Corps
services. Their principal activity at the AJCC is to promote the Job Corps program to
potential applicants who are youth and young adults ages 18 to 24. Job Corps staff may
also participate in the AJCC's Self Reliance Team panels.
Native American Programs (WIOA Section 166: The FRWDB works closely with the local
office of California Indian Manpower Consortium (CIMC), a One-Stop system partner.
WIOA program staff collaborates with CIMC staff to provide referrals and co-enrollment
opportunities to provide Indian and Native American job seekers access to all WIOA and
partner services in available through FRWDB's local network of AJCCs.
Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Program (WIOA Section 167): The FRWDB works closely
with Proteus, Inc., who administers and operates the Migrant Seasonal Farmworker
(MSFW) program in Fresno County to ensure MSFW programs services are available for
eligible agricultural participants. MSFW staff is currently co-located in one (1) of the affiliate
sites and the WIOA program staff works with MSFW staff to provide referrals and co-
enrollment opportunities.
Veterans Services: EDD administers this program and designated Disabled Veterans'
Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER)
Specialists are stationed at the comprehensive center to assist veterans seeking
employment.
Youth Build: In Fresno County, YouthBuild is embedded within the Fresno Economic
Opportunities Commission (EOC's) Conservation Corps Program. Corps members are
required to enroll and progress in an academic program concurrent to their full or part-time
enrollment in the Conservation Corps' paid skill-building vocational training programs.
Corps members lacking a high school diploma enroll in the on-site YouthBuild Charter
High School of California.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Act: Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA) is a federal
program that provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and
wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. The TAA program offers a variety of
benefits and reemployment services to help unemployed workers prepare for and obtain
suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and other
reemployment services. Coordination with TAA generally includes co-enrollment into
WIOA, which provides multiple benefits, including TAA funds being used to cover all
training costs.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Community Services Block Grant: The Fresno EOC supports AJCC staff with referrals,
depending on eligibility requirements, to any Community Services Block Grant services
and any other service available through Fresno EOC, such as Women, Infants and
Children (WIC) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).
Unemployment Compensation: The Unemployment Insurance program is generally
represented in the AJCCs by EDD's Wagner-Peyser staff. FRWDB and AJCC staff work
with EDD staff to coordinate marketing and outreach to UI claimants, ensuring full access
to all available WIOA services.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/CaIWORKs: DSS staff is co-located at the
Fresno AJCC, a comprehensive center and the Reedley AJCC, which is an affiliate site.
DSS staff support reception duties; provide assistance with job fairs and employer services
events; participate in scholarship panels; function as liaisons between AJCC partners,
DSS staff and participants; provide Welfare-to Work case management; and participate in
the center's Self Reliance Team and Training Scholarship panels. DSS staff also provides
CalWORKs Intake and CalFresh/Medi-Cal services at the Reedley AJCC.
Partners' Efforts to Collaborate on Co-Enrollment and Case Mana ement
In every aspect of our operations, FRWDB attempts to identify and implement strategies
to achieve efficiencies and to leverage resources on behalf of the participants we serve.
Co-enrollment of job seekers into programs beyond WIOA has long-been part of this
approach. While we recognize that more work needs to be done to structure and
strengthen our approaches to co-enrollment, we are prepared to work closely with
workforce system partners to build upon existing approaches.
Current Efforts that Foster Co-Enrollment and Co-Case Management
There are many examples of ways in which FRWDB's AJCCs have collaborated with
partners to jointly serve our shared customers. For instance, under a state-funded project
for English language learners, the AJCCs, WIOA Title II-funded education agencies, and
several community-based agencies co-enrolled participants into education, workforce
training and support services programs to holistically support job seekers in achieving their
employment goals.
FRWDB also pursues various methods of collaboration with partners that promote co-
enrollment of participants in two (2) or more programs. These include:
Acceptance of Partners Assessment Results: AJCCs will accept WorkKeys, CASAS or
TABE assessments that have been administered by other organizations within the last six
(6) months. Typically, the referring organization (e.g., adult education) has already enrolled
the customers for which the assessment was administered.
Orienting Job Seekers to All Partner Programs: FRWDB's AJCCs conduct orientation
sessions both in person and online. These sessions provide information on the One-Stop
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
partner programs, thereby promoting not just WIOA, but various compatible programs and
services.
Cross Training Staff: Under direction of the One-Stop Operator, workforce system
stakeholders participate in instruction, including cross-training, that enables staff to make
informed referrals of clients to various programs.
Co-Location of Partners: The WIOA core program partners, along with many of the other
One-Stop partners and local stakeholders, are co-located in some form at FRWDB's
Workforce Connection centers. WIOA staff is also present at partner sites, such as Fresno
City College's Career Center, where they assist in supporting self-directed services and in
making referrals to system partners.
Intensive Collaboration with Partners: One on one meetings with partners, such as
representatives of DOR, Fresno County DSS, and Child Support services are common,
as they help to maintain operational support of referral processes, track shared clients,
and strategize regarding more effective forms of service delivery.
Enhancing Co-Enrollment Strategies among System Partners
As this plan is implemented, FRWDB will bring partners together to devise approaches to
increase strategic co-enrollments as described in state guidance. A workgroup will
collaborate on the development of processes and procedures for enhancing co-
enrollments among the partners. In addition to defining methods for determining when co-
enrollments are appropriate, these efforts will likely include strategies for additional training
among the partners regarding programs and eligibility requirements.
One-Stop S stem's Use of Technology and Other Remote Strategies
FRWDB has designed and implemented a service delivery system that reaches out to all
communities across the county's more than 6,000 square miles. A combination of brick
and mortar and virtual services make up our approach to reaching the widest possible
range of jobs seekers and businesses.
Remote Services Locations
For the purposes to providing workforce development services to remote locations in the
county, FRWDB broadly identifies non-urban communities under two (2) geographic
designations:
Rural West Fresno County including the cities of Coalinga, Firebaugh, Huron, Kerman,
Mendota and San Joaquin and the communities of Biola, Caruthers, Easton, Five-Points,
Raisin City, Riverdale, and Tranquility.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Rural East Fresno County, which includes the cities of Fowler, Kingsburg, Orange Cove,
Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, and Selma and the communities of Auberry, Del Ray, Friant,
Huntington, Prather, Shaver, and Squaw Valley.
