| The Bureau of Workforce Services is comprised of four administrative sections: Program Assistance, ServiceLink, Rapid Response and Governor's Workforce Policy Board. The primary function of each section is to assist state and especially local workforce development partners develop quality services tailored to the particular geographical needs of their areas in the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). WIA is a federally funded program to provide employment and training services. It is operationalized in Ohio to maximize local control and decision making. 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 section also helps develop performance management systems to ensure accountability, incentives, and continuous improvement. |
- Program Assistance
This section is the hub of technical assistance coordination for WIA. Staff provide interpretations of the WIA regulations to other state staff working with local providers of WIA services. They develop the state's five year plan, monitor the development of local plans as well as corrective action plans required by local providers out of compliance with the federal regulations. They write statewide regulations, guidance letters and respond to constituent inquiries. Staff answer questions sent to a special e-mail box. Answers to questions are often posted on the World Wide Web at www.ohioworkforce411.gov. The section develops, manages and maintains the statewide eligible training provider (ETP) system listings. The section also supports youth training programs by providing best practices and program suggestions to local service providers.
- Rapid Response
Rapid response is a process to provide workers who are about to be laid off with information about the services (e.g., job search techniques, unemployment compensation, stress management, etc.) available to assist them locate and secure new employment. The section responds to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notifications of plant closures or mass layoffs. State staff provide 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 e-mail box at rapdresp@jfs.oho.gov. They also process state and national emergency assistance grants for dislocated workers.
- Governor's Workforce Policy Board
This section supports the board by providing them technical assistance as well as coordinating their business and committee meetings. The Board helps the Governor set performance goals and priorities, continuously improves the State's workforce development system and assists those local leaders who will shape workforce development at the local level. Staff also post Board information and products to the World Wide Web www.ohioworkforce411.gov. Additionally, the staff helps the Board sponsor various activities. |
