BERGEN COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD · Bergen County, located in the northeast corner of New Jersey, is the most populous county in the State, with approximately 948,406 residents

FINAL PLAN WITH SETC REQUESTED MODIFICATIONS 5.31.19

BERGEN COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

BOARD Local Plan

July 1 2016 – June 30, 2020

2019 Modification

Tammy Molinelli Mark Bocchieri Executive Director Chairman of the Board

1 | P a g e FINAL PLAN WITH SETC REQUESTED MODIFICATION 5.31.19

Contents

I. Description of the strategic planning elements .................................................................................. 5

I a. An analysis of the local and regional economic conditions ................................................................................ 6

I b. An analysis of the knowledge and skills needed to meet employment needs of Employers ...................... 7

I c. Analysis of the workforce in the region .............................................................................................................. 7

Id. Analysis of the workforce development activities in the region, including education & training .................... 13

I e. The BCWDB’s strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated & skilled workforce ................................ 21

I f. BCWDB’s strategy to work with entities that carryout core programs ............................................................. 23

II. Description of the Workforce Development System in Bergen ........................................................ 23

III. How the local Board will work with entities to carry out core programs ......................................... 28

IIIa. Expand Access to Employment, Training, Education and Supportive Services for Eligible Individuals ........... 28

III b & c Development of career pathways & co-enrollment leading to industry valued credentials ................. 29

IV a. Facilitate engagement of employers, in workforce development programs .............................................. 30

IV b. Support a local workforce development system that meets the needs of businesses .................................. 30

IV c. Coordination of workforce development programs and economic development ......................................... 31

IV d. Strengthen linkages between the One-Stop delivery system and unemployment insurance programs ....... 31

IV e. Create linkages during program delivery between customers and employers .............................................. 32

IV. Local & regional partnership between workforce development & economic activities ................... 32

V. Description of the local One-Stop Delivery System .......................................................................... 32

VI. Description and assessment of Adult & Dislocated Services ............................................................ 34

VII. Description of the BCWDB & Rapid Response coordination............................................................. 34

Unemployment Insurance: .................................................................................................................................... 35

Reemployment Services: ........................................................................................................................................ 35

Training Assistance:................................................................................................................................................ 35

Meeting with Workers: .......................................................................................................................................... 35

VIII. Youth Activities .................................................................................................................................. 35

IX a. Type & availability of youth programs in Bergen ............................................................................................ 35

IX b. Out of School Youth & In School Youth Programs .......................................................................................... 36

IX c. Fourteen Youth program elements ................................................................................................................. 37

IX d. Additional program elements ......................................................................................................................... 38

IX. Coordination of workforce development activities with relevant Secondary and Postsecondary Education programs and activities .................................................................................................... 40

X. Coordination of workforce development activities carried out under this title in the local area with the provision of transportation and other appropriate supportive services. ................................... 40


XI. Plan and strategies for, and assurances concerning, maximizing coordination of services provided by the State employment services under the Wagner-Peyser Act. .................................................. 41

XII. Coordination of workforce development activities with Title II ....................................................... 42

XIII. Cooperative agreements enhancing services to individuals with disabilities ................................... 43

XIV. Entity responsible for grant funds ..................................................................................................... 44

XV. Competitive selection of One-Stop Operator ................................................................................... 45

XVI. Performance ...................................................................................................................................... 46

XVII. Local Board make-up ......................................................................................................................... 46

Tammy Molinelli .................................................................................................................................................... 48

Carol Polack ............................................................................................................................................................ 48

Donna Todd ............................................................................................................................................................ 48

b,c,d – Recruitment & development ....................................................................................................................... 48

XIV. Staff and Partner development and training efforts ............................................................................ 48

XVIII. Provision of training services............................................................................................................. 48

XXI. Local Plan creation ............................................................................................................................ 49

XXII. Integrated & technology enabled intake & case management ........................................................ 49

XIII. Priority of Service .............................................................................................................................. 50

a. Public Assistance & Low-Income ..................................................................................................................... 50

b. Veterans .......................................................................................................................................................... 50

XXIII. Additional local elements .................................................................................................................. 50

XXIV. Contributors to Local Plan ................................................................................................................. 51

XXV. Signatory Page ................................................................................................................................... 51

XXVI. Attachments ...................................................................................................................................... 52

Bergen One-Stop Career Center Customer Flow Chart Narrative ......................................................................... 54

................................................................................................................................................................................ 55


Introduction

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law in 2014, requires Local Workforce Development Boards (WDB)s and chief elected officials (CEO)s within each of New Jersey’s three WIOA workforce planning regions to prepare and submit a comprehensive four- year plan, supporting the vision, goals and strategies described in the State and Regional Plan. Bergen County’s Local Plan seeks to build an innovative, skilled workforce that powers economic growth, and in doing so builds an economic opportunity for all its residents. The Bergen County Workforce Development Board (BCWDB), through its eight committees and subcommittees, will develop strategies to expand and build new high quality partnerships with local employers, local government and educational entities, and community organizations to assess and respond to the unique needs of the County. The plan focuses on five strategic themes:

Theme 1: Building Career Pathways with a focus on Industry Valued Credentials

The BCWDB will work with the State’s seven Talent Networks who are identifying and developing new high-quality employer-driven partnerships know as Targeted Industry Partnerships (TIPs). The Talent Networks will work closely with employers in the local area to identify industry-valued credentials for workers and define employer training and skill needs. Feedback from businesses, a review of the data contained in the State’s Labor Market Information reports, and discussions with local Community Colleges will be used to help identify the type of credentials needed in Bergen. Through a common definition of career pathways, a newly created list of industry-valued credentials, literacy standards and a renewed commitment to Employment First for all persons with disabilities, the BCWDB will ensure that all workforce investments activities are enabling individuals to access greater economic opportunity and to build on their skills throughout their careers. These efforts will expand the number of career pathways, at all levels of education and workforce services, which will help more individuals obtain industry-valued credentials and degrees.

Theme 2: Expanding High Quality Employer-Driven Partnerships

Bergen County will focus investments and programs on building employer-driven, high- quality partnerships that follow a common definition and framework. These partnerships are critical to building new career pathways for jobseekers, students, and adult

Provide an introductory consideration of how the local area understands and plans to

implement locally the Goals, Mission and Five Strategic Themes of the New Jersey Talent

Development Strategy … and the concepts and strategies outlined in the New Jersey

Blueprint for Talent Development.


English language learners, and the underemployed, and help increase the number of individuals with an industry-valued postsecondary degree or credential. To further support these efforts, the state’s seven industry-focused Talent Networks will facilitate the development of new high-quality, employer-driven partnerships across the state; investments in new Targeted Industry Partnerships and Talent Development Centers will build a foundation for all of the state’s workforce development investments. The BCWDB is working with local and regional businesses to meet their needs. A new initiative on the horizon is the launch of a food business incubator in Paterson. The BCWDB is working with the County of Bergen’s Division of Economic Development and North Jersey Partners (NJP) to help staff a proposed 30,000-square-foot facility that will offer a fully equipped, state-of-the-art USDA/FDA certified kitchen, bottling and packaging areas, a demo-test kitchen, conference rooms and co-working spaces. The Food Incubator is part of the Rutgers Food Innovation Center.

Theme 3: Providing Career Navigation through the Bergen One-Stop Career Center (BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER) and Broad Partnerships

Bergen County is committed to supporting the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER to meet local needs and assist individuals in obtaining new skills and employment. Bergen County will expand the number of jobseekers and students who have access to high-quality career guidance and job search assistance through a new network of the local and regional One-Stops, community colleges, libraries, community-based organizations and faith-based organizations, organized labor and educational institutions. The BCWDB’s Business Development Committee is in the process of defining priorities for the business customer. The goal is to prioritize services around high demand jobs that pay a living wage in Bergen.

Theme 4: Strengthening Governance through Effective Workforce Development Boards and Regional Collaborations

An effective Workforce Development Board is critical to the success of Bergen County’s Talent Development system. Led by the private sector but inclusive of key partners, the BCWDB engages in an active governance role ensures that investments are made in effective programs and that local residents can access the services they need for career success.

Bergen County has committed to supporting regional planning through North Jersey Partners, service coordination and resource sharing for all workforce education and training programs, recognizing that labor markets are not constrained by governmental or political boundaries. NJP continues to expand and grow, partnering with Together New Jersey, the community colleges and Talent Networks.

Theme 5: Ensuring System Integrity through Metrics and Greater Transparency


Expanding partnerships will assist the BCWDB’s mission to increase community awareness of services, as well as the number of jobseekers with an industry-valued credential or degree. The BCWDB will ensure system integrity through analysis of financial reports and metrics presented at regularly scheduled meetings of the Executive Committee, the One-Stop Committee and full Board.

Local Plan Alignment with State Plan

All innovation for our policies, programs and practice are developed within each WDB committee. The full boards role is to confirm committee recommendations and provide guidance. Because our board members are required to sit on at least one committee, they are fully engaged with some part of the planning process via a committee and globally as they review committee recommendation’s at the full board meeting. Partner collaborations take place within our committee meetings as our committees represent a cross section of stakeholders within our committee specially areas.

I. Description of the strategic planning elements

The BCWDB has identified strategic planning elements, and will analyze existing and

emerging in-demand industry sectors and occupations in Bergen County and the

employment needs of employers in those industry sectors and occupations.

To accomplish this, the BCWDB will draw data from the North Jersey Partners Regional Plan,

the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Workforce

Research & Analytics’ Labor Market Information Update, and meetings with the Department

of Economic Development, County of Bergen. Please refer to Section II. Regional Data

Analysis of the North Jersey Partners Regional Plan submitted to the State on October 3,

2016 for an initial analysis responding to this element.


I a. An analysis of the local and regional economic conditions

Bergen County, located in the northeast corner of New Jersey, is the most populous county in the

State, with approximately 948,406 residents. Part of the New York City metropolitan area, Bergen County is one of the wealthiest areas of the State, but also among the most expensive to live. Compared to the State’s minimum wage of $8.85 the living wage of a single person in Bergen County is aprox. $13.34 an While Bergen County has a relatively low unemployment rate at 3.4% that figure does not factor in those individuals who earn below the living wage, or those long-term unemployed that have dropped out of the labor market, or the continuing influx of ethnically diverse, educated foreign born with limited English skills. According to US Census data, over the last five years (2010-15) Bergen County took in 31,169 immigrants, the third-largest number in the State. Due to the County’s diverse population, the Bergen Job Center staff speaks several languages in addition to English, including Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, French, Creole French, ITAs, and Albanian.