To promote access to services, FRWDB has two (2) affiliate Workforce Connection sites
serving Rural West communities and two (2) affiliate sites on the Rural East side of Fresno
County. Currently, sites serving the West side are based in Coalinga and Mendota and
those serving the East side are in Reedley and Selma. Each site features a resource area
where self-directed and basic career services are available. Job seekers using these sites
have access to: phones, fax machines and copiers; web-connected computers;
information on training opportunities in demand occupations; job boards with current
listings; information of partner services; and labor market information.
WIOA contractors working at these sites provide individual career services to eligible job
seekers. Based on demand and clients' needs for specific services, WIOA-funded staff
from the comprehensive center and One-Stop partner representatives are deployed to
rural affiliate centers to provide services to job seekers and to employers seeking job-
ready workers.
Use of Technology to Enhance Service Delivery to Remote Locations
Over the last several years, FRWDB has continued to enhance our online presence and
add to our slate of virtual services. Social distancing protocols and various restrictions
resulting from the pandemic have accelerated our development of technology-based
equivalents to our FRWDB's slate of in-person services. Orientation, eligibility, case
management, workshops, and other traditional in-person services are now available in
virtual formats. Video-conferencing platforms are used to deliver services and connect
staff to customers. Implementation of various paperless processes enable further enhance
service accessibility via the web. The availability of online services provides greater
options for some living in rural communities.
As discussed throughout this plan, even with the advancements described above, poor
internet connections, hardware, and digital skills limit access for many vulnerable
individuals in both rural and urban communities. Bridging these gaps is a priority of this
Plan.
Coordination of Workforce Activities and Support Services
Providing access to services that enable job seekers to participate and succeed in training,
other workforce services, and employment is a priority for FRWDB and for other local
workforce system stakeholders. Because participants' needs for such services can be
extensive and resources are limited, FRWDB has worked diligently to develop a slate of
resources that both makes use of WIOA funds and utilizes services from other fund
sources.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Determining Participants' Needs for Support Services
After determining a participant's eligibility for WIOA services, AJCC staff schedules an in-
person (or possibly, virtual) meeting with the participant to develop an initial plan. This
session includes an objective assessment interview. Staff engages in a discussion with
the participant about their specific needs and circumstances to identify appropriate
services, a career pathway, suitable training and supportive services needs. Staff
emphasizes that supportive services are provided to participants for the sole purpose of
enabling their participation in WIOA-funded services, including training, and employment.
Based on the individual assessment and availability of WIOA funds, supportive services
may be made available to the participants. A plan is developed that indicates services to
be provided and identifies the most likely source of funding for such services, whether it
be WIOA, a One-Stop partner program, or another community resource.
Services Available to Address Participants Needs and Barriers
FRWDB has adopted a policy under which there is a lifetime WIOA supportive service cap
of $1,000 per participant. Under certain circumstances, additional funds may be made
available, if program management approves a wavier. WIOA-funded supportive services
generally address needs such as assistance with clothing, housing, tools, and union fees;
transportation assistance, such as bus passes, car repair, and mileage; and, , needs-
related services payments.
As indicated, WIOA is just one (1) source of funding to meet participants' needs for
support. Many other organizations and programs also provides various forms of supportive
services. In some cases, individuals will need to be determined eligible for such services
and/or be co-enrolled in partner programs to access support. For other programs, various
forms of support are universally available and require neither documentation of eligibility
or enrollment. These programs include the following:
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program: Assistance with clothing, food, housing,
tools, and union fees; transportation assistance, such as bus passes, car repair, and
mileage; and housing assistance
California Indian Manpower Consortium: Assistance is similar to that available to
participants in the Farmworker program, described above. Needs-related services
payments are also available.
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission: Available are programs to assistance with
the cost of utilities, including:
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial
assistance to help offset an eligible Fresno County household's home energy costs.
LIHEAP can provide one (1) payment per program year for electricity, gas, propane,
wood or oil for eligible households.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
• Energy Crisis Intervention Program provides assistance to eligible households that are
in a crisis situation. Examples include a household that has received a 24- to 48-hour
disconnect notice or service termination by its utility company or a household facing an
energy-related crisis of life-threatening emergency in the applicant's household,
including a combustible appliance.
Head Start: Head Start is a no cost preschool program primarily servicing low-income
families. Children must be at least three (3) years old or turning three (3) by September
1st. Head Start provides comprehensive services including education, social, emotional,
health, nutritional, family support and disability services to children and families.
Fresno County Department of Social Services: DSS provides services to ensure
individuals and families will be safe, self-sufficient, healthy, and out of trouble at home, in
school or at work. Program, services and support include:
CalFresh provides monthly benefits to help low-income households purchase the food they
need.
CaIWORKS provides time-limited cash assistance to eligible families with children. Adults
in the program are required to participate in a work activity unless determined exempt.
General Relief provides cash or in-kind services to needy individuals and childless couples
and is intended to assist with the cost of food, shelter, personal needs, and other living
expenses.
Medi-Cal: California's public health insurance program is designed to provide no-cost or
low-cost medical benefits to low income individuals and families.
Department of Rehabilitation: DOR supports its customers by making available supportive
services including the following: assistance with clothing, housing, tools, and union fees;
transportation assistance, such as bus passes, car repair, and mileage; and assistive
technology; and other resources to enables persons with disabilities to participate training
and complete work-related tasks.
Reading & Beyond offer transportation and housing assistance.
Catholic Charities operates a food pantry and provides assistance with clothing. DMV ID
vouchers are available at a reduced fee. Rent and mortgage assistance is available, as is
a diaper program.
Physical and Programmatic Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities
FRWDB staff documents policies and procedures that incorporate the requirements of
WIOA Section 188 and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Annual program reviews include an assessment of how those policies and procedures are
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
implemented by sub-recipients. All outreach and marketing materials include required
taglines for compliance with WIOA Section 188. Equal Opportunity (EO) and ADA
information and procedures are available on the FRWDB and Workforce-Connection
websites.
Facilities, Technology and Services Supporting Accessibility
For Workforce Connection facilities, a physical site review for accessibility is performed at
the time of initial layout and when improvements are made. Walk-throughs are randomly
performed to ensure continued compliance. Program and physical accommodations are
made to customers upon request.
AJCC workstations with assistive technology equipment persons with disabilities, includes:
a TTY device;; handsets with volume controls and hearing aid compatible features; large
22" monitors; and large print keyboards. In addition, staff utilizes, a wireless face-to-face
communication device to assist deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Program and physical accommodations are made, upon request, including sign-language
interpretation. Work is underway to increase accessibility of our local websites.
