In accordance with the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, section 322, this Agreement between the New York State Department of Labor and the Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL), through the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), specifies the provision of services to veterans, the roles and responsibilities of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) service providers, and the integration of Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs) and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) into one-stop delivery systems and other Service Delivery Points (SDPs) within the State of New York. The agreement has been developed to assure coordination and avoid duplication at the service delivery points. In administering veterans' service programs under Chapter 41 and 42 of 3 8 U.S.C., the New York State Department of Labor will undertake the functions described in this Agreement.
The parties to this document agree and resolve to maximize services to veterans following the priority to veterans described in 38 U.S.C. Chapters 41, 42 and 43; at 20 C.F.R. 10001.100 et seq. and the Special Provision of the DVOP/LVER Grants, through their cooperation in activities and staffing at one-stop delivery system sites.
The New York State Department of Labor and VETS agree that the one-stop delivery systems will integrate fully the multiple career development services provided to veterans. One-stop delivery system veteran customers will be provided the full array of services
The following outline reflects the elements of universally, customer choice, integration and performance which have been identified as key factors for the efficient functioning of one stop delivery systems in the Workforce Investment system.
- INTAKE ASSESSMENT AN REGISTRATION
- Universality, Veterans will be allowed to register at all locations at which registration is offered, using standardized data elements as prescribed by Federal guidelines. Individual needs of veterans may be assessed to access core services, intensive services, and training services, as needed, in all one-stop delivery systems, to determine the appropriate level of service to be provided. If veterans' needs cannot be met at the point of intake, veterans will be referred promptly to the appropriate service provider. Access to LVER and DVOP staff will be provided through the one-stop delivery system, if requested by a veteran.
- Customer Choice. Veterans will be encouraged by one-stop delivery system staff to self-identify in order to establish their eligibility for priority for services funded by the Wagner-Peyser Act (W-P Act). Veterans will be provided the options to:
- Self-register for core services
- Request assessment for intensive services, and/or
- Request assessment for training services as appropriate to meet their needs.
- Self-register for core services
- Integration. Qualified veterans will be provided priority in all services provided under the W-P Act at the point of intake and in assessment for all services.
- Performance. Performance will be measured by comparing needs to veterans as identified at the point of intake with the services provided at the point of exit. Measures of performance will be client-centered and outcome-oriented and will include timeliness of services provided.
- Universality, Veterans will be allowed to register at all locations at which registration is offered, using standardized data elements as prescribed by Federal guidelines. Individual needs of veterans may be assessed to access core services, intensive services, and training services, as needed, in all one-stop delivery systems, to determine the appropriate level of service to be provided. If veterans' needs cannot be met at the point of intake, veterans will be referred promptly to the appropriate service provider. Access to LVER and DVOP staff will be provided through the one-stop delivery system, if requested by a veteran.
- MEDIATED AND NON-MEDIATED SERVICES IN PLACEMENT, DEVELOPMENT OF JOBS AND JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.
- Universality. Veteran one-stop delivery system customers assessed as being "job ready" will be provided with priority access to job information services, including all types of job referrals funded by the W-P Act. In those instances where appropriate job listings are not available, veterans win be instructed in the use of self-directed job search techniques and technology. Veterans who are unsuccessful in accessing job opportunities will be identified and provided job development services.
- Customer Choice. Veterans will be provided with maximum access to labor market information. Services provided will be customer driven. Where available, veterans will be trained in the use of technology, Internet resources, and other career information delivery systems including ALMIS.
- Integration. DVOP and LVER staff will provide technical assistance and staff training to one-stop delivery system relative to programs, resources and the priority of services for veterans. LVER staff, as functional supervisors for veterans services, will make recommendations to one-stop delivery system operators for improvements in services to veterans. DVOP and LVER staff will, where feasible, provide direct services or assist one-stop delivery system staff in the provision of priority services for veterans under the Wagner-Peyser Act.
- Performance. The New York State Department of Labor will be responsible for assuring priority services for veterans leading to achievement of performance standards for veterans' services within the one-stop delivery system. Measures of Performance for veterans' services will be negotiated between VETS and the New York State Department of Labor.
