Jefferson County Community Action Council, Inc.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA)

ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAMS

The primary goal of the Workforce Investment Act is to assist the customer to secure permanent, unsubsidized employment, which will lead to individual self-sufficiency. A customer may progress through Core, Intensive, or Training services to achieve this goal. Training services are for those with no marketable job skills and must be in a growth or demand occupation that can lead to a self-sufficient wage.

Core Services are provided through the One-Stop Employment and Training Center, located at the CAC. This may include self-directed job searches or information on WIA programming, among other things.

Intensive Services are provided to eligible customers who are residents of Jefferson County. This may include specialized assessments for interests and aptitudes, counseling and career planning, or case management etc.

With WIA sponsorship for occupational skills training, WIA funds may only be used when all other sources of non-repayable financial aid have been exhausted. WIA will then defray all remaining training costs (tuition, books, equipment, etc.) and provide supportive services in the form of a transportation stipend and/or a child care subsidy as needed.

Any and all WIA-sponsored training must be approved by the State of Ohio and be included on the State Approved Vendor List. This list includes public and private institutions in Ohio and surrounding States. Individual program options range from Nurse Aid Training to Associate Degrees and some Bachelor Programs.

Upon completion of a prescribed training activity, it is hoped a WIA participant will be able to secure permanent, full-time employment with benefits and a self-sufficient wage. To assist in securing said employment, the WIA staff will utilize the resources of the Agency and the One-Stop Center, as well as One-Stop Partners. Upon assurance suitable employment is secured and/or assistance from the WIA staff is no longer needed, a participant is exited from the program. Upon exit federal guidelines dictate that the WIA department engage in follow-up activities with a participant for a year after exiting the program.

Adult Eligibility: Income guidelines are followed if a prospect is working. Household income is compared to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If a customer is not employed at the time of application, there are no income guidelines. However, each customer is treated on a case-by-case basis to ensure suitability with classroom training and professional prospects.

Dislocated Worker Eligibility: Documented loss of employment due to a business closure or lay-off. A customer may be currently unemployed and unlikely to return to his or her prior occupation due to economic conditions in that industry.

YOUTH PROGRAM

The youth program prepares youth for post-secondary educational opportunities or employment. Programs will link academic and occupational learning. Programs include tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school (including dropout prevention), alternative school services, mentoring by appropriate adults, paid and unpaid work experience (such as internships and job shadowing), occupational skills training, leadership development, and appropriate supportive services. Youth participants will also receive guidance and counseling, and follow-up services.

Over the past several years, the Summer Youth Program, which employs youth aged 16-21, has been funded by TANF funds from the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services, along with WIA funds.

Youth Programming Eligibility: The Youth Program may serve residents between the ages of 16 to 21. A prospect must be low income and have a substantial barrier to employment–such as literacy skills deficiency, school dropout, criminal offender, etc.

*Selective Service registration is required for ALL programming if applicable.*