Staff Training
FRWDB and AJCC staff have participated in various training sessions on serving
individuals with disabilities. Examples of this instruction include:
• Training on Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act
• Training on TTY, which is a special device that lets people who are deaf, hard of
hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate, by allowing them to
type text messages.
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Mental Health and Depression Under the ADA Training (online session)
As this four (4)-year Plan is implemented, FRWDB intends to work closely with DOR, the
other Competitive Integrated Employment Local Planning Agreement partners, and
community-based agencies to identify training that would improve staff's effectiveness in
working with job seekers with disabilities.
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III. STATE STRATEGIC PARTNER COORDINATION
In 2018, the State completed and published a biennial modification to California's Unified
Strategic Workforce Development Plan for Program Years 2016-2019. Within this
modification, the California Workforce Development Board identified several new strategic
partnerships with state-level agencies and initiatives. Guidance issued by the State Board
in 2018 to Local Boards regarding two (2)-year modifications to their PY 2017-2020 Plans
required that WDBs pursue these partnerships within their jurisdictions. In our 2019
modification to the Local Plan, FRWDB described these local level relationships, some of
which were in an early stage of development. Following is a summary of the evolution of
these strategic partnerships as well as approaches under consideration to further
strengthen collaboration with local providers and programs.
Coordination with County Human Services Agency and Other Local Partners
That Serve Individuals Accessing CalFresh Employment and Training Services
Fresno County Department of Social Services (DSS) was one of the first agencies of its
kind in California to pilot a CalFresh Employment and Training (CFET) program. As an
extension of the pilot, DSS contracts with Reading and Beyond, a local non-profit
organization to provide Employment &Training Services to members of CalFresh families.
However, in 2018, DSS competitively procured a new provider to operate its core CFET
program, which is focused on General Relief (GR) participants. The contractor, America
Works, has a short three (3)-month period to find participants employment. FRWDB and
DSS have agreed that America Works and Workforce Connection staff should collaborate
on finding employment for CFET participants. Recent discussions among the partners
have centered on identifying opportunities to streamline AJCC processes in order to
provide as much time as possible to seek job placement opportunities for GR participants
before there aid is cut off. Discussions have also focused on the use of work-based
learning strategies (e.g., on-the-job training, transitional jobs) that will pay wages as
participants learn. Part-time work while individuals participate in short-term classroom
training is another option that has been discussed.
AJCC staff works with the America Works staff to coordinate referrals. Local board staff
will continue to coordinate meetings between DSS, America Works, and FRWDB to
discuss strategies to better align services/goals
Coordination with Local Child Support Agency and Other Local Partners That
Serving Individuals Who Are Non-Custodial Parents
While the CWDB issued initial guidance to local boards regarding requirements to develop
relationships with Child Support Services agencies in May 2018, FRWDB and the Fresno
County Department of Child Support Services (FCDCSS) were already working together.
Under a process agreed to by all parties, non-custodial parents (NCPs) who are in
contempt of court due to unpaid child support payments are mandated to participate in
WIOA services. Such individuals are provided a "job training referral form" from FCDCSS
instructing them that they must register with a Workforce Connection Center within ten
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(10) days and provide a center-generated "participation report" upon the NCP's next court
hearing. The referred NCP understands that the referral is an order of the court and that
non-compliance will be deemed a violation of probation.
When NCPs make contact with Workforce Connection staff they participate in an
orientation and subsequent eligibility determination and enrollment processes that are
similar to those experienced by other job seekers. Non-court-ordered NCPs may also be
referred to a Workforce Connection Center, but participation in workforce services in
voluntary. For those whose participation is mandatory, AJCC staff provides follow-up with
the Courts to provide updates and reports on participant progress and outcomes in the
program
Coordination with Local Partnership Agreement Partners Established in
Alignment with the Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint and Other
Local Partners That Serve Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual
Disabilities.
In 2018, the California Department of Education, DOR, and the Department
Developmental Services developed the Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)
Blueprint, which is a five (5)-year plan to assist people with Intellectual Disabilities and
Development Disabilities (ID/DD) prepare for and secure a job earning at least minimum
wage working in the community with people without disabilities. The goals of the Blueprint
are to:
• Help the three (3) departments work together to better support people with ID/DD who
want a CIE job.
• Create more options for people with ID/DD to prepare for and get a CIE job.
• Help people with ID/DD to make their own choices about working in the community
In 2018, the CWDB and EDD issued guidance to FRWDB on the development of a 2019
biennial modification to our year-year Local Plan. This guidance required that FRWDB
connect with and seek to participate in the efforts of local partners (local education
agencies, the DOR district office, and the regional center) to deliver CIE services as
outlined in a Local Partnership Agreements (LPA). These agreements articulate the ways
in which local partners will work together to streamline service delivery, engage their
communities, and increase CIE opportunities for individuals with ID/DD. LPAs are the
result of conversations and enable the local partners to determine strategies that will work
best for them and the populations they serve.
The core partners in the Fresno LPA are:
Local Education Agency Partners: Clovis Unified School District, Fresno County Office
Superintendent of Schools, and Fresno Unified School District
Department of Rehabilitation: DOR Fresno Branch Office
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Regional Center Partners: Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC)
The LPA also acknowledges the participation of the following non-signatory "community
partners:" DOR vendors, stakeholders, collaborative contract partners, College 2 Career
Project Search, Youth Leadership Training Program, Transition Partnership Programs,
and work-based training programs. While not explicitly named as a partner, FRWDB and
our network of AJCCs fit into several of the categories listed above. As an updated
agreement is developed, FRWDB will request that we be included as a community partner.
Over the last two (2) years, our staff has participated in discussions with the core partners.
FRWDB remains committed to participating as a stakeholder in the competitive integrated
employment goals of the LPA. FRWDB will work with DOR, its service providers, the
regional center, and Workability programs to:
• provide career services to job seekers with ID/DD
• support DOR in using an assets-based approach to promoting CIE to local businesses;
and
• work with DOR and other stakeholders to encourage businesses to take advantage of
work-based learning strategies to initially integrate individuals with ID/DD into the
workforce
Coordination with Community-Based Organizations and Other Local Partners
That Serve Individuals Who are English Language Learners, Foreign Born,
and/or Refugees
English Language Learners (ELLs), foreign born individuals and refugees have always
been key target groups for the local workforce development delivery system. Nearly 55%
of the county's populations is Hispanic and more than 10% are Asian. Approximately 20%
are foreign born. While many individuals from these groups come to the workforce system
seeking assistance to prepare for and find employment, many also need services such as
English language skills instruction. FRWDB works closely with many organizations serve
this population and continuously strives to improve services for ELLs and other vulnerable
populations.
