Becoming a Board Member is an excellent way to contribute to the community in which we live and work. In order to familiarize new and prospective Board members with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Board’s responsibilities, below is pertinent orientation information.
Section I: Overview
President Barack Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Congress passed the Act by a wide bipartisan majority; it is the first legislative reform in 15 years of the public workforce system. WIOA supersedes the Workforce Development Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
WIOA provides for the establishment of a State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) in each state, as well as local area Workforce Development Boards (WDBs). The WDBs have broad scopes of responsibility for overseeing workforce development for their communities. WIOA provides funds to meet local needs, and emphasizes meeting both the needs of business and job seekers. For more information and the complete text of the legislation, go to http://www.doleta.gov/WIOA/eta_default.cfm.
Under WIOA, both job seekers and employers are eligible for services such as job search and placement assistance, labor market information, resume preparation, initial assessment of skills and needs, and information about available services and job openings. These services are provided through “America’s Job Centers”.
WIOA PROGRAMS
WIOA brings together, in strategic coordination, the core programs of Federal investment in skill development:
- employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth and Wagner-Peyser employment services administered by the Department of Labor through formula grants to states; and
- adult education and literacy programs and Vocational Rehabilitation state grant programs that assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment administered by the Department of Education.
WIOA also authorizes programs for specific vulnerable populations, including the Job Corps, YouthBuild, Indian and Native Americans, and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker programs as well as evaluation and multistate projects administered by DOL. In addition, WIOA authorizes other programs administered by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services
WIB Member Job Description
Section II: Governance
Board Member Information
Strategic Plan Modification 2008
Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedure
Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedures
Section III: Performance & Funding
WIA Common Measures
Each WDB is accountable to NYSDOL for performance measures under the WIOA Program. In turn, NYS is accountable to USDOL for these same measures. These measures are called Common Measures as they are used across several different federal funding programs. Last year’s cumulative performance report card can be accessed here.
Adult and Dislocated Worker Measures
- Entered Employment – For those not employed at registration, the percentage employed the 1st quarter after exit.
- Employment Retention – For those employed the 1st quarter after exit, the percentage still employed the 2nd and 3rd quarters after exit.
- Average Earnings – For those employed the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters after exit, the average earnings the 2nd and 3rd quarters after exit.
Youth Measures
- Attainment of Degree or Certificate – Of those enrolled in education or training during participation, the percentage who attained a diploma, GED, or certificate by the end of the 3rd quarter after exit.
- Placement in Employment or Education – Of those not in post-secondary education, employment or military at participation, the percentage in employment, the military or enrolled in post-secondary education and/or advanced training/occupational skills training in the 1st quarter after exit.
- Literacy/Numeracy Gains – Of those out-of-school youth who are basic skills deficient, the percentage who increase one or more educational functioning levels within one year of participation.
NYSDOL Customer Service Indicators
In addition the federal Common Measures, NYSDOL has instituted their own measures called “indicators” to demonstrate the effectiveness of the local workforce development systems. If an area achieves 100% or more of these measures for their program year, it is eligible for an incentive in the form of an additional allocation of funding to be used for special projects/programs. These indicators are subject to change each year as determined by NYSDOL. Last year’s cumulative Customer Service Indicator report can be accessed here.
Section IV: References
Definitions of Acronyms
Many organizations and agencies are concerned with labor, welfare, education and other departmental issues. Agencies and legislation are often referred to by acronyms. The following is a list of commonly used acronyms that may assist you.