- Universality. Veteran one-stop delivery system customers assessed as being "job ready" will be provided with priority access to job information services, including all types of job referrals funded by the W-P Act. In those instances where appropriate job listings are not available, veterans win be instructed in the use of self-directed job search techniques and technology. Veterans who are unsuccessful in accessing job opportunities will be identified and provided job development services.
- OUTREACH/OUTASTATIONING OF LVER/DVOP STAFF
- Universality. LVER and DVOP staff will provide outreach services to veterans at Service Delivery Points (SDPs) that have no LVER or DVOP assigned. However, DVOP staff assigned to these one-stop delivery systems may not be used to fulfill the mandated out-stationing requirement of Chapter 41 of 38 of U.S.C. Outstation sites may include Transition Assistance Program (TAP) sites, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) facilities, or other sites, as appropriate and agreed to. All out-stationing sites of LVER and DVOP staff will be coordinated with the State VETS Director. DVOPs and LVERs are to conduct outreach to employers, community agencies, veterans' organizations, etc. and share the information grained from these contacts with Service Delivery Point staff.
- Customer Choice. Veterans customers will be provided with options to obtain assistance at out-station sites, during scheduled outreach visits, at full-service centers, or by electronic access from other access points. Other organizations and agencies should be encouraged to establish America's Job Bank Internet Access Zones.
- Integration. Out-station/outreach sites will be encouraged to enter into formalized Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to define the range of services available to veteran customers and the responsibilities of DVOP and LVER staff providing such services. MOUs will assure that veterans are provided priority in the services funded by the W-P Act at the Center.
- Performance. Measures of performance will include an annual assessment by the State VETS Director of all formal and informal agreements established to facilitate priority of services for veterans for W-P Act funded activities in one-stop delivery systems, including out-station and out-reach sites.
- Universality. LVER and DVOP staff will provide outreach services to veterans at Service Delivery Points (SDPs) that have no LVER or DVOP assigned. However, DVOP staff assigned to these one-stop delivery systems may not be used to fulfill the mandated out-stationing requirement of Chapter 41 of 38 of U.S.C. Outstation sites may include Transition Assistance Program (TAP) sites, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) facilities, or other sites, as appropriate and agreed to. All out-stationing sites of LVER and DVOP staff will be coordinated with the State VETS Director. DVOPs and LVERs are to conduct outreach to employers, community agencies, veterans' organizations, etc. and share the information grained from these contacts with Service Delivery Point staff.
- FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM (FCP) and VETERANS' PREFERENCE for FEDERAL JOBS
- Universality. Federal Contractor Program job information and listings of Federal jobs will be available at all one-stop delivery systems. LVER staff who are designated as Monitors for the workforce investment area will provide training to one-stop delivery system staff relative to the Federal Contractor Job Listing Program and Complaint systems as well as Federal employment opportunities for veterans. Where feasible, the one-stop delivery system will establish and America's Job Band (AJB) Access Zone using Internet technology to provide access to Federal Contractor and Federal Agencies job listings. One-stop delivery system staff, in cooperation with LVER Monitors, will promote the establishment of AJB Access Zones at other Community Based Organizations and Department of Veterans Affairs (State and Federal) offices.
- Customer Choice. Veterans will be provided both printed and electronic Federal Contractor Program and Federal job information, including information relative to filing complaints with the State VETS Director. Federal Contractors and Federal Agencies will be provided with recruitment assistance in accordance with their obligation for Affirmative Action and veterans' preference requirements pursuant to Chapter 42 of 38 U.S.C.
- Integration. The FCP and Federal job opening listings will be integrated into all one-stop delivery systems to assure that veteran customers, Federal Contractors and Federal Agencies have full access to jobs listings, qualified applicants and program information. Veterans will be provided information in the filing of complaints as necessary. LVER and DVOP staff will provide technical assistance and staff training to one-stop delivery system staff relative to Federal Contractor Programs.