Partners in Serving ELLs and Immigrants
Adult education programs and the community colleges have long been important partners
in providing English as a Second Language instruction and other basic education skills to
ELLs and immigrants. AJCC staff regularly refers clients to WIOA Title II programs and
other training to assist customers in building their English proficiency, to increase other
basic education skills, and for support in earning a high school diploma or equivalency
credential.
FRWDB and AJCC staff collaborate with other organizations and programs to provide
education, job skills training and placement support to ELLs and immigrants. These
partners include, but are not limited to, the Central Valley Immigrant Integration
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Collaborative, Central California Legal Services, Proteus, Inc, DSS, The Fresno Center,
Fresno Interdenominational Ministries (FIRM), and Centro La Familia.
Strengthening Services for this Vulnerable Target Group
Since the publication of our PY 2017-2020 Local Plan and its 2019 modification, in which
we discussed services for ELLs and immigrants, FRWDB has increased staff's awareness
of community agencies serving this population and, consequently, cross referrals between
Community Based Organizations and AJCCs has also increased. Other efforts to improve
accessibility of services to ELLs, foreign born individuals, and refugees have included:
• Co-location of State Center Adult Education staff at the AJCC, which has increased
efforts to assist participants with enrollment in High School Equivalency preparation
classes and ESL classes; referrals for financial-aid; and assistance with college
applications.
• Increased promotion of WIOA and other workforce services in social media and on
Spanish and Hmong language radio.
• Referrals to organizations such as Fresno Interdimensional Ministries (FIRM) and
The Fresno Center to provide wrap-around educational and employment services in
customers' native languages.
• Increased collaborate with DSS to assist CalWORKS participants through co-case
management and coordinated referrals for job readiness, education, training and
supportive services.
• Increased availability of translation services for non-English-speaking customers.
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IV. WIOA TITLE I COORDINATION
The following narrative addresses services, activities, and administrative requirements of
FRWDB under the WIOA Title I formula programs, along with strategies for staff
preparation, training, and ongoing professional development to effectively respond to
participant needs.
Staff Training and Professional Development to Increase Digital Technology
Skills
FRWDB has recently updated and enhanced the role of the One-Stop Operator under our
AJCC/One-Stop Coordinator position, which among its various duties, will be responsible
for managing a training calendar for center staff and system partners and coordinating on-
going training activities. This will ensure that FRWDB front-line staff located at the AJCC
and partner representatives have up-to-date skills and knowledge necessary to work in an
environment where they can communicate, access, and provide information through a
variety of digital tools, such as web-based data systems, online video-conferencing
platforms, social media, email, text messaging, and more. Training in digital technology
will concentrate on four (4) skill areas:
Skills that Enhance Work Productivity
The focus will be on providing group training and identifying tutorials, webinars,
workshops, and learning strategies related to uses of technology to support: managing
time while working remotely; conducting effective meetings; closing any technology skills:
and remote communications.
Skills that Enable Learning on a Wide Range of Topics from a Variety of Sources
To ensure that staff is able to successfully participate in training directly related to their
jobs and to education and training activities that are part of their overall goals for
professional development, training will be provided on various applications and platforms
used in distance learning. Instruction will include remote communications via the web,
sharing documents in an online classroom setting, streaming videos, and related skills.
Skills that Enhance Knowledge of Economic Issues, the Labor Market and the
Economy
Economists, labor market analysts, businesses, educators and workforce development
professionals utilize many online data management tools to access information that
supports their work. Training will be provided in effective uses of these tools and
technologies.
Skills that Improve the Capacity to Virtually Serve Job Seekers and Business
Customers
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Staff will participate in training to elevate their skills in using online platforms to conduct
virtual workshops and interactive sessions with customers, partners, colleagues and
others. They will also learn to use software to obtain digital signatures and the complete
e-forms.
To ensure that staff's skills remain up to date with new technology and that new staff are
exposed to the digital technology applications they need to work effectively in their roles,
training will be provided annually and refresher courses will be provided on an ongoing
basis.
To identify qualified trainers, FRWDB will competitively procure the services of
experienced organizations or individuals; coordinate the delivery of training with AJCC
partners and other agencies in the community that either provide or have procured training;
and take maximum advantage of online tutorials and webinars such as those offered by
U.S. DOL, CWDB, EDD and the California Workforce Association (CWA).
Frontline Staff Training and Professional Development to Increase Cultural
Competency and Effectiveness in Working with Individuals and Groups that
Have Been Exposed to Trauma
Fresno County's population is racial and ethnically diverse and this diversity is reflected in
the customers who use Workforce Connection services. In addition, workforce system staff
estimates that a significant percent of the customers they see may have experienced
various forms of trauma based on vulnerable groups that they represent.
While cultural competence and issues pertaining to customers dealing with trauma are
areas in which workforce system staff can benefit from training, little instruction on these
topics has been provided to workforce system staff in Fresno or elsewhere. Based on a
preliminary review of training opportunities and the skill needs of frontline staff and
partners, the following summarizes initial plans for training in these areas.
Training in Cultural Competence Skills
Training will be provided to support staff's understanding of the general characteristics of
cultural diversity, cultural norms, and cultural differences. Staff will understand the
importance of respecting individual cultural experiences, learn to better communicate with
others to understand and address potential barriers to service, and develop greater
culturally sensitive within the workplace. Staff will become more aware of their own cultural
beliefs and culturally-related behaviors and potential power imbalances, privileges, or
biases when providing services. Training will be provided annually.
Training to Enhance Skills in Working with Individuals Dealing with Trauma
FRWDB staff will identify and facilitate training on working with trauma-exposed
participants. This will include developing skills to promote conversation; learning how to
respond to disclosure; integrating participants' safety when providing services, advocacy,
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
outreach; and trauma informed care. FRWDB will partner with local agencies in the
community to share expertise, provide assessments, encourage participants to join
support groups, share resources, and coordinate services.
Identifying and Securing Training
The process of identifying qualified trainers will be similar to that described above for
instruction in digital literacy skills. FRWDB management suspects that, given the emphasis
currently placed on developing skills in these areas, organizations such as CWA will take
a lead to ensure that training by skilled professionals is available.