Public transportation is an issue to many Bergen County residents. It is not readily available in some suburban areas, including Rockleigh, Cresskill, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah and Woodcliff Lake, in which five of the largest employers are located. The BCWDB’s Business Development continues to work with local officials and representatives from NJ Transit to explore options that would allow residents to commute to work.

The BCWDC looks towards strengthening regional partnerships. Bergen County is part of North Jersey Partners (NJP), the State’s Northern WIOA Region, which also includes seven other Local Areas: Hudson/Jersey City, Essex, Newark, Passaic, Union, Greater Raritan (Somerset/Hunterdon), and Morris/Sussex/Warren. Bordering the Delaware River, New York City, and the Atlantic Ocean, this region includes more than 4.2 million people and over half of New Jersey’s private sector jobs. It is a national economic powerhouse, and home to many global corporate leaders. It is an attractive, diverse region that also hosts some of the richest and poorest communities in our nation.

Three counties have formed a demographic sub-region of NJP to address needs specific to their demographics. Hudson, Essex and Passaic, Urban Counties of NJ Consortium (UCCNJ) represent the three largest cities in New Jersey and 10 of the 19 urban major cities/towns, and house some of the largest number of the state’s immigrant workforce. According to the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s Division of Workforce Research and Analytics, from 2012 to 2022, the NJP region is projected to experience a total employment growth of nearly 149,000 or 8.0 percent, the largest employment growth amongst all regions in

Analyze local and regional economic conditions including existing and emerging in-

demand industry sectors and occupations; and the employment needs of employers in

those industry sectors and occupations.


the state. It is projected to have 59,860 annual average job openings, nearly double any other region.

I b. An analysis of the knowledge and skills needed to meet employment needs of

Employers

The BCWDB seeks to increase the economic growth in the area, by partnering with local businesses, local chambers of commerce and the One-Stop’s Business Service Representatives to identify skills gaps, and develop appropriate training programs that offer industry-valued credentials or degrees to offset those gaps.

The BCWDB and the County of Bergen will analyze the knowledge and skills needed to meet the

employment needs of the employers in the region, including employment needs in in-demand

industry sectors and occupations. Funding decisions will be prioritized around training

programs for high-demand occupations, as indicated by the New Jersey Department of Labor &

Workforce Development (LWD). The BCWDB will work in conjunction with the County of

Bergen, and the New Jersey Talent Development Centers, Talent Networks, Garden State

Employment & Training Association to identify these in-demand services and develop effective

ways to deliver them through the One-Stop system. The BCWDB will use data gleaned from the

NJ Partners Regional Plan, Bergen Community College’s interactive “Career Coach” and ONET,

along with feedback from local employers to identify skills needed for in-demand jobs.

The WDBC and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER partners have strengthened their connections

with local businesses through site visits, Positive Recruitments and County sponsored Job

Fairs. A detailed database has been developed to ensure continued follow up. The County of

Economic Development and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER Business Representatives are in the

process of contacting 112 employers who participated in the Bergen County Job Fair on

October 7, 2016 for feedback on their workforce needs and perceived skills gaps. The BCWDB

will continue to use its Business Employment Network (BEN) to further develop those

contacts.

I c. Analysis of the workforce in the region

Include current labor force employment (and unemployment) data, and information on

labor market trends, and the educational and skills level of the workforce in the

region, including individuals with barriers to employment.


The BCWDB and the County of Bergen will analyze the workforce in the region, including

current labor force employment/unemployment data from the New Jersey Department of

Labor & Workforce Development (LWD).

The largest employment industry in Bergen is Health Services, which historically has some of the lowest salaries and includes jobs such as Home Health Care and Direct Care workers. The largest employment industry in Bergen is Health Services, which historically has some of the lowest salaries and includes jobs such as Home Health Care and Direct Care workers. The challenge for this field is that the work is hands-on, and pay is often low. Conversely, that industry employs and needs some of the highest skilled workers. There are a number of openings for Nurses and other medical personnel in major Medical Centers, but they require experience. It is very difficult for newly trained individuals to get the type of experience needed to be hired.

The paragraphs that follow provide a look at jobs within the County and key industries. According to LMI Reports, Leisure/Hospitality and Manufacturing are two areas in Bergen County that will experience substantial growth in the next four years. The northern part of the State has a high and growing density of shopping malls and hotels in close proximity to New York City and large corporate centers, and the demand for workers is high. Due to increased demand for workers with advanced manufacturing skills, Bergen Community College developed a Manufacturing Technology Program with input from several leading manufacturers in Bergen County, such as Triangle Manufacturing, Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, Marcal Paper Mills, and EVS Metal. The College’s 3,000 square-foot simulated manufacturing laboratory enables students to follow a high-tech manufacturing work flow, from developing a design to crafting and testing the prototype to actual manufacture of the commodity.



Bergen County Employment by Industry 4th Qtr, 2017

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 281

Utilities 1,207

Construction 16,563

Manufacturing 31,871

Wholesale trade 34,234

Retail trade 55,311

Transportation and warehousing 15,940

Information 8,954

Finance and insurance 14,131

Real estate and rental and leasing 7,662

Professional and technical services 31,001

Management of companies and enterprises 14,804

Administrative and waste services 28,391

Educational services 10,411

Health care and social assistance 79,713

Accommodation and food services 32,828

Other services, except public administration 16,053

Total Private Sector Employment 399,355

(Source: Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (QCEW), 4th Qtr, 2017)



The Bergen County WDB and Job Center partners have strengthened their connections with local businesses through site visits, Positive Recruitments and County sponsored Job Fairs. A detailed database has been developed to ensure continued follow up. New business connections are documented via Sales Force. The Bergen County WDB will continue to use its Business Employment Network (BEN) to further develop those contacts.

As identified previously, the largest employment industry in Bergen is Health Services. Industry statement still valid: The largest employment industry in Bergen is Health Services.

Leisure/Hospitality and Manufacturing are two areas in Bergen County that will experience substantial growth in the next four years.

U.S. Census American Fact Finder shows that: in 2016, there were over 29 establishments with 1,000 employees or more.

Manufacturing: 1

Wholesale Trade: 3

Retail trade: 3

Transportation & Warehousing: 1

Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: 1

Management of Companies & Enterprises: 6

Admin & Support & Waste Mgmt. & Remed Services: 3

Educational Services: 1

Healthcare & Social Assistance: 8

Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: 1

Accommodations & Food Services: 1

Understanding this demographic data allows the WDB and Business Service representative to focus on these industries, companies and occupations for planning and service delivery purposes.

As indicated, Bergen County’s rate of 4.2% unemployment is comparatively low in regards to

other Counties. However, a recent survey taken at the Bergen County Job Fair (October 7, 2016,

Bergen Community College) indicated that 43% of the attendees were long-term unemployed.

Reportedly, 55% of the attendees had a Bachelor’s degree or higher. While it is not possible to

track job seeker ages, a general observation at the Fair among employers and One-Stop

Counselors was that there were a lot of older unemployed workers. The BCWDB intends to use

data received from that survey and feedback from employers to study other trends in the labor

force.


Finding 4: Plan Section I and Section IV: Labor Market Information (LMI) Data Analysis WDB and Job Center committee members meet with Brandon Schoonover, DOL LMI representative, on a Monthly basis to discuss LMI and this information is reviewed at the Job Center committee meetings along with placement activities with Vendors to ensure that job seekers are taking training in areas where jobs are in demand and employment as a result of WIOA funding training. Additionally, Brandon, presents directly at our full board meetings and LMI is presented at most board meetings in written format. Talent Network representatives and community partners present at our full board meetings and our signature committee: BEN – Bergen Employment Network which is a committee venue where job developers, community resources and job development stakeholders meet to learn of regional resources available and to network.

Id. Analysis of the workforce development activities in the region, including education &

training

Through its One-Stop Committee, the BCWDB and the County of Bergen will analyze the

workforce development activities (education and training) in the region, including the strengths

and weaknesses of such services. Data from NJ Performs and monthly LWD Workforce Research

and Analytics Reports will be used to assess the success or failures of the training programs. The

WDB One-Stop Committee is taking a deep dive of activities, with regular follow-up and review.

The range of current activities within the Bergen County area delivered by WIOA Core and Partner programs, and other programs, through the Bergen One-Stop Career Center include:

WIOA Title I Adult

WIOA Title I Dislocated

WIOA Title I Youth Title II Adult Education/Literacy - Consolidated Adult Basic Skills

& Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Grant Program

Title III Wagner-Peyser Employment Service Program

Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation

55+/Easter Seals

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)

Ex-Offender Program (Employment Services)

Carol T. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

Unemployment Insurance

Work First New Jersey (TANF) Employment & Training Programs

GA/SNAP Employment & Training Programs

New Jersey Workforce Development Partnership Program (WDP) NJ Supplemental Workforce Fund (NJSWF) for Basic Skills (Workforce

Analysis of the services, and the capacity to provide such services, to address the

identified education and skill needs of the workforce and the employment needs of the

employers in the region. Local areas should address the range of current activities

within the local area delivered by WIOA Core and Partner programs, and other

programs


Learning Link)

Business Resource Center

Project SEARCH

Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center @ the Job Center(NJDCF) Regional McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children & Youth Program

(NJDOE)

A description of programs is as follows:

WIOA Title I Adult & WIIOA Title I Dislocated

Individual Training Account Grants Residents of Bergen County who are economically disadvantaged or dislocated in their job by a layoff may be eligible to receive an Individual Training Account (ITA) grant up to $4,000, based on training need. They can chose from a number of post-secondary schools or colleges, provided the school is approved by LWD, field is in a demand occupation, and completion of the course results in an industry-recognized credential. Before an ITA is considered, a One-Stop Counselor explores all career development opportunities at the One-Stop, including On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants, and E-Learning grants. The goal of training is to secure employment for the client as quickly as possible. During the counseling session, the WIOA Counselor prepares an individual training plan, documented in the State’s database, AOSOS. This includes information on employment behavior, job seeking skills, and a summary of educational/occupational skills and weaknesses. ITAs are successful because training must be to enhance skills in an existing in- demand occupation. If the client is unlikely to return to the previous industry or occupation because it is no longer viable, the counselor works with him/her to identify training in a different field.