- Measures of Performance. Performance will be measured by surveying customer satisfaction with FCP assistance provided by one-stop delivery system staff, and by evaluation of the quality and timeliness of services provided by LVER/DVOP staff.
- Universality. Federal Contractor Program job information and listings of Federal jobs will be available at all one-stop delivery systems. LVER staff who are designated as Monitors for the workforce investment area will provide training to one-stop delivery system staff relative to the Federal Contractor Job Listing Program and Complaint systems as well as Federal employment opportunities for veterans. Where feasible, the one-stop delivery system will establish and America's Job Band (AJB) Access Zone using Internet technology to provide access to Federal Contractor and Federal Agencies job listings. One-stop delivery system staff, in cooperation with LVER Monitors, will promote the establishment of AJB Access Zones at other Community Based Organizations and Department of Veterans Affairs (State and Federal) offices.
- CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR TARGETED VETERANS
- Universality. Case Management services for targeted veterans will be provided by LVER and DVOP staff and appropriate one-stop delivery system staff. These Case Management services will parallel similar services provided for other customers within one-stop delivery systems.
- Customer Choice. Case Management services for targeted veterans will be client focused and client driven. Targeted veterans will be provided choices based upon need and the resources available to meet those needs. When necessary and when appropriate, clients will be assisted in accessing resources outside the one-stop delivery system.
- Integration. Case Management services for veterans through the LVER and DVOP staff will include the resources of the one-stop delivery system and the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocation Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) system. VETS will define the procedures and services to be provided to targeted veteran clients who are case managed. Case Management training at the National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI) will be requested for those one-stop delivery system staff, DVOP staff and LVER staff who will be providing case management services to veterans.
- Performance. Measures of Performance will track veterans who have been referred to the one-stop delivery system for Case Management Services by the DVA. Measures of Performance will include the number of such veterans referred, the number of such veterans entered into case management, and the outcomes resulting from case managed systems. Common definitions of data will be negotiated between VETS, the one-stop delivery system administrator and the DVA VR&E to insure standardized reporting of outcomes by each system.
- Universality. Case Management services for targeted veterans will be provided by LVER and DVOP staff and appropriate one-stop delivery system staff. These Case Management services will parallel similar services provided for other customers within one-stop delivery systems.
- ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT SERVICE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO VETERANS
- Universality. As part of the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), LVER and DVOP staff can receive guidance from the one-stop delivery system operator. However, compensation, personnel actions and terms and conditions of employment, including performance appraisals and accountability of merit-staff employees will remain under the authority of the State Agency. LVERs assigned to one-stop systems will monitor and provide quarterly reports to their one-stop delivery system operator on the universality of veteran services provided by one stop delivery system staff and the access and receipt of these veteran services.
- Customer Choice. To assist customers to make an informed choice, one-stop delivery systems will provide information during the intake process that advises veterans of the advantages of registration to access special programs and services for veterans and the availability of special staff to discuss employment issues.
- Integration. One-stop delivery system operators will encourage and promote all program participating in the Workforce Investment system to provide the maximum of employment and training opportunities to veterans.
- Performance. One-stop delivery system operators will be held responsible for assuring priority services for veterans where Wagner-Peyser, LVER, DVOP, or public employment service resources are used. Measures of Performance for veterans services will be negotiated between VETS and the New York State Department of Labor. Program activity and program costs will be reported in accordance with the DVOP/LVER grant agreement.
- Universality. As part of the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), LVER and DVOP staff can receive guidance from the one-stop delivery system operator. However, compensation, personnel actions and terms and conditions of employment, including performance appraisals and accountability of merit-staff employees will remain under the authority of the State Agency. LVERs assigned to one-stop systems will monitor and provide quarterly reports to their one-stop delivery system operator on the universality of veteran services provided by one stop delivery system staff and the access and receipt of these veteran services.
This Agreement shall be fully executed and effective as of the date of the signing of this document The Agreement shall be automatically renewed on October 1st of each subsequent year, absent and express written notice of an intent not to renew received by all signatories at least 30 days prior to the October 1 renewal date. This agreement may be amended if agreed to by all parties.