Coordination of Rapid Response and Layoff Aversion Activities
FRWDB's overall approach to rapid response and layoff aversion activities is one that
focuses first on maintaining business stability so that companies and workers can
ultimately compete and thrive. Delivery of these services fits into FRWDB's overall
approach to business services, recognizing that the workforce development system's
success hinges on the ability of businesses to create, maintain and grow jobs for workers.
Approach to Layoff Aversion
Industry sectors whose strength will have the most significant impact on the future of the
workforce area are the most appropriate targets for layoff aversion efforts. The FRWDB
takes into consideration key factors for identifying such sectors. They are industries that:
• Pay middle-class wages and benefits and offer job and training ladders for low-
income populations
• Create greater economic spin-off activity (i.e., an economic multiplier effect)
• Drive productivity gains in the economy and provide customers for advances in
technology
• Offer diversification of the economy
• Provide a foundation for new industry clusters
The FRWDB focuses on a combination of industries that provide the greatest positive
impact for the region.
Early Warning System Network: Key economic stakeholders comprise the Early Warning
System (EWS) network, which identifies and tracks vulnerable companies and industry
sectors that might benefit from layoff aversion strategies. The EWS identifies companies
at risk of closing or moving operations before actual decisions are made by the
businesses to shut down or move. The FRWDB's EWS network includes local, state, and
federal agencies; chambers of commerce; industry groups; organized labor;
telecommunications/media companies; community-based and community development
organizations.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Detecting early warning indicators is a strategy that complements other information
gathered through the EWS network and aids in identifying and tracking companies in
possible distress. Information sources include, but are not limited to:
• Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notices, which is useful in
analyzing layoff activity by industry sector and occupations being laid off.
• Major trade journals, business journals, and local or regional newspapers
• Dun & Bradstreet or Experian, which provide information on companies and industries
under stress. Relevant information can be found in the financial stress score and the
commercial credit score.
• Direct referrals
• Changes in management behavior
• Removal of equipment
• Sign of a "cash crunch" or unanticipated cutbacks
FRWDB's BC enter staff, with support from AJCC staff, provide layoff aversion services
that include:
Pre-Feasibility Studies: These studies provide objective evidence as to the likelihood of
an employer remaining operational and, if so, under what conditions. Typically, pre-
feasibility studies assess various features of an employer's operations such as:
organizational structure, marketing, operations/manufacturing, and financial
management.
Asset Mapping: This activity identifies and creates an inventory of community resources
in local workforce development areas. Assets may include many of the organization in
the EWS network.
Business Turnaround Services: These services are provided when it is determined that
an employer needs intervention beyond the menu of services provided by the EWS
network and community partners. Services will be provided through an outside entity with
expertise in business turnarounds. Potential employers are thoroughly assessed for
intervention suitability based on early warning indicator data. Specific business turnaround
services include the following: financial restructuring; operations and cost management;
new market and product development assistance; production of business plans, financial
projections, and financing memorandum; developing labor management partnerships;
assistance in acquiring new equipment; assistance with training grants; and assistance
with loans and guarantees.
Incumbent Worker Training: To assist in averting layoffs, Incumbent Worker Training
(IWT) can be provided. Such training is an important strategy for meeting an employer's
needs for skilled workers and can take place in or out of the workplace and during or
after employees' work hours. Employer and worker assessments are conducted to
determine whether the provision of IWT is appropriate.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Work Share Unemployment Compensation Program: The Work Share Program offers an
alternative to businesses facing a reduction in force. Under the Work Share Program, an
employer reduces the hours of work each week among a specific group of employees
instead of laying off the employees. Wages lost to the employee due to reduced hours
are offset by the receipt of UI benefits.
The Rapid Response Team and Services
When a WARN notice is issued, FRWDB business services staff proceeds with the
activities described above. If, in meeting with business representatives, it becomes clear
that layoffs are inevitable, the focus turns to the assisting affected workers as quickly as
possible, providing them access to UI and with information and support that will result in
their rapid reemployment. FRWDB coordinates services through a Rapid Response Team
that connects affected employees to the One-Stop system. The Team includes: FRWDB;
EDD; Fresno County Department of Social Services; Covered California; Community
Housing Council; Clinica Sierra Vista; Fresno County Public Library; Richard, Heath &
Associates; U.S. DOL; Fresno4Biz (entrepreneurship); and local utilities.
Within 48 hours of notice, Rapid Response Team members will have met with business
and labor (as applicable) representatives and organized orientations at the worksite(s) for
employees to provide them information on a wide range of services and support. By
connecting workers to Workforce Connection services (or those of the workforce system
in the county where they live) the Team's objective is to quickly assess workers' skills,
identify the needs for any training or support, and make referrals to employment
opportunities which are aligned to the laid off individuals skills, experience and needs.
Many workers are quickly reemployed, while others train for new skills prior to returning to
work.
Coordination with Trade Adjustment Act
When a company closure, downsizing, or relocation is caused by foreign competition,
FRWDB and EDD collaborate to provide TAA and WIOA services to the affected
employee(s) as needed. Such situations often results in the co-enrollment of workers in
both programs, as TAA is able to cover all costs of re-training for affected workers, while
WIOA address needs case management, re-employment readiness services and job
placement support.
Coordination with Other Key Partners
In addition to collaborating with the partners that comprise the Rapid Response Team,
FRWDB's business services staff participates in the Central Valley Industry Engagement
Roundtable (CVIER) bi-weekly convenings, which are largely focused on regional trends,
including layoffs and identification of industries and businesses in distress. The
roundtables provide the opportunity for regional staff to share best practices that are of
value to businesses and employees.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Additionally, FRWDB communicates regularly and effectively with state advisors on rapid
response activities. FRWDB works closely with our regional advisor regarding rapid
response methodologies and on providing quarterly 121 and 122 reporting for layoff
assistance and aversion activities for the region.
Services and Activities Available under WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated
Worker Programs
FRWDB offers a wide range of services for job seekers enrolled in the WIOA Title I Adult
and Dislocated Worker programs. Services meet the needs of individuals with various
levels of education and work experience and job seekers from vulnerable populations who
may have one (1) or more barriers to employment. Services are designed to prepare
participants for entry-level and higher positions with businesses in Fresno County,
particularly businesses within the priority sectors that are identified in the San Joaquin
Valley and Associated Counties PY 2021-2024 Regional Plan.
One-Stop Delivery System
FRWDB maintains five (5) Workforce Connections/AJCC locations: one (1)
comprehensive site in Fresno and four (4) affiliate sites, which ae located in Coalinga,
Mendota, Reedley and Selma. Core and One-Stop partners are co-located on a full-time,
part-time, or by appointment at the comprehensive and affiliate centers. Increasingly
(particularly due to the pandemic), staff utilize technology for partner referrals and co-
enrollment to ensure participants have access to all workforce system services. This
technology includes CaIJOBs common case management system, e-mail, cloud data
repositories, and web-based virtual platforms.
Under FRWDB's current model, three (3) contractors provide both WIOA Adult and
Dislocated services. To increase uniformity, cohesion, accessibility, and equity in service
delivery, FRWDB is in the process of changing the current model to one where a single
contractor will provide Adult Program services and a single contractor will provide
Dislocated Worker services across Fresno County. FRWDB is also revising the current
service model to ensure that there are no disincentives to serving individuals with barriers
to employment that may require longer-term career and training services. Efforts are being
made to bring more services online to create greater access. This is especially important
as Fresno County is largely rural with limited public transportation. As one means of
promoting greater access to web-based services, FRWDB will provide training on digital
literacy.
WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Services
FRWDB's One-Stop system offers three levels of career services: Basic Career Services,
Individualized Career Services, and Training Services. These are supplemented by follow-
up services. Services are provided in no specific actual or implied sequence. Instead,
services are tailored to meet the needs of individuals while still allowing for tracking of
outcomes for reporting purposes.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Basic Career Services: Basic Career Services are made available to all individuals, and
include:
• Outreach, Intake and Orientation to services that are available to all job seekers. Once
applicants view an online orientation, they are able to submit an appointment/referral
request form.
• Determinations of Eligibility for WIOA. Individuals who do not meet WIOA eligibility
criteria may continue to access basic career services and may be referred to partner
programs and those of community-based agencies.
• Initial Assessment of Skill Levels are conducted that address literacy, numeracy and
English language proficiency, as well as aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service
needs.
• Labor Market Information is available including job vacancy listings, information on in-
demand industry sectors and occupations, regional labor market information,
and information on nontraditional employment.
• Partner Information and Referrals are based on individual needs and requests from
customers.
• Training Provider Information includes data on performance and costs of programs
offered by eligible providers of training services, adult education, and career and
technical education.
• Assistance in Establishing Eligibility for Programs of Financial Aid Assistance for
training and education programs not provided under WIOA;
• Supportive Services Information includes types, limits and sources.
• Unemployment Insurance Information Assistance includes support for filing
unemployment compensation claims.
Individualized Career Services: These services are provided when needed for an
individual to obtain or retain employment. AJCC staff relies principally on assessments to
determine the need for and appropriateness of individualized career services. Included
are:
• Job Readiness Workshop: This activity is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging
activities that focus on eight key skill areas: Adaptable and Productive Problem Solver;
Digital Literacy; Learning, Creativity and Adaptability; Communicator and Collaborator;
Responsible and Ethical Decision Maker; Life Skills; Personal Development; and
Resumes.
• Skills Assessments: These include computerized O*NET Interest Profiler and Work
Importance Profiler (Values/Importance) assessments and WorkKeys® Applied Math,
Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy assessments.
• Individual Employment Plans: These customized plans are developed through an in-
depth interviewing and evaluation process to identify employment barriers and
appropriate employment goals. The plan outlines activities to attain career objectives.
• Interview Workshops: Participants are exposed to interviewing techniques and
strategies. They are presented with examples of strong responses to interview
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
questions. At the end of each module of this training, participants complete module
worksheets creating a personalized answers to commonly asked questions.
• Group or Individual Counseling
• Transitional Jobs
• Financial literacy services are provided based on individual needs.
• Supportive services, including services such as transportation, childcare, uniforms and
tools required for employment.
• English language acquisition and integrated education and training programs are
provided based on individual need.
• Job Readiness Assistance
• Job Search and Placement Assistance
Training Services: FRWDB provides access to a wide range of training programs, which
fall broadly into two (2) types: institutional (classroom) training programs, and work-based
training programs, which are developed directly with employers and include activities such
as on-the-job training, transitional jobs, or customized training.
• Occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment.
• On-the-job training
• Incumbent worker training
• Programs that combine workplace training with related instruction, which may include
cooperative education programs.
• Training programs operated by the private sector
• Skill upgrading and retraining
• Entrepreneurial training
• Transitional jobs
• Adult education and literacy activities
• Customized training conducted with a commitment by an employer
A"Self-Reliance Team," which is comprised of AJCC provider staff and W IOA partner staff
(representatives of EDD, DOR, and Fresno County DSS), is responsible for interviewing
participants who have requested Individualized Career or Training services. The purpose
of this interview is to determine the best course of action for the participant to prepare for
employment.
Follow-Up Services
For 12 months, follow-up services may be provided to participants, including technical
skills training, counseling, mentoring, crisis intervention, life skills, or emergency support
required to sustain long-term employment.
Priority of Service
As outlined in the guidance provided in EDD Workforce Services Directive WSD 15-14,
priority is provided in the following order:
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
• Veterans and eligible spouses, who are also recipients of public assistance, are low
income or are basic skills deficient.
• Adults who are recipients of public assistance, are low income, or are basic skills
deficient.
Priority status is established during eligibility. Before determining eligibility, all applicants
complete an initial CASAS assessment to determine if they are basic skills deficient. The
process for determining whether an applicant is unable to compute or solve problems or
read, write, or speak English at a level necessary to function on the job, in the individual's
family, or in society is determined through observation by the eligibility staff.
FRWDB has established guidelines for AJCC staff to obtain and maintain appropriate
documentation to support any of the criteria listed under the priority of service. If staff is
unable to obtain the required supporting documentation, a waiver request must be
submitted and approved prior to the use of self-attestation (i.e., an applicant statement).
Services and Activities Available under WIOA Title I Youth Program
FRWDB's Young Adult Services program serves WIOA-eligible individuals ages 14 to 24,
offering a wide variety of services that are customized to the needs and preferences of
each participant.
WIOA Youth Programs and Service Delivery Sites
Youth programs are delivered by competitively procured providers with experience in
providing workforce development services to both in-school and out-of-school youth.
Youth services, like the Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs, are delivered through one
centrally located site in Fresno, which is adjacent to the comprehensive AJCC, and four
(4) remote/rural locations in Coalinga, Mendota, Reedley and Selma. These locations
ensure that services are within reasonable distance to youth residing in urban and rural
communities through the county. As with all FRWDB programs, the effects of COVID-19
have led to youth services being principally delivered through online services.