All courses must be made up of classroom instructional hours, with a minimum of 20 hours for those individuals collecting unemployment benefits, except those courses that are attended at a college. Classroom instructional hours, for any course, constitute only the hours that the instructor is present in the classroom to teach and oversee the class. In addition, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER is piloting online learning.

The school must assist clients in the filing of an application for Pell Grants and other appropriate financial aid. All financial assistance is considered and used prior to allocating WIOA funds, and must be paid directly to the provider.

To meet Performance Measures, the One-Stop must ensure clients are tracked. For Adult & Dislocated Program this is entry into unsubsidized employment; Retention in unsubsidized employment six months after entry into the employment; Attainment of unsubsidized employment relating to training.

On-the-Job Training Grants On-the-Job Training (OJT) grant reimburses employers for some of the costs associated with


training a new employee. This initiative offers an immediate positive outcome because an individual trained with WIOA dollars simultaneously secures employment. A contract may be developed between a public, private, non-profit or private sector employer and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER to provide occupational training for an eligible WIOA participant in exchange for the reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the wage rate as compensation.

WIOA Title I and WIOA Dislocated monies fund OJT grants. To provide consistent delivery of grant funds through an On-the-Job Training (OJT) Contract, the BCWDB has developed a formula for determining grant monies and a subsequent OJT Training Plan and OJT Worksheet.

An OJT Training Plan is used to outline the specific skill requirements for on-the-job training. It is also used as the assessment tool to document which skills the trainee lacks at the start of the training and to predict skill attainment during the course of the training. An OJT Worksheet then establishes the grant amount based on training hours, wage and reimbursement rate.

An OJT Contract essentially contains two grant recipients: the employer who provides training on-site, and the employee who serves as trainee. BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER representatives outreach to local businesses to solicit job openings for job seekers, and to promote the use of On-the-Job training. There are several sources the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER uses to identify possible employers. They include previous job placements, local community groups, and newspaper ads. An OJT grant can help employers who are looking to expand their businesses and who need additional staff trained with specialized skills. One of the strengths of the OJT program, is that a company designs its own training activities for new employees, and receives payment to offset those training costs.

WIOA Title I Youth

The BCWDB funds support programs at local facilities for youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who are economically disadvantaged or displaced or who have other special needs. The County of Bergen and the Bergen County Workforce Development Board establish policies for youth through its Youth Council (YC).

Both out-of-school youth (OSY) and in-school youth (ISY) are eligible for youth services, which include

High School Equivalency (HSE) test preparation, ITAs, OJTs, and work opportunity experiences.

It should be noted that 2018-2019 will be the last year that we will be funding in school programs. The demand for

Out of School Youth programs will now be our exclusive youth priority.

Title II Adult Education/Literacy - NJDLWD Consolidated Adult Basic Skills & Integrated

English Literacy/Civics Education Grant Program

BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER clients who score at the 3rd grade level or below and in need of

Adult Basic Education are referred to the Adult Basic Skills Consortium at Bergen County

Technical Schools, the State administered Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)


Title II Basic Skills Grant Program. The Consortium has discussed raising the threshold to 6th

grade because it is unlikely that anyone with a 6th grade skill level would be employable.

The Consortium also serves individuals who are seeking to obtain a High School Equivalency certificate or obtain the English language/literacy skills necessary to enter the post-secondary training, earn an industry-recognized credential and/or obtain livable-wage employment.

These free classes help adults to improve their English language skills, prepare for citizenship and/ or obtain a HSE diploma. HSE Preparation is intended for persons who, for any number of reasons, have missed their first opportunity to complete a high school program of instruction. The HSE tests can be administered only to persons who are at least 16 years old, have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate or diploma, and are not currently enrolled in a regular high school.

English Literacy and Civics and Part-Time ESL Classes enable individuals to acquire improved language and citizenship skills and participate in post-secondary education, training, unsubsidized employment or career advancement.

The Title II Adult Literacy Consortium works in tandem with the BCWDB Workplace Literacy Committee to identify emerging gaps in workplace literacy services throughout the county that impact upon the available labor pool. Title II literacy services are then designed to address these gaps.


The Employment Services Division (ES) of the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce

Development helps clients find suitable position through one-on-one counseling, resume

preparation, career-related workshops, and job search.

Clients meet with Interviewers and ES Counselors to learn about career prospects and training opportunities, develop resumes, refine interview skills, or specialized programs such as PROS/JSAPP, Tuition Waiver and Additional Benefits while Training. In the Public Access area, individuals can work on their own to prepare cover letters and resumes; use the telephones, copier and fax machines, or search for a job. Prospective jobseekers are guided to the State’s new online site, New Jersey Career Connections, to learn more about job opportunities in the region. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER has an active Jersey Job Club, which provides the tools and support to find employment. In addition to offering an opportunity to create a strategy for conducting a successful job search, the Jersey Job Club allows individuals to network with other jobseekers.


The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides services that enable

individuals with disabilities to find jobs. The division also offers assistance to people with

disabilities who are having problems keeping their jobs. DVR is staffed by experienced


rehabilitation counselors who provide valuable services to people who, as a result of physical,

learning, mental, or emotional difficulties, need assistance obtaining or maintaining

employment. DVR is an active partner in the One-Stop, collaborating with Counselors from

WIOA and ES to assist jobseekers.

55+/Easter Seals

Employment program services for the Senior Community is provided onsite at the BERGEN

COUNTY JOB CENTER by 55+/Easter Seals. The program works with job seekers 55 years old and

over with low income, providing job search assistance.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)

Jobseekers who are Veterans receive priority referral to all jobs and training opportunities they are qualified for at the Bergen One-Stop Career Center. Priority service means that eligible Veterans move to the top of any waiting list for training services such as an Individual Training Account grant, or On-the-Job Training grant. There is a special grant program at the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to pay for the salaries of DVOPs (Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists). DVOPs can only serve persons who are defined as “eligible” and who have a “significant barrier to employment”.

Veterans who don’t meet the “eligible” and significant barrier to employment threshold are served by other One-Stop staff. Any Veteran that specifically requests to see a Veterans Representative will be accommodated. Our DVOP will interview these Veterans to determine eligibility and if case management/intensive services are warranted. If they are not warranted, these Veterans will be referred to interviewers or counselors who will afford them Veteran “Priority of Service” if qualified.

Ex-Offender

The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER has trained counselors who work with individuals seeking employment who have been recently released from incarceration, were previously incarcerated, or have an arrest or misdemeanor conviction. Counselors refer individuals to employers who have hired ex- offenders in the past, or have indicated they would do so in the future. For those ex-offenders in need of training, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER provides a full range of training opportunities including ITAs, OJTs and/or basic skills remediation/HSE.

The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER, in cooperation with the BCWDB, the Bergen County Prosecutors’ Office, and the Bergen County Bar Association, also has a program called “Project Clean Slate” for job seekers who have been convicted of low level, non-violet felony or misdemeanor crimes, to have these offenses removed or “expunged” from their records.

Carl T. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

As the primary federal funding source for New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)


approved secondary and postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs, the Perkins Act supports the development and implementation of high-quality programs that combine rigorous academic content with occupational skills training. Its goal is to promote the development of services and activities that integrate academic, vocational and technical instruction, lead to industry recognized credentials/degrees, and increase the ability of youth and adult students to transition to college and/or the workforce.

Federal funds through the Carl T. Perkins Act provide approved CTE programs with the technology and supplies needed to provide learners with the current and emerging skills required by high-demand, local and regional industry partners and employers. Each CTE

Program is approved in a specific instructional (CIP) area and provides for multiple career pathways within its related career cluster. Each CTE program also maintains an active advisory board in their CIP area that includes industry, community-based and educational partners. These partnerships ensure that programs remain industry-current and provide learners with the opportunity to transition through a system of articulated coursework between various educational levels – from secondary to postsecondary and from two to four year college.

Several public secondary school districts in Bergen County, including Bergen County Technical Schools, Bergenfield, Englewood, Hackensack, Teaneck, Leonia and Lodi currently operate Perkins-eligible NJDOE approved CTE programs. Bergen Community College and Bergen County Technical Schools also receive Perkins funding for their approved post-secondary CTE programs.

Schools partner with the BCWDB to ensure their programs are aligned with the training needs in the community.


The local office for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Services is housed at the BERGEN COUNTY

JOB CENTER. It provides walk-in service to customers filing and re-opening unemployment

benefit claims by phone or Internet, or those who need assistance. Phone lines are available

so that individuals can speak with customer service representatives at the State’s

Reemployment Call Center. Employment Services staff is also available to assist individuals

filing UI claims. The unemployed are made aware of available services through postings and

flyers, and are encouraged to attend an Information Session/Re-employment Orientation.

Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)

The State’s program for individuals on public assistance is the Temporary Assistance for Needy

Families (TANF) program for families with children under the age of 18 and the General

Assistance (GA) for single adults and couples without children under 18. It also includes the

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which was formerly known as Food

Stamps. The WFNJ program strives to end welfare dependency by limiting assistance to five

years, and offering clients the tools to find a job and to take pride in working toward

independence. To receive assistance, clients have to work, actively look for work, or participate


in an approved work activity when the former was completed. BCWDB Committees continue to

update and oversee these programs.

TANF Employment & Training Programs The TANF program at the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER provides “to-work” case management. Activities at the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER include: G-Job, a 4-week in-house program for Job Readiness; Community Work Experience Program (CWEP); Coordination with the Title II Adult Literacy grant program and with Contracted providers (sub-recipient grantees) who offer Case Management and ESL activities through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process that includes benchmarks to pay on performance; Support of ITA and OJT Training grants for work-ready individuals who are assessed in need of credentialed training. Additional grant programs under TANF include Career Advancement Voucher Program (CAVP), an initiative that provides grants for post-TANF individuals who want to advance their careers; Smart Steps, is a program that allows an eligible individuals to receive public assistance and attend school full time.

GA/SNAP Employment & Training Programs The GA program at the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER serves very poor individuals who do not have minor children, are not disabled enough to qualify for the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI), and are not elderly. Individuals must report to the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER for a 28-day protocol where they are required to attend resume writing workshops, interviewing workshops, labor market information workshops and effective job search workshops.

