What is WIA? It’s Not Welfare Or An Entitlement. It’s Work First! Visit our Career Center for Job Opportunities! Setting the standard for service. Workforce Solutions Center Locations Falls County Workforce Solutions Center 230 Coleman Street Marlin, TX 76661 p: (254) 883-5678 f: (254) 883-3778 Hill County Workforce Solutions Center 233 E. Elm Street Hillsboro, TX 76645 p: (254) 582-8588 f: (254) 582-8182 Freestone County Workforce Solutions Center 517 Main Street Teague, TX 75860 p: (254) 739-2887 f: (254) 739-5151 McLennan County Workforce Solutions Center 1416 S. New Road Waco, TX 76711 p: (866) 982-9226 f: (254) 754-8914 Workforce Investment Act A Job Search Assistance Program The Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to include individuals with disabilities. TTY/TDD via RELAY Texas service at 711 or (TDD) 1-800-735-2989 / 1-800-735-2988 (voice). The Workforce Investment Act Levels of Service On June 30, 1999, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman authorized Texas to begin implementing the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The WIA requires states to streamline and consolidate their job training systems by creating a ‘one-stop’ approach to delivery of services. WIA not only replaces the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) but moreover establishes a new workforce development system for the nation. WIA provides a service delivery system that includes the following services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth: The purpose of the act is to provide workforce investment activities that increase the employment, retention and earnings of participants and increase occupational skills attainment by participants. In turn, there will be an improvement to the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation’s economy. The aim of the Texas Workforce System is to assist individuals to find employment as soon as possible. McLennan County Workforce Solutions Center 1416 S. New Road Waco, TX 76711 p: (254) 754-5421 f: (254) 754-8914 1 (866) 982-9226 toll-free 1 (800) RELAY-TX 1 (800) 735-2988 voice 1 (800) RELAY x1 WIA Program Eligibility Criteria The WIA established a Workforce One-Stop System to provide services to the following: Youth Services • Citizens or eligible non-citizens • Ages 14–21 that are low income and possess one of the following six specific barriers: • Deficient in basic skills/below Dislocated Workers grade level • Ages 18 and above • School drop-out • Citizens or eligible non-citizens • Homeless/runaway youth • Workers who have been terminated, laid-off, received a notice of layoff, or • Pregnant or parenting • Offender is a displaced homemaker • Disabled • Requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment Adults • Ages 18 and above • Meet income requirements • Citizens or eligible non-citizens Core Services include outreach and recruitment, labor market information, employment service information, job search utilities, UI claims, information on supportive services, job referrals, orientation to full resources from other programs (WIA, Welfare-to-Work, Choices, Food Stamp Employment & Training), and other self-service activities at low or no cost. Staff Assisted Core Services (with WIA staff) include WIA eligibility determination, initial assessments, job search seminars, job search assistance, job placement assistance, career counseling, supportive services, follow-up meetings and other staff assisted services. Youth Services include WIA programs that prepare youth to enter the workforce or to advance to post secondary education or other occupational skills training. Intensive Services include comprehensive assessments such as the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE), development of the Individual Employment Plan (IEP), group counseling, case management for participants seeking training, supportive services, short-term pre-vocational training and follow-up meetings. Training Services include occupational skills training in a demand occupation on the State Vendors List, WIA Training Provider Certification System, Adult Literacy Education, skills upgrading, customized training, retraining, workplace training, entrepreneur training, supportive services and follow-up meetings. Stepping Up To Success Everyone knows that not earning a decent living is no fun and some people are finding it impossible to secure a job. However, there is help available. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) can assist you with job searches and training. The following five steps should get you started on your way. 1. Orientation 2. Basic Core Service Appointment, Eligibility Determination for WIA, Job Search & Job Search Seminar, Exit with job placement 3. Intensive Services Comprehensive Assessments, Individual Employment Plan (IEP), TABE Assessments, Exit with job placement 4. Training Services - WIA Individualized Training, Exit with job placement 5. Follow-up Contact with WIA Career Counselor for a year after job placement to report wages