Currently, contractors providing WIOA Youth services include Equus Workforce Solutions
in Fresno, West Hills College in Coalinga and Mendota, and Proteus, Inc. in Reedley and
Selma. FRWDB will re-bid the Young Adult Services program in 2023.
Youth Services
Services and activities fall broadly into three (3) categories to which youth are oriented
when they first inquire about the program:
Academic Assistance: Tutoring in reading and math; high school diploma and GED
assistance; college and vocational training preparation assistance; and assistance in
preparing for and transition to post-secondary education and training
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Job Readiness: Exploring and developing career goals; job readiness workshops;
interview preparation workshops; work experience opportunities; pre-apprenticeship
opportunities; vocational skills training; entrepreneurial training; leadership activities;
career counseling; and job placement assistance.
Follow-up services: Support and guidance from an Academic and Career Advisor; links
to mentoring programs; personal and leadership development opportunities; and
financial literacy workshops.
The program makes available all 14 required WIOA Youth Program elements. Specific
services aligned to these required elements include the following:
Orientation: WIOA Orientations expose youth to all features and benefits of the program.
Eligibility Determination: WIOA Youth eligibility determine may be conducted in-person
and through video-conferencing. Documents are submitted via the CaIJOBS secure
messaging system, DocuSign, and secure box drop off. Applicants 18 years and older who
are not eligible for WIOA Youth program are referred to the AJCC for use of Basic Career
Services and eligibility determination for Adult and/or Dislocated Worker.
Objective Assessment: This evaluation examines barriers, skills, education, needs for
supportive services, and career and employment goals.
Basic Skills and Career Assessments: CASAS provides an initial assessment of skill levels
including literacy, numeracy and English language proficiency. O*NET (Interest Profiler
and Work Importance Profiler) considers aptitudes, abilities, and skills gaps; and the
WorkKeys® assessment includes Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic
Literacy.
Individual Service Strategy (ISS): This customized service planning document addresses
all of the following factors affecting participants' readiness to achieve educational and
employment goals.
• Labor Market Information including the research and information of high demand
occupations, minimum requirements for jobs, career exploration, and career
counseling;
• Referrals to services that address each youth's needs and preferences;
• Postsecondary education information including career technical education, short-term
vocational skills certifications, and college enrollment;
• Assistance with financial-aid applications for education programs that are not covered
under WIOA;
• Supportive Services and/or referrals for supportive services assistance from partner
agencies for childcare, transportation, housing, food, uniforms, work attire, tools and
more.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
• Leadership Development through academic; personal development, and community
and civic awareness.
Job Readiness Workshops: This required two (2)-week activity addresses soft skills,
digital literacy skills, financial literacy, and building a strong resume.
Job Readiness Assistance: These activities include resume writing, interview preparation,
job search, and placement assistance.
Individual Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance: One-on-one assistance from an
Academic Career Advisor
Mentorship: Partner role model mentorship during participation and for up to 12 months
during program follow-up.
Work-Based Learning/Work Experience: Up to 200 hours of paid hands-on learning
experience that includes occupational and academic components.
Training Services: Activities include occupational skills training; entrepreneurial training;
adult education and literacy activities; on-the-job training; and internships in combination
with training.
Activities to Prepare for and Transition to Post-secondary Education and Training:
Assistance with college and financial aid applications.
Follow-up Services: Up to 12 months; Long-term employment retention; Referrals
Services to Increase the Digital Skills of Youth
FRWDB Young Adult Services programs provides digital literacy skills training to all
participants as part of the mandated two (2)-week Job Readiness Workshop. Content
includes: etiquette for web-based interactions and communication; use of social media
platforms for job search and business purposes; exposure to various commonly used
software applications; introduction to distance learning, including training that addresses
details for appropriate use video-conferencing platforms; and online formats for resumes,
applications and other documents.
Serving Youth with Disabilities
The Young Adult Services program ensures that all youth participants, including youth with
disabilities, receive the same types and quality of services and level of support to achieve
their career planning, education, skills training and employment goals. To ensure that
services for individuals with disabilities meet their full range of needs, WIOA staff may
collaborates with DOR, Central Valley Regional Center, instructors and staff from local
special education programs, and community-based organizations to develop effective
service strategies.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Entity Responsible for Disbursal of Grant Funds and the Competitive Process
Used to Award Contracts for WIOA Title I Activities
The Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corporation is authorized as the entity responsible
for the disbursal of grant funds under the Administrative Services Agreement that has been
executed with the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board.
The FRWDB competitively procures AJCC Operator, Adult and Dislocated Worker
Program Career Services, and Youth services. AJCC Operator services are procured
every four (4) years and WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth Program services are
procured every five (5) years. All programs and functions (except the Youth Program) are
being re-bid in 2021 and will begin operating under new contracts effective July 1, 2021,
in tandem with the implementation on this plan. The WIOA Youth Program will be
competitively procured in 2023.
How the Local Board Fulfills the Duties of the AJCC Operator and/or the Career
Services Provider or Selection of AJCC Operators and Career Services
Providers
FRWDB competitively procures the services of both an AJCC/One-Stop Operator (OSO)
and career services providers for the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs.
AJCC Operator Function
The OSO is responsible for coordinating the service delivery, responsibilities and
contributions of required WIOA partners as agreed upon in the FRWDB WIOA Partner
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Specific duties and responsibilities include the
following:
• Convening meetings to support implementation of the FRWDB's MOUs between WIOA
One-Stop Partners;
• Coordinating with the One-Stop partners to develop agendas and facilitate meetings;
• Convening monthly site council (partners delivering services at specific centers)
meetings to ensure service coordination;
• Convening quarterly system-level Partner meetings;
• Convening other partner meetings required to support MOU implementation;
• Implementing policies established by the FRWDB;
• Ensuring the implementation of partner responsibilities and contributions agreed upon
in the FRWDB's MOUs;
• Coordinate with other WDBs and operators for regional planning purposes as directed
by FRWDB staff;
• Coordinating with partners in program design, implementation, and capacity
building/staff development; and
• Completing other duties that may be necessary to fulfill WIOA requirements of and
maintain compliance as a One-Stop Operator.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
The OSO will also assist FRWDB staff in meeting continuous improvement goals
established as a results of the One-Stop certification process. These currently include:
• Developing and implementing a process to survey partners' satisfaction with the
AJCCs and the overall workforce system, along with the value they believe the AJCCs
provide their program and customers; and
• Establishing and maintaining a structured annual training and professional
development schedule for One-Stop staff.
Career Services Provider Function
The career service provider function involves the implementation and delivery of career
services and follow-up described in section IV.D, above.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
V. CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROGRAM YEARS 2021- 24
Based on discussions held throughout the planning process, the following topics have
been identified as priorities for further exploration, development, and/or enhancement as
the WDB and the partners implement the Local Plan.
Priorities of the Workforce Development Board
1. Commit to a career pathways focus. This has, ostensibly, been a priority for the
workforce system for nearly a decade. Still, on a practical level, the focus remains
on jobs. The jobs focus can be blended into a larger strategy that identifies a career
path for every job seeker.
2. Expand our approach to service delivery to include considerations of an "emotional
quotient" or fit between what matters to people and the jobs that they do. This is
likely an undervalued component in the workforce system's career planning
process and a shift in this direction could yield better outcomes for local programs,
particularly in terms of job retention and career progression.
3. Ensure that every job seeker has the foundational skills to succeed in the world of
work. These includes strong communication, math, digital and "soft skills." Critical
thinking, problem solving and adaptability are key to every worker's success on the
job.
4. Create and implement more programs that contextualize instruction of basic skills
into vocational programs. This includes programs where English as a second
language and basic education skills are embedded into job-specific skills training.
5. Recognizing the many needs, preferences, barriers, and goals of individuals
seeking assistance from local workforce development programs, expand
partnerships to create greater access to a broad range of services and support for
customers. Such partnerships may include relationships with mental health
agencies, immigrant and refugee assistance programs, and K-12 education
agencies.
6. Focus on assisting workers to develop greater "career agility" by teaching skills
(e.g., digital technology, process management, accounting)that cut across jobs and
industries.
Other Key Considerations Identified by Workforce System Stakeholders
7. In recognition of their standing with underserved and vulnerable populations,
expand the use of community based organizations as access points or "on ramps"
to the AJCCs and the local workforce development delivery system.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
8. Expand efforts to increase outreach to immigrant communities and identify
strategies to bridge gaps in services to foreign born individuals.
9. Provide additional training for staff on serving individuals with disabilities.
10. Collaborate with state, county and municipal officials in developing solutions to
address the digital divide affecting rural and low-income communities. Strategies
should address insufficient internet access, a lack of technology hardware, and the
need for digital skills training.
11. Increase the availability of entrepreneurial skills training and work with government
and business groups to support new business start-up as the Fresno area economy
reopens in the post-pandemic period.
12. Consider the FRWDB's taking a lead role in developing a mission statement for the
network of partners that comprise the local workforce development delivery system,
which could be used guide local collaboration.
13. As part of a hybrid (both in-person and online) service delivery system, expand the
availability of virtual services, which provide benefits forjob seekers and businesses
of all types throughout the county.
14. Explore opportunities to add more virtual training/distance learning programs to
FRWDB's Eligible Training Provider List, as training in this format makes skills
development more accessible for many job seekers.
15. Provide recommendations to county and municipal government agencies on
strategies to improve mass transit for county residents.
16. Commit to teach job retention, a skill that many job seekers lack.
17. Develop more opportunities for upskilling workers and backfilling their positions with
new workers as upskilled workers move forward on their career paths.
18. Collaborate more extensively with colleges and universities in the development of
career pathways that encompass occupations requiring an associates or higher
degree.
19. To more effectively engage with employers, offer more training for business
customers.
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
VI. APPENDICES
The following Items are Included as part of the Local Plan.
Attachment 1: Stakeholder and Community Engagement Summary
Attachment 2: Public Comments Received that Disagree with the Local Plan
Attachment 3: Signature Page
36
Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Attachment 1
Stakeholder and Community Engagement Summary
To facilitate the engagement of stakeholders in planning for the local workforce
development delivery system and in the development of the PY 2021-2024 Local Plan, the
Fresno Regional WDB hosted a series of three (3) community and stakeholder forums
focused on topics affecting strategies and services across the system. These forums
included:
Vision for the Local Workforce System: How can workforce system partners and other
stakeholders create a system that is more equitable, accessible, and effective?
This forum was held via Zoom on December 16, 2020.
Strengthening the Role of the AJCC as an Access Point for all System Partners and
Programs: How can the AJCC be more effectively promoted and used as a central access
point for all local workforce system services?
This forum was held via Zoom on January 14, 2021 .
Improving Workforce System Services: How can workforce system services be made more
effective and relevant for all customers, including vulnerable populations that have been
underserved by traditional programs?
This forum was held via Zoom on January 21, 2021 .
In addition, a planning discussion centered on "vision" was held with the members of the
Workforce Development Board during their meeting on January 20, 2021 .
Where necessary, agency-to-agency discussions were held with various partners and
stakeholders to collaboration between their programs and those of the Fresno Regional
WDB. Such discussions were conducted via Zoom and included meetings with:
• Department of Social Services and CalFresh E&T Partners on December 8, 2020
• Economic Development Partners on December 15, 2021
• California Indian Manpower Consortium on January 12, 2021
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Attachment 2
PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED THAT DISAGREE WITH THE LOCAL PLAN
1. From: Date:
Comment:
2. From: Date:
Comment:
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Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan — PY 2021-24
Attachment 3
SIGNATURE PAGE
The following signatures represent approval of the Local Plan by Fresno Regional
Workforce Development Board and the Chief Elected Official for the Local Workforce
Development Area.
For the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board:
2 Z�
Jeffr ensle hair erson Date
For the Fresno Local Workforce Area — Chief Local Elected Officials
Jerry Der, Mayor, City of Fresno Date
Steve Brandau, Chair, Fresno County Board of Supervisors Date
39
Fresno Regional WDB Local Plan - PY 2021-24
Attachment 3
SIGNATURE PAGE
The following signatures represent approval of the Local Plan by Fresno Regional
Workforce Development Board and the Chief Elected Official for the Local Workforce
Development Area.
For the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board:
Jeffrey Hensley, Chairperson Date
For the Fresno Local Workforce Area - Chief Local Elected Officials
y2pr Mayor, AlCity of Fresno Date
LO $ 0-
Steve Brandau, Chair, Fresno County Board of Supervisors Date
ATTEST:
BERNICE E.SEIDEL
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Countk of Fr sno,Btate of California /�
By Deputy 69-i ptrJA- f,,4 x-1`f
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ATTEST:TV4e-4;►,►'1. 4`q C4"�
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39