Federal regulations require SNAP Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs) to either work a minimum of 20 hours a week, or participate in a work activity a minimum of 20 hours a week. Prior to this year, New Jersey had a waiver for these individuals. Up until 2016, New Jersey residents considered as ABAWDs were exempt from this work activity due to the recession.

New Jersey Workforce Development Partnership Program (WDP) Funded through a dedicated assessment on workers and their employers, the WDP grant seeks to train jobseekers. At the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER, WDP funds, when available are used for ITAs.

NJ Supplemental Workforce Fund (NJSWF) for Basic Skills (Workforce Learning Link)

The NJSWF provides funding to promote adult literacy in the workplace by providing basic skills training for unemployed and employed workers. Funded through employer and employee assessments from payroll contributions, the grant supports two distinct labs: one for basic skills, and one that began January 2016 for soft-skills training.

The purpose of the two labs is to provide job seekers a short-term, computer delivered program to enhance their basic skills, build English language skills, learn basic computer skills, and improve their overall employability through soft-skills training.


Bergen Community College receives grant funding from the BCWDB to support a basic skills lab at its Ciarco Learning Center. Soft skills training at the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER’s Workforce Learning Link, utilizing the Conover and Company software program is recommended for individuals who have been out of the job market for a while and could benefit from that type of skills upgrade. This type of training includes skills such as attitude, communication, planning and organizing, critical thinking, interpersonal/social skills, team work, professionalism, and media rules. Future plans include adding sections on anger management.

Business Resource Center The Business Resource Center serves as a single point of contact to assist businesses in Bergen County. The BRC assists employers to recruit qualified workers through Positive Recruitments and Counselor referrals, access industry and labor market information, and navigate BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER programs and services. The BRC also works with employers that are closing their facilities to transition workers to other suitable firms. The Center is staffed by State Business Service Representatives, whose goal is businesses outreach and customer service, and One-Stop Counselors, who manage the Positive Recruitments, and job-matching.

Project SEARCH The BCWDB and its partners will soon be entering its fourth Project SEARCH program year. Project SEARCH is a one-year, business-led, unpaid internship program for individuals with disabilities who seek competitive employment. The skills-based, transition-to-work program was launched in Bergen County on September 6, 2016, at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack and Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. A detailed description of this initiative can be found in Section IX Youth Activities. We anticipate including an adult Project SEARCH program in Bergen in the coming years.

Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center

The Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center is located at Bergen Job Center. It is a Bergen County Technical Schools program funded through a contract with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. The Displaced Homemaker Center is a founding partner of the Job Center and provides a variety of professional services to assist women who are separated, divorced, widowed, or spouse disabled, to make appropriate career decisions. Displaced Homemaker Center staff have been cross-trained and work closely with ES and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff to provide the career counseling, vocational assessment, crisis case management, and support services needed by displaced homemakers (many of whom are victims of domestic violence), to overcome barriers to employment.

Every year, this unique program helps thousands of women to develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency and succeed in the workplace. Services include Computer literacy classes; Resume writing; Professional career counseling; Testing including vocational interest inventories, aptitude, personality; Advocacy; and referral. Computer literacy skills courses and employment readiness skills classes, such as electronic resume writing and job search, are available day and evening. When space is available, many of these classes are open to ES and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER customers.


Regional McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children & Youth Program (NJDOE)

This McKinney-Vento grant program, which is operated by Bergen County Special Services and funded through the NJDOE, works with schools throughout Bergen County and the northern region of New Jersey (Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, and Somerset) to identify homeless children, homeless youth and unaccompanied minors. Program services focus upon helping these populations to continue to achieve academically and, ultimately, transition from secondary school to higher education and/or the workplace. The Regional McKinney-Vento program participates on a variety of BCWDB committees, including the Youth Council and the Literacy Committee. The nature of the program supports regional planning.

The BCWDB and its committees will assess the aforementioned workforce development programs for any areas of weakness in service delivery to ascertain whether regional or local solutions are most appropriate. The timeline for this is PY 2016/17 and PY 2017/18.

I e. The BCWDB’s strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated & skilled workforce

The BCWDB’s strategic vision is that job seekers, including Middle and High School students, obtain the skills needed to be successful in employment and Bergen County businesses are able to obtain a skilled workforce. This is in line with the North Jersey Regional Plan vision. Due to the over-arching responsibilities in carrying out this vision, the BCWDB has established committees. The Committees work directly with the entities that carry out the core programs, to align resources available to Bergen County, to achieve the strategic vision and goals. This is done through on-site meetings with BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff and Partners, reviewing monthly and quarterly financial and performance reports, and outreaching to the community.

The BCWDB Executive Committee, which ensures the local area meets and exceed all State and Federal objectives based on primary indicators of performance. Comprised of the Executive Director, Chair, Vice Chair and the Secretary/Treasurer of all Committees, the Executive Committee develops policy and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the strategic workforce plan to ensure. This ongoing review process ensures continuity and supports the accomplishment of the BCWDB mission and goals.

Describe the local board’s strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated and

skilled workforce (including youth and individuals with barriers to employment) …

Describe how this supports the regional plan efforts and potential for shared cost.

Describe how the local plan may differ from the regional plan, with a justification for

the variance.


There are seven additional WDB sub-committees, and each has a targeted mission:

BCWDB ABILITIES Committee – Ensures that all persons with disabilities, including youth, have access to comprehensive services and training resulting in meaningful/self- sustaining employment and access to open jobs available with high demand industries in Bergen County. A Transportation subcommittee identifies and attempts to remedy the challenges individuals with disabilities face in getting to and from work.

BCWDB One-Stop Committee – Assists the BCWDB in its broad oversight of the One-Stop System, including fiscal activities, through continuous evaluations and develops policy recommendations that aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of services delivered through the One-Stop System including the One-Stop Career Center; monitors performance and program enrollments; and ensures that Bergen BCWDB Plans are being carried out as they relate to One-Stop System services. This committee includes two subcommittees that focus on the job-seeker and employer.

BCWDB Literacy Committee is now under the One Stop Committee- Provides active leadership in working with employers and community stakeholders to identify need and emerging literacy service gaps, provide strategic direction, and establish priorities and develop overall BCWDB plans for coordinating and improving adult literacy services throughout the county. This is an ad- hoc committee, with funding under the purview of the One-Stop Committee.

BCWDB Youth and Education and Committee – Develops a comprehensive, integrated and coordinated system of youth services, focusing on at-risk youth, which effectively prepares young people for higher education and future employment.

BCWDB Business Development Committee is now under the Youth and Education Committee – Working directly with economic development, business and industry, identifies and recommends actions to address their workforce needs, evaluating how effectively business is being served as a customer of the One-Stop System, and developing and overseeing a communications and outreach strategy to businesses and key stakeholders.

BCWDB Business Employment Network (BEN) – Facilitates communication between BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER partners, business representatives, and other community resources. BEN’s goal is to share open jobs with organizations that come in contact with jobseekers.

BCWDB Governance Committee – Assesses the Board’s compliance with applicable laws, oversees the implementation and effectiveness of board policies and processes, reviews potential member conflicts, and serves as an advisor on board development and evaluation. The Governance Committee is also charged with coordinating and supervising the annual nomination and election of officers.


This collective vision is in line with the North Jersey Partner’s regional vision:

An inclusive regional workforce system that proactively adapts to the needs of businesses and residents while sustaining the region’s economic competiveness and stimulating growth in an ever-changing socioeconomic environment.

I f. BCWDB’s strategy to work with entities that carryout core programs

The BCWDB plans to implement goals, mission, and strategic themes of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act by charging its eight committees and subcommittees with the task of working with local shareholders. The overarching goal of the BCWDB is to make the most effective use of the One-Stop system resources to support local businesses, job seekers, students and the community.

The BCWDB envisions a comprehensive system of services and resources, which harnesses the resources and expertise of all One-Stop Partners to implement an asset-based, lifelong learning model of workforce preparedness. This model will be used to help job seekers develop career plans and strategies that provide them with the skills they need to obtain self-sufficiency. Further, by focusing on life-long learning, we will create a “pipeline” of skilled employees who are able to navigate a changing economy and adapt to rapid shifts in skill requirements.

II. Description of the Workforce Development System in Bergen

Programs included in Bergen County’s workforce development system, which comprise the

Bergen One-Stop Career Center, include:

WIOA Title I Adult

WIOA Title I Dislocated

WIOA Title I Youth

Strategies to align resources available to the local area, to achieve the local area’s

strategic vision and goals.

Describe the workforce development system in the local area, including identifying the

programs that are included in that system and how the local board will work with the

entities carrying out the core programs and other workforce development programs to

support alignment to provide services. Identify any areas of weakness in service

delivery of resources and discuss rather regional or local solutions are most

appropriate.


Title II Adult Education and Literacy – Consolidated Adult Basic Skills & Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Grant Program



55+/Easter Seals Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)

Ex-Offender Program (Employment Services)

Carol T. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act


Work First New Jersey (TANF) Employment & Training Programs

GA/SNAP Employment & Training Programs

New Jersey Workforce Development Partnership Program (WDP)


Business Resource Center

Project SEARCH

Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center @ the Job Center(NJDCF) Regional McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children & Youth Program

(NJDOE)

Current activities within these programs are described in detail, Section I (d), pages 10-18. This past year, the NJSETC provided guidance as Workforce Development Boards transitioned from advisory to governing Boards. As a result, the BCWDB and its committees were strengthened and tasked with working more closely with partners. The Committees are aligned and working to develop new initiatives and activities, and coordinate BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER service delivery to eliminate duplications. In addition to current initiatives, there are a number of new developments.

WIOA Title I Adult & WIOA Title I Dislocated Title III Wagner-Peyser Employment Service Program Business Resource Center

In April 2016, the BCWDB One-Stop Committee began reviewing flow charts of client activities, and analyzing existing programs in order to integrate service delivery under WIOA. As a result, this summer, staff began cross-training to learn about partner programs. Beginning in October 2016, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER integrated counseling for WIOA, WDP, Tuition Waiver, and Additional Benefits for Training. Individuals coming into the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER now have the ability to obtain all services from the Counselor to whom they are assigned.

A key part of counseling at the One-Stop, and ultimate measure of success, is to place job seekers in suitable positions. The Business Resource Center is a vital link. In the past the Business Resource Representatives managed the Positive Recruitments at the One Stop, with limited participation by ES or WIOA staff. There was not a formal process in place for


Counselors to refer suitable job seekers. A review of the procedures with the management team at the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER identified the opportunity to move oversight of Recruitments to ES Interviewers. The benefit is two-fold: Business Resource Representative can spend additional time contacting and supporting employers; ES Interviewers, who work closely with BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER Counseling staff, can refer more suitable candidates to the Recruitments. WIOA Title I Youth

The BCWDB Youth Council (YC) will be working on a toolkit for high schools on how to engage

at-risk youth, and will include topics such as the High School Equivalency (HSE) option, and early

intervention. The YC is also working on high school strategies for non-English speaking students.

The YC will also work on a booklet outlining available services for youth in the County entitled,

Community Assessment of Youth Services. Furthermore, a fundraising committee has been

established to fill the financial void by the recent reduction in federal funding.

Title II Adult Education/Literacy

The Adult Basic Skills Consortium will continue to work with One-Stop Partners, as another

entry into the workforce development system. These discretionary funds draw individuals in

from the community, providing services free of charge to those who may not otherwise be

eligible for One-Stop grant programs. BCTS’s Adult and Continuing Education Division, the lead

partner in the Consortium, is developing a new initiative with the Bergen Volunteer Center, to

transition prospective workers into a job, similar to a CWEP. A second initiative, to be

developed in collaboration with a BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER counselor and ES job

developer, addresses the gap in services to reduce “brain waste” in the Bergen County labor

pool.

Over the past ten years the Bergen County Adult Literacy Title II Consortium has provided over 18,000 Bergen County adults with day and evening High School Equivalency (HSE) and English- as-a-Second Language (ESL) instruction on multiple locations throughout the county. Over 40% of the 1,183 adults served in FY2016 had completed a college or professional degree (333) or had attended college (145) in their native land. This high degree of what has been termed “brain waste” by the New Jersey State Employment and Training Council (SCALES Report, 2013, p. 20) is double that experienced at the state level.1 It has been suggested that these educated, “basic skills deficient” individuals can better leverage the “significant investments they have already made in their education and training” by “braiding” WIOA services.2

The Adult Literacy Consortium will collaborate with the ES/BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER to develop and deliver innovative adult literacy (HSE and ESL) offerings that reduce “brain waste” by supporting the transition of high skilled ESL learners to the workforce. To this end, the BCWDB will assign a BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER counselor and an ES job developer to meet regularly with students on Consortium instructional sites to support career pathway planning, job search and transition to the workplace. The assigned BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER counselor and ES job developer will also work closely with Consortium faculty to develop instructional materials and


processes that can be used in the literacy classroom to further support transition and job placement of skilled and educated members of the new immigrant labor pool. All materials that are collaboratively developed will be replicable by other county OSCC, ES and Adult Literacy partnerships.

1 According to an December 2015 report by the Migration Policy Institute entitled Immigrants & WIOA Services,

p.6), 20% of New Jersey’s foreign-born, limited English Proficient residents over the age of 25 have completed college. 2 McHugh, M. & Morwaski, M., Migration Policy Institute, National Center for Immigrant Integration Policy, Fact Sheet: Immigrants & WIOA Services: Comparison of Sociodemographic Characteristics of Native- and Foreign-

Born Adults in New Jersey, December 2015, p.6 Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation

A Disabilities Committee (DC) Transportation subcommittee has been formed to identify the challenges individuals with disabilities face in getting to and from work. The subcommittee will study existing access to public transportation, and advocate for additional resources needed. Additionally, a Disability Employers Recognition Awards Ceremony will take place in spring 2017. Project SEARCH business hosts will be honored at this event. The BCWDB staff, members of the DC and Freeholder Tracy Zur continue to present a “Disability Roadshow” at Rotaries and Chambers of Commerce throughout the County to educate the community on the advantages of hiring an individual with a disability.

Carl T. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

Perkins funding will continue to support secondary and public post-secondary CTE programs. Perkins funding focuses upon the provision of resources needed to ensure that NJDOE approved CTE programs continue to effectively address the changing needs of industry and achieve outcomes that meet or exceed a series of performance benchmarks established by federal and state funding sources.

Performance benchmarks are negotiated annually. Secondary benchmarks establish minimum performance measures across all CTE programming in the areas of Technical Skill Attainment, Graduation, Placement, Participation Nontraditional, and Completion Nontraditional. Post- secondary measures target Technical Skill Attainment; Credential, Certificate or Degree; Retention; Placement; Participation Non-Traditional; and Completion Non-Traditional.

Perkins funds are prioritized to address those areas that struggle to meet targeted benchmarks. For example, a CTE program such as Cosmetology is considered to be non-traditional by gender if individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in that

occupation or field of work. In 2015-16, the established benchmark for the participation of nontraditional secondary students was set at 31%. To meet this benchmark, at least 31% of the students participating in a secondary Cosmetology program must be male. Similarly, priority with regard to funding would be given to a CTE program in which the required percentage of students did not achieve an industry credential upon program completion. Expenditures of Perkins funds for the purchase of equipment or technology are based upon faculty and Industry Advisory Committee recommendations.


As indicated above, Perkins-eligible CTE programs benefit from ongoing partnerships with industry and employers. Bergen County Vocational Technical Schools (BCTS) is the leading recipient of Perkins funds for secondary education. Other secondary school districts that operate Perkins-eligible CTE programs include Bergenfield, Englewood, Hackensack, Leonia, Teaneck, and Lodi. All approved CTE programs must provide structured learning experiences that are appropriate for each grade level and can include tours of the work-site, industry demonstrations in the classroom, job-shadowing opportunities, and weekly internships for high school seniors that are mentored by industry partners.

Recent studies conducted by the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education, target the positive impact of the integration of real-world, hands-on project work (CTE experience) with academic instruction has upon student achievement. In recognition of this, the NJDOE has prioritized the establishment of new CTE programs on alternative (town and college) sites.

BCTS supports this initiative by collaborating with school districts, such as the Bergenfield Public Schools, and with Bergen Community College (BCC). The results: BCTS opened a new, articulated, Applied Technology High School focused on Advanced Manufacturing on the BCC campus and designed a shared-time pilot program at Bergenfield High School focused upon the themes of green technology, current environmental issues, and sustainable engineering. As part of both new CTE experiences, students work on real-world projects such as designing and constructing new energy-efficient devices such as solar powered vehicles, state-of-the-art water purifiers, and sustainable agriculture systems.

The BCWDB will continue to work with BCTS to encourage local schools to start more technical programs, by supporting partnerships with one another and businesses. The BCWDB will identify projected growth areas and work with the schools to meet and gaps in labor.

Work First New Jersey (TANF) Training Programs The goal of all Work First New Jersey programs is to move individuals off of assistance and into unsubsidized employment. One of the biggest challenges is the perception by recipients that they are better off financially, at least in the short term, to collect benefits. Toward that end, earlier this year, the BCWDB reached out to the Housing Authority of Bergen County to remedy a common situation among the TANF population. Many recipients fear becoming employed, because they will lose their Temporary Residential Assistance (TRA). The BCWDB & BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER worked with partners from the Bergen County Housing Authority to develop a program which would provide bridge housing assistance to those individuals who are on TANF and become employed. This program, which was approved by HUD board in July, would allow for temporary housing assistance when a client’s voucher is stopped as a result of employment. The HUD voucher would provide financial support for housing, while the individual develops as an employee. The goal of this program is to have the individual self-sufficient in 5 years.

The Housing Authority’s Board approved the pilot program. It will be offered for a select few


that will be chosen through an interview panel, comprised of BCWDB members.

GA/SNAP Employment & Training Programs Representatives from the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER, the Bergen County Board of Social Services, and the State’s Division of Family Development continue to refine the referral process for to-work compliance activities. Those who receive GA/SNAP must attend the 28 day protocol and SNAP only must register for One-Stop services. Existing referral procedures made it difficult for the individuals to comply with the program requirements.


To increase the level of service in the Workforce Learning Link’s Conover Soft Skills Academy and improve job seekers’ likelihood of success, all individuals will be required to attend Conover before they are provided a training contract. Individuals will have two weeks to complete the program.

The Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center @ the One Stop

Displaced Homemaker Center staff will continue to work closely with ES and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff to provide the career counseling, vocational assessment, crisis case management and support services needed by displaced homemakers who are transitioning to the workplace. Every year, this unique program helps thousands of women to develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency and succeed in the workplace. Classes are available day and evening to meet clients’ individual needs. Services include Computer literacy classes; Resume writing; Professional career counseling; Testing including vocational interest inventories, aptitude, personality; Advocacy; and referral. Additionally, the center offers workshops, support groups, and computer literacy classes. When space is available, select classes are open to ES and BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER customers.

Regional McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children & Youth Program (NJDOE)

This McKinney-Vento grant program will continue to support the regionalization of services and the academic achievement and educational completion of homeless children, homeless youth and unaccompanied minors in Bergen County and throughout the northern region of New Jersey. The McKinney-Vento program will do so by continuing to participate on a variety of BCWDB committees, including the Youth Council and the Literacy Committee and by providing trainings to school and agency staff.

III. How the local Board will work with entities to carry out core

programs

IIIa. Expand Access to Employment, Training, Education and Supportive Services for


Eligible Individuals

The BCWDB will expand access to services by strengthening Career Navigation Assistance that meet local needs and assist individuals in obtaining new skills and employment through a network which includes the Bergen One-Stop Career Center, Bergen Community College, libraries, community-based organizations and faith-based organizations, organized labor and educational institutions. LWD recently offered a grant opportunity to provide twenty-six libraries $50,000 each, to serve as access points for workforce services through Career Connections. No library in Bergen County was awarded the grant. However, North Bergen Public Library, which is located in one of the NJP counties, was selected. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER will reach out to the some of the larger libraries in Bergen, including Mahwah, Hackensack, and Bergenfield, to provide training in Career Connections, and offer job search services to their patrons.

III b & c Development of career pathways & co-enrollment leading to industry valued

credentials

In conjunction with North Jersey Partners, the BCWDB will build career pathways with a focus on Industry-Valued Credentials. Through a common definition of career pathways, a newly created list of industry-valued credentials, literacy standards and a renewed commitment to Employment First for all persons with disabilities, Bergen County will ensure that all workforce investments are enabling individuals to access greater economic opportunity and to build on their skills throughout their careers. These efforts will expand the number of career pathways, at all levels of education and workforce services, which will help more individuals obtain industry-valued credentials and degrees.

Finding 8: Plan Sections III and XX: Credential Efforts in Local Area

All counselors at the Job Center encourage job seekers to obtain an industry based credential when taking training. Job Center staff attend Bergen County Employment Network (BEN) meetings monthly and receive monthly emails with open jobs, Industry Partnership representative’s events and such, to understand the demand occupations in our area and receive monthly presentations on open jobs and industries that need employees. Career

Improve access to activities leading to an industry valued credential, as made

available through the Industry-Valued Credential List published by LWD. Highlight how

the local area’s education and occupational training program will include

employability skills (soft skills) training, experiential learning opportunities including

classroom training, on-the-job training, internships, externships, registered

apprenticeship and any other training methods that are delivered.

How the local board will facilitate the development of career pathways and co-

enrollment, as appropriate in core programs, and


connections is prompted and staff from LWD will attend a BEN meeting to share the best use of the tool. Speakers at BEN meetings include and or will include in the future Industry Partnership representative’s representative from each industry. Strategies and services that will be used in Bergen County

IV a. Facilitate engagement of employers, in workforce development programs

Earlier this year, the County of Bergen sponsored a Mayor’s Roundtable, held at Met Life

Stadium. It was extremely well attended, with over half of the Bergen County mayors present.

The Roundtable provided an opportunity to describe workforce and economic development

services available to local employers through the BCWDB local area. Mayors were provided

with information to share with their constituents on the following programs:

Incentive programs to remain in Bergen County and New Jersey

Incumbent worker training programs

On-the-job training programs

Customized training programs

Industry sector strategies

Career pathways initiatives

The BCWDB and the County’s Division of Economic Development had follow-up meetings in the

following months. The County Executive was so impressed with the event that he wants to

duplicate it again next year, and include other counties, such as Hudson and Passaic.

Furthermore, the BCWDB in conjunction with North Jersey Partners, will seek to expand High-

Quality Employer-Driven Partnerships. The region is focusing investments and programs on building employer-driven, high-quality partnerships that follow a common definition and framework. These partnerships are critical to building new career pathways for jobseekers and students and help increase the number of individuals with an industry-valued post-secondary degree or credential. To further support these efforts, the state’s seven industry-focused Talent Networks will facilitate the development of new high-quality, employer-driven partnerships across the state; investments in new Targeted Industry Partnerships and Talent Development Centers will build a foundation for all of the state’s workforce development investments.

IV b. Support a local workforce development system that meets the needs of businesses

The BCWDB supports regional planning and collaboration among local partners to be responsive to the State’s labor markets. Through NJP, the BCWDB’s goal is to continue to look at planning regionally. As the American Dream project unfolds and additional funding opportunities become available, the Bergen WDB and its regional partners will be ready to address the business and job seeker needs.


The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER will continue to reach out to businesses that are new to the area or who are opening new facilities to offer services. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER recently worked with Whole Foods to recruit over 150 employees for its new Closter store. Uncle Giuseppe’s, a gourmet Italian food grocer, sought to fill over 150 workers for a store which will open in Ramsey and has been working with BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff. SoJo Spa Club, an eight-floor resort overlooking the Hudson River in Edgewater, is seeking over 250 Spa Technicians, Front Office and Housekeeping Staff. The BCWDB provided further assistance to SoJo Spa Club, by arranging for Bergen Community College’s Division of Continuing Education, Corporate Public Sector Training, to provide training to the company’s new staff.

IV c. Coordination of workforce development programs and economic development

The BCWDB Business Development Committee seeks to strengthen services to businesses, with a focus on small to mid-sized employers in key industries. All BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff who work with employers will identify what they bring to the table regarding business services. A master list of services will be agreed upon, and this will be shared with the County’s Division of Economic Development and local employers. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER has developed a database of employers that wish to use One-Stop Services, based on attendance from the County Job Fairs, BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER Positive Recruitments and outreach. A new website for the County of Bergen Job Fair initiatives was recently developed by the BCWDB. The website, www.bergencountyjobfair.com serves both job seekers and employers, and includes a mailing list where the BCWDB, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER or County can share workforce development related concerns.

This past year, the BCWDB Business Development Committee identified an opportunity that

would ultimately serve both employers and job seekers. Individuals who work with job seekers,

especially those with difficult to place clients, expressed the need for a local network to

exchange ideas and open position. As a result, the Business Employment Network (BEN) was

established. It provides a venue where frontline staff can share services and connections, with

the ultimate goal of increasing job increase placements. The group now includes about 30

professionals who work with job seekers, and provides invaluable. Each meeting starts with a

resource presentation, such as how to use LinkedIn for job search, or how to use volunteering

as a bridge to permanent employment. Since placing older workers is an issue in Bergen

County, BEN is creating a proposal for a series of workshops for those 40 years and older. The

group will continue to expand this year.

IV d. Strengthen linkages between the One-Stop delivery system and unemployment

insurance programs

The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER looks forward to implementing the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s (LWD) single-sign on workforce profile page for unemployment insurance (UI) and workforce participants. This will allow individuals

http://www.bergencountyjobfair.com/


to access a personalized dashboard to look at their UI system profile and status, review UI claim information, coordinate their job search activity, access career guidance content, as well as receive career related information. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER will continue to utilize the State’s eBlast system to share relevant recruitments and job openings will prospective workers.

IV e. Create linkages during program delivery between customers and employers

The BCWDB One-Stop Committee will explore and expand data-gathering strategies with the One-Stop AOSOS database system to offer more effective ways to match job seekers with the skills that businesses are seeking and are able to measurable outcomes. Additional staff will attend Crystal Report training to provide reports from data in AOSOS regarding business activity and job placement.

IV. Local & regional partnership between workforce development

& economic activities

The BCWDB will work closely with the County’s Department of Economic Development to monitor economic and demographic trends in the County and Region to ensure that programs and policies are responsive to current customer needs. The Business Development Committee will continue to work with Economic Development to review Department of Labor (DOL) Labor Market Information (LMI) information to ensure that WIOA funding is invested in training and opportunities that lead to employment in High Demand Industries. The Deputy Director of Bergen County’s Division of Economic Development is a member of both the BCWDB & its Business Development Committee, to increase communication between the two organizations. To ensure entrepreneurial skills training, the BCWDB partners with the Small Business Development Center, Bergen County.

V. Description of the local One-Stop Delivery System

How the local board will drive an effective partnership between workforce

development activities and economic activities in both the local area and in the region.

This will include a description of how the local board will coordinate the local

workforce investment activities with regional economic development activities that

are carried out in the local area and how the local WDB will promote entrepreneurial

skills training and microenterprise services.


a. The BCWDB will ensure the continuous improvement of the Bergen County One-Stop Career Center (BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER) through inclusion of core Job Center partner agencies (WIOA, WFNJ and WLL grant recipient/service provider, sub-grantees and local LWD divisions). The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER was officially dedicated in spring 2006, after extensive planning by a number of partner agencies who were located in different locations throughout the area. The main providers at the center are WIOA, ES, DVR & UI. Management meetings are held monthly between providers to ensure staff are cross trained, and the One-Stop is complying with the State’s vision of function alignment.

In conjunction with the County of Bergen, the BCWDB will procure the One-Stop Operator and sub-grantees through a competitive Request for Proposal process. Sub- recipient grant monies for Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth and Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) will be contracted through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. In-school and out-of-school programs RFPs are conducted every two-years. Both public and private entities are invited to apply. All allocations and contracts, which include levels of service, are approved by the BCWDB. The contract period for the RFP is for one year beginning in July and ending the following June, and can be renewed for a second year without reapplication, contingent upon the availability of funds and the applicant’s evaluation of performance. Work First New Jersey (TANF and GA), also follow the same competitive RFP process.

The WDB has in place a process for the evaluation of new programs, requests for proposals, and other initiatives. Standard evaluation elements and review requirements address the local goals, objectives, and priority use of funding, and include a conflict of interest policy. A copy of the review questions and process are made available to all bidders’ submitting a proposal. All proposals are submitted to and reviewed by a BCWDB review panel. The review panel consists of volunteers from the BCWDB and community members.

For Individual Training Account grants (ITAs) the BCWDB will adopt the State’s Eligible Training Provider List, and will continually monitor providers on this list for compliance with all State & Federal regulations.

Finding – Firewalls: All funding recommendations are as follows: ITA: Job Seekers wishing to take advantage of this service, research training vendors based on training geared towards employment in a high demand industry as supported by local Labor Market Information obtained by DOL LMI staff. Contracted Services: All contracted services are procured via well-developed WDB procurement policies. An RFP is developed by WDB members in partnership with Job Center staff, the RFP is released to the public, and WDB members review the proposals and score to obtain the vendor to be recommended to the full board for services.


WDB members are exclusively responsible for vendor section based on a detailed process that ensures transparency and fairness. At no time does the Job Center Director or Job Center staff have decision making authority regarding funding.

b. Access to services provided through the one-stop delivery system, including the use of technology and distance learning: Bergen County is an active suburban area, linked by major highways, and thoroughfares. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER is centrally located in Hackensack, the seat of Bergen County, and is accessible by public transportation. For those individuals who prefer online learning, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER offers 90-day online training through Metrix Learning that can be accessed from any computer with Internet connection. Courses are available in over 100 regular and high-end certification tracks including those from Microsoft Office, Adobe, CompTIA, and Quickbooks. Upon successful completion of the coursework, the participant receives a certification exam voucher.

c. Leveraging of services through other funding sources and programs. Examples of

collaborations that effectively leverage resources include access to vocational assessment, career counseling and crisis case management provided through the NJDCF-funded Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center; and free English literacy, civics education, High School Equivalency, and employment readiness skills instruction provided through the NDJWLD-Title II funded Adult Literacy program.

d. The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER building and parking lot is handicapped accessible.

Finding 2: Plan Section VI: Accessibility The Bergen WDB is currently waiting for guidance from John Bicica regarding the role of the WDB in completing detailed facility information. Specifically, NJWIN 17-16 (ADA checklist), as this is a facilities issue not a policy or planning issue.

e. A diagram that outlines customer flow through Local and State One-Stop partners is attached (see page 51).

f. The BCWDB has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement and Resource Sharing Agreement with all partners, both attached.

