Workforce Services Bureau

About Us

Our mission is to provide subject matter expertise on the federal Workforce Investment Act and Wagner-Peyser Act (Labor Exchange) through the administration of the federal workforce programs that resulted from federal law. Specifically, the bureau provides technical assistance, policy and guidance, tracking and reporting (participant and jobseeker information) in addition to providing Rapid Response services for dislocated workers.

The primary function of each section is to assist state and especially local workforce development partners in the development of quality services, tailored to the particular geographical needs of each community, which is commonly known as a local area under state and federal law.

For more information about us please click on the menu on the left.

Contact Information

WIA Web Pages

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA) INFORMATION
WIA is a federally funded program to provide employment and training services. In Ohio, WIA local control and decision-making is maximized through an effective state and local partnership that fosters continuous improvement of the workforce development system. WIA provides the framework for the workforce development system that is designed to meet the needs of employers, job seekers and those who want to advance their careers.

The goal of WIA is to increase employment, job retention, earnings of participants, and occupational skill attainment by participants. WIA's employment and training services targets adults, dislocated workers and youth. WIA services are provided through local One-Stop Centers.
http://www.ohioworkforce411.gov/workforceprof/onestopmap.stm

ELIGIBLE TRAINING PROVIDER LIST
The state maintains a list of all eligible training providers of WIA services that job seekers may choose from to advance their careers. The complete list of eligible training providers can be found at: http://www.ohioworkforce411.gov/workforceprof/index_wia.stm

PROGRAM POLICY
This unit is the hub of technical assistance coordination for WIA and Labor Exchange services. Staff provides interpretations of the federal regulations to local service providers as well as other state staff working with local providers of WIA and Labor Exchange services. They develop the state's five-year plan and monitor the development of local plans. They write statewide rules, guidance letters and respond to customer and constituent inquiries. Staff answer questions sent to a special e-mail account wiaqna@jfs.ohio.gov. Answers to questions are often posted at www.ohioworkforce411.gov/workforceprof/QandA.stm. The unit develops, manages and maintains the statewide eligible training provider (ETP) system listings.

Sharing Career Opportunities and Training Information (SCOTI)
Management of the SCOTI (Sharing Career Opportunities and Training Information) WIA client tracking and reporting system and the SCOTI Labor Exchange job matching system is the responsibility of this unit. Staff operate a Hotline (1-888-385-2588) and contribute to a user-friendly website http://www.ohioworkforce411.gov/workforceprof/index_scoti.stm that highlights questions and answers, training and contact information and other technical advice. Systems staff conduct training, troubleshoots and assists local staff on the operation and use of this system. From this system the required federal reports under WIA and Labor Exchange are produced as well as local management reports. They also provide support via a mailbox at  SCOTI-HELP-DESK@jfs.ohio.gov

RAPID RESPONSE
Rapid response is a process to respond to notifications of plant closings or layoffs of 50 or more workers at a single site, with no-cost information about the services to workers and employers (e.g., job search techniques, unemployment compensation, stress management, etc.) available to assist them locate and secure new employment. The unit responds to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notifications of plant closures or mass layoffs. For specific information about the WARN Act, please refer to our web site: http://jfs.ohio.gov/warn

State staff provides training to local staff on how to establish labor-management committees and to provide on-site transitional services. They provide technical assistance to inquiries sent via their general mailbox rapdresp@jfs.ohio.gov. They also process state and national emergency assistance grants for dislocated workers.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
Youth Opportunities staff works with local workforce areas and providers to improve opportunities for Ohio's youth. The staff provides support and guidance to local youth councils in identifying funding sources, labor market and employment and training information, developing programs and activities, formulating plans and building partnerships. Additional information on youth activities can be found at:
http://www.ohioworkforce411.gov/workforceprof/index_youth.stm

WAGNER-PEYSER ACT (LABOR EXCHANGE)
Wagner-Peyser is a federally funded program to provide labor exchange services to employers and job seekers. Labor Exchange administers free public employment services to employers and job seekers statewide. Services to job seekers include, in part: job placement services, resume preparation, testing, job-seeking skills workshops, computer-based job matching, and labor market information. Services for employers include, in part: both Internet and staff assisted services, referrals to qualified job seekers to employers, job openings and Internet access to post those jobs.

Program goals include: assisting employers in obtaining skilled and productive employees; expanding the available pool of skilled workers whose skills match the current job opportunities; increasing the skills of workers; and, measuring program achievements in terms of customer outcomes and increased local accountability. Each area also helps develop performance management systems to ensure accountability, incentives, and continuous improvement.