VI. Description and assessment of Adult & Dislocated Services

Adult & Dislocated services are described on page 11.

VII. Description of the BCWDB & Rapid Response coordination

The BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER assists employers and workers involved in a closing or permanent mass


layoff. The Rapid Response team, which is comprised of Business Service Representatives from the Business Resource Center, and WIOA Counselors, provides on-site assistance during working hours and at no cost. This includes:

Unemployment Insurance: Explanation of benefits and eligibility requirements Assistance in filing claims

Reemployment Services: Referrals to available jobs One-Stop Career Center Registration Labor Market Information Referral to Jersey Job Club Resume Development

Training Assistance: An introduction to state and federal retraining programs including assistance available through New Jersey Community Colleges.

Business Services Representatives meet with the employer management and union personnel (if appropriate) to develop a plan to serve the workforce. This meeting identifies the services to be offered and the service delivery dates. Confidentiality, if requested, is assured.

Meeting with Workers: Group meetings with the workforce are held according to the employer’s schedule. Program information is provided, including information on how to file for Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

The BCWDB then outreaches to local employers who may be searching for similar talent, to place the workers before their last day.

VIII. Youth Activities

IX a. Type & availability of youth programs in Bergen

Services for At-Risk Youth

The BCWDB Youth Council is focusing on several initiatives this year. The first is a toolkit for

High Schools on how to engage at-risk youth, including the High School Equivalency (HSE)

option, and early intervention. The YC is also working on high school strategies for non-English

Describe and assess the type and availability of youth workshop development activities in

the local area, including activities for youth who are individuals with disabilities.


Speaking students. The latest findings indicate that students going to high school/college and studying

English part time are very successful. The third item that the YC will be working on is a Community

Assessment of youth services available in the County. A fundraising committee has been

established to fill the financial let-down by the recent reduction in federal funding.

The BCWDB has programs for both Out-of-School and In-School Youth, spending 75% and 25% of funds respectively. One of the main policies set forth by the YC under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is that participants in the program must be able to obtain certification in a given career area by the end of the twelve month period or continue further education to receive the certification. Occupational training programs must include those in areas defined by the LWD as demand occupations.

Every two years, the BCWDB issues RFPs for programs for Out-of-School (OSY) and In-School Youth (ISY) run through the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER, and oversees the procurement process for these sub- recipient grant programs. The WDB has in place a process for the evaluation of new programs, and requests for proposals. Standard evaluation elements and review requirements address the local goals, objectives, and priority use of funding. A copy of the review questions and process are made available to all bidders’ submitting a proposal. With the submission of the proposal, all applicants must submit certifications, including a Budget, Conflict of Interest Certification, Affirmative Action Compliance, Insurance Certification and Appeals Process.

IX b. Out of School Youth & In School Youth Programs

The BCWDB dedicates 75% of WIOA Title I Youth funds for Out of School Youth Services are available for OSY who need basic skills instruction in reading, writing, and math to obtain their HSE or to enhance their skills to gain employment. Through WDB funding, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER hosted several centers for out-of-school youth – one at BCC' s Ciarco Learning Center, and three additional locations through a collaborative effort with the WIOA Out-of-School Youth Contracted Program. These include Greater Community Action Education & Training Centers in Cliffside Park & Garfield, and the Hackensack Drop-In Center at Hackensack High School. Essentially, youth come to these programs when they haven't been successful in traditional academic environments. In order to keep students interested in coming to this mostly volunteer program, the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff collaborates with local school districts and County agencies to ensure a constant flow of students to the centers. Certified instructors provide services in a classroom setting and cater to students with a multitude of needs, backgrounds, and skill levels.

After these youth obtain their HSE, they are referred back to the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER for career counseling, which includes preparation and transition to post-secondary training and/or employment. Job developers, job coaches, and life skills coaches provide the supports necessary, as well as WIOA Counselors.


Last year the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER served almost 350 OSY. Twenty percent of WIOA Title I funds are spent on In-School Youth. Programs for ISY hosted by the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER focus on individuals with a disability. Potential providers are responsible for conducting the initial assessment, developing the Individual Service Strategy, providing case management, job placement, and follow-up services. Allowable services may include, but are not limited to:

1. Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning work experience 2. Alternative secondary school offerings 3. Tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout prevention strategies 4. Internships and job shadowing (paid and unpaid) 5. Occupational skills training 6. Leadership development opportunities 7. Adult mentoring 8. Basic skills training, this should include addressing literacy issues with links to the One-Stop literacy labs, where applicable. 9. Development of effective communication (soft skills) 10. Counseling, such as drug and alcohol abuse, career development, work related 11. Supportive services necessary to enable youth to participate in the program

IX c. Fourteen Youth program elements

The BCWDB has incorporated the 14 required WIOA program elements in all Youth Programs. They include:

1. Tutoring and studying skills through the Conover Soft Skills Academy 2. Alternative Secondary School Services through the HSE Program 3. Paid & Unpaid Work Experiences through Internships and Volunteer

Activities 4/5. Occupational Skills & Education Training through ITAs and OJTs 6. Leadership Development Opportunities through community service & peer activities 7. Supportive Services through WIOA funding 8. Adult Mentoring through program supports 9. Follow-up Services through WIOA Counselors 10. Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling through partner agencies as appropriate. 11. Financial Literacy Education through WIOA sub-grantee programs 12. Entrepreneurial Skills Training through Bergen Community College & other partners. 13. Labor and Employment Information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations such as career awareness, career counseling and career exploration through BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER counselors.


14. Preparation for and transition to postsecondary education and training through BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER counselors.

IX d. Additional program elements

In addition to the aforementioned program elements, the BCWDB has developed and partners with additional programs through supplemental funding. These include:

Project SEARCH – Transitioning Youth with Disabilities to Work

Project SEARCH is an immersive, one-year, employability skills training program for individuals with disabilities who seek competitive employment. The program was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996 and has grown into an international network of nearly 450 sites.

The goal for each program participant is competitive employment within the community. To reach that goal, interns are fully immersed within one of the business host sites and rotate through a series of three skills-building internships that facilitate career path exploration while building transferable skills. Daily classroom instruction helps interns work on soft skills and functional skills, and to gain confidence and independence. The presence of Project SEARCH also influences positive changes to the business culture regarding hiring and working with individuals with disabilities. Upon completion of the program, interns utilize the skills they have learned to achieve completive employment in the community with help for the Project SEARCH Team. Program completers receive a Career Portfolio (that contain a resume, letters of recommendation, a competency profile, and any awards received) and are linked to long-term support to retain employment.

Information sessions are hosted throughout the year. Interns are typically referred to the program by school districts, service providers, family members, career counselors, and job coaches, and apply before the program start date. A team of partners is assembled to carry out the selection process, which includes a skills assessment and interview.

Bergen County’s Project SEARCH High-School Transition-to-Work Program launched in 2016, and its Adult Transition-to-Work Program is scheduled to launch in 2020. The BCWDB, the County Executive & Freeholder Board were instrumental in bringing this program to Bergen County. An Advisory Committee was established that includes the following partners: Bergen County Special Services, Hackensack University Medical Center and Holy Name Medical Center, North Jersey Friendship House and the Arc of Bergen & Passaic, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). Outcomes demonstrate Project SEARCH's success. Bergen County was awarded the Project SEARCH 2016-2017 Employment Outcome Award for 80-89% Placement by the national flagship program.

The High School Internship Initiative

The WDB’s Youth and Education Committee will also focus on Bergen County High School students this year. Board members met with the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and Superintendents of


three high schools with excellent internship programs – Bergen County Vocational Technical Schools, Ramsey School District and Pascack Valley Regional High School District. The goal is to produce a toolkit for school districts and businesses who are interested in launching their own program in time for the upcoming school year. Engaging businesses is crucial to the success of this initiative.

The High School Internship Initiative

The BCWDB’s Business Development Committee will also focus on Bergen County High School students this year. Board members met with the Bergen County Superintendent of Schools and Superintendents of three high schools with excellent internship programs – Bergen County Vocational Technical Schools, Ramsey School District and Pascack Valley Regional High School District. The goal is to produce a toolkit for school districts and businesses who are interested in launching their own program in time for the 2017-2018 school year. Engaging businesses is crucial to the success of this initiative.

A School/Business Summit will be held in January to “sell” businesses on the benefits of partnering with schools to offer authentic work experiences for students while simultaneously bettering their businesses. At the summit in January, the three afore-mentioned school districts will conduct short presentations that demonstrate the quality and power of internships. Educators, students and business mentors will all offer their perspectives.

Based on the experiences and “lessons learned” from the school districts, the County DOE Office and the WDB will develop a toolkit, including turnkey training for guidance counselors. The initiative will also include trades for students that are not college bound.

County-wide Transition Fair

A Transition Fair for youth with disabilities is being planned to provide information to Bergen County families and students about the many opportunities and possibilities that await them as they graduate from high school and enter their adult life, whether that is college, trade school, work, supported employment, a community-based rehabilitation facility or day program. The Transition Fair, which will be held in March 2017, is being sponsored by the Special Education Regions of Bergen County, the South Bergen Jointure Commission, and BCWDB.

Finding 7: Plan Section IX: Youth Activities The submitted plan had a typo indicating 20% of youth funds will be directed to In-School Youth (ISY) programs, when in fact its 25%. Our out of school youth program served over 300 Youth and we will graduate 125 students this year along with their HSE. Our focus continues to be occupational training and employment. Our Vendor and WIOA funded staff focus on that outcome. Expenditure targets will always be 100% of funding spent. At least 20% will be used for work experience


activities; these activities are considered in programing for both the Out of School youth and In-School Youth programs. We have allocated funding to have job developers create additional opportunities with business to allow for the expansion of not only work experience opportunities, but employment opportunities as well.

IX. Coordination of workforce development activities with relevant

Secondary and Postsecondary Education programs and activities

The BCWDB will coordinate education and workforce development activities carried out in the local area with relevant secondary and postsecondary education programs and activities.

The New Jersey Department of Education, Bergen County Office of Education, Bergen Community College, the Bergen County Technical School District, and the Bergen County Special Services School District are active members of the BCWDB and sit on several of its committees. Through regular meetings, and outreach with the community, representatives from these organization with work with the BCWDB to coordinate strategies, enhance services, avoid duplication of services, and support the development of new articulated pathways.

X. Coordination of workforce development activities carried out

under this title in the local area with the provision of

transportation and other appropriate supportive services.

Supportive services are an important component of workforce development activities. Through the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER, the BCWDB provides supportive services for needs-based payments to enable training or facilitate employment, up to $2,000 per individual.

The term “supportive services” means services such as transportation, child care, dependent care, housing, and needs-relate payments that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under WIOA. To be eligible for supportive services under WIOA, an individual must be participating in One-Stop services and be unable to obtain these services through other programs providing such services. To receive these supportive services, a WIOA Counselor makes the recommendation after individual assessment. Once the recommendation is made, the request must be approved by BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER management.

The BCWDB One-Stop Committee will continue to analyze activities to determine type of supportive services needed.


XI. Plan and strategies for, and assurances concerning, maximizing

coordination of services provided by the State employment

services under the Wagner-Peyser Act.

After extensive meetings and training sessions with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (LWD) and New Jersey State Employment & Training Commission (NJSETC) earlier this year, the BCWDB One-Stop Committee began analyzing existing programs in order to integrate service delivery under WIOA.

The BCWDB initiated meetings with BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER management team to discuss functional alignment of services and cross-training of staff. Included in this team where members of the BCWDB One-Stop Committee, representatives from the County (Operator funded staff), and local LWD divisions (ES, DVR, and UI). The BCWDB is working with this team to more deeply integrate WIOA Title I, Title II and Wagner Peyser within the One-Stop system, providing training, capacity building and coordination of activities.

As a result, counseling and front-line staff began cross-training to learn about partner programs, resulting in integrated counseling services for WIOA, WDP, Tuition Waiver and ABT. In addition, staff who work with WFNJ programs, including TANF & GA, are working together to improve delivery of services.

Individuals who are interested in BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER services such as Job Search, Career Counseling or Training are directed to attend an Information Session, which is the gateway to One-Stop Services. Representatives from all OS partner agencies have an opportunity to explain services and eligibility requirements. Once registered, customers can proceed to Staff Assisted Services or Self-Directed Services.

For Staff Assisted Services, there are two distinct avenues, depending on the immediate goal. If the goal is training or skills upgrade, the customer is scheduled to take a TABE test, which assesses basic skills (waived for college graduates); and then scheduled for an appointment to see a Counselor. Customers who are separated, divorced, widowed, or spouse-disabled can meet with a Displaced Homemaker (DH) Counselor for guidance or referral to full One-Stop services. After meeting with a Counselor, a Customer can receive a training grant – Individual Training Account (ITA); On-the Job Training (OJT); Workforce Development Program (WDP); Tuition Waiver; Additional Benefits While Training (ABT); or Workforce Learning Link (WLL) Soft Skills or Basic Skills upgrade. Counselors may refer Customers who needs basic skills remediation or ESL to the WIOA Title II Consortium to receive leveraged resources that combine literacy, soft (employment readiness, Entrepreneurship) and hard skills (digital literacy, web development) training.


If the goal is job search, the customer can benefit from Staff-Assisted or Self-Directed Services. Customers can meet with an ES Interviewer for one-on-one job search, or work independently in the Public Access computer lab. Approximately 12 monthly Workshops are open to all registered Customers; and regularly scheduled Recruitment events are open to Customers and the general public as well. Economically disadvantaged seniors, 55 years and older, can receive jobs and training through WorkForce55+.

XII. Coordination of workforce development activities with Title II

Representatives from the Adult Basic Skills Consortium at Bergen County Technical Schools are active participants in the ad-hoc BCWDB Literacy Committee. The Consortium is comprised of three providers: (BCTS, BCC and Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc.) The BCWDB is working with the Consortium to develop a structure between the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER partner agencies, such as WIOA and ES, and Title II programs. English Literacy and Civics Education and English as a Second Language Classes enable participants to acquire improved language and citizenship skills and participate in post-secondary education, training, unsubsidized employment or career advancement.

a. Referral: Anyone who scores Grade 3 and under on the TABE or who is in need of

HSE or ESL services is deemed in need of Adult Basic Education services. These individuals are first assessed by a BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER Career/Literacy Counselor and referred to the Adult Basic Skills Consortium at Bergen County Technical Schools (BCTS), the area’s WIOA Title II lead agency, for further assessment at one of many Consortium partner sites located in different areas of the county. Consortium staff will administer a full battery of assessments tests to determine need. Individuals who score between Grades 4-8 may be referred to the WLL. This referral is based upon the needs and goals of the individual learner.

b. Describe all literacy services: Literacy services are accessed through a variety of

funding sources. These services include basic skills remediation in Math & Language at the WLL; ESL, HSE Preparation, Civics Instruction, digital literacy, employment readiness and Entrepreneurship training provided by the Adult Basic Skills Consortium; individualized literacy for low literacy learners through the BCC hosted Project Literacy; and a wide range of literacy services provided through town libraries and school districts. WFNJ recipients in need of literacy services are assessed during the initial G-JOB or 28-Day Protocol and referred to the appropriate program.

Description of how the local board will coordinate workforce development activities

carried out under this title in the local area with the provision of adult education and

literacy activities under Title II.


c. Referral process into a career pathway: Once an individual completes literacy training, he or she is referred back to the One-Stop for counseling and job placement assistance. The BCWDB and the Bergen Adult Literacy Consortium are currently developing a process that would enhance this referral process from entrance at ES through job placement. This process targets the reduction of the “brain waste” of one of Bergen County’s largest source of available labor, its significant number of educated, high skilled, but limited English proficient immigrant population.

XIII. Cooperative agreements enhancing services to individuals with

disabilities

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (often just called the “Rehab Act”) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs run by federal agencies; programs that receive federal financial assistance; in federal employment; and in the employment practices of federal contractors. Through work in its very active Disabilities and Youth Services committees, the BCWDB ensures that One-Stop services are open to all, and the needs of those individuals are considered and their rights protected. As a result, a number of innovative programs such as Project SEARCH, have been developed.

This summer, DVR Counselors held training sessions with BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff to educate them on services offered, referral protocol and understanding of proper terminology in dealing with individuals with disabilities. The session included a viewing of a

short film called “Spectrum: A Story of the Mind.” This film, about autism and sensory perception, is the first documentary to explore sensory issues through the lens of various autistic individuals. The live action and animated film features the voice of Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned autism spokesperson. Afterwards, staff received a copy of “People First Language,” a learning tool which puts the person before the disability.

Many individuals are referred to training or job search services through DVR programs.

The BCWDB continues to support Bergen County’s annual “Salute to Champions,” a breakfast that honors individuals and groups who work to advance and include people with disabilities in local communities. The event is sponsored by the County Executive and Freeholders.

The event recognizes unique accomplishments of individuals with disabilities and those persons in the community who perform selfless acts of assistance and advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities. The 18th annual event was recently held at Bergen Community College, and plans are underway for next year.


XIV. Entity responsible for grant funds

Bergen County Technical Schools has been authorized by the County of Bergen as the Administrative & Fiscal agent for disbursal of grant funds, including the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), Workforce Learning Link (WLL) and periodic National Emergency Grants (NEGs).

The District supports educational and workforce initiatives to serve the needs of residents throughout the greater Bergen County community, including:

Four secondary schools that infuse academics with hands-on technical/vocational preparation: the Bergen County Academies located in Hackensack, the county seat; the Applied Technology High School located on the Paramus Campus of BCC; BCTS - Teterboro, located in the southern Bergen County town of Teterboro; BCTS-Paramus located in the northern Bergen County town of Paramus and serving students with disabilities in full-day programs and students who enroll on a “shared” or part-time basis in the schools occupational (CTE) training programs. BCTS also operates a satellite program in collaboration with the Bergenfield Public School District (BCTS@Bergenfield).

Adult & Continuing Education offerings: Include Full-Time Day Programs and Part-Time Evening Courses.

Bergen County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Center: Students are trained annually in 3 major programs at the Bergen County EMS Training Center. These are: Emergency Medical Technician, Heavy Rescue and Hazardous Materials. The EMS Training Center in Paramus continues to offer the highest possible level of education and training to the ambulance and rescue community of Bergen County.

Bergen Makerspace: a community-learning center committed to three founding principles: education, inspiration and community. The mission of the Makerspace is to serve as a catalyst for innovation within Bergen County by bringing together cutting edge equipment, passionate educators and a community dedicated to making. Activities provide industry with access to lab facilities, educators and library staff with professional development and youth with activities that support the pursuit of careers in a variety of STEAM areas.

Bergen County Displaced Homemaker Center @ the Job Center(see page 25).

Identification of the entity responsible for the disbursal of grant funds described in

section 107(d)(12)(B)(i)(III), as determined by the chief elected official.


Academy After Hours: Outreach program to area students in grades 5-8 interested in pursuing work in pure sciences, humanities & mathematics. Courses on a variety of topics are offered after school hours and on the weekends.

ETTC (Educational Training Technology Center) provided via collaboration with Bergen County Special Services School District (BCSS): The BCSS ETTC provides K-12 teachers and administrators with training opportunities on the effective use of technology to achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. The ETTC also provides custom professional development workshops directly to school districts.

XV. Competitive selection of One-Stop Operator

The County of Bergen’s County Counsel has taken the lead over the Job Center Operator

Procurement process. The BCWDB worked with the County to recruit for and establish an RFP

Review Committee, which will help develop, read, score, and select the final submission. This

Committee will be made up of WDB members who do not have a conflict of interest. The

tentative timeline for the procurement process is for the RFP to be open to the public by early

November, with proposals submitted by the end of the month. The RFP Review Committee will

have the month of December to review RFPs. A final decision will be rendered prior to the

January Board meeting, where the decision will be ratified by the Board.

Finding 5: Plan Section XVI: One-Stop Operator Procurement Bergen County lead the way as being the first local area to develop a comprehensive tool kit for WDB members selected to run the Job Center Procurement initiative. WDB staff were not present for the procurement as it was deemed a conflict of interest. This small workgroup partnered with County procurement specialists and County Council. Our templates, tool kit and RFP were used by other local areas to assist with their procurement process. The proposal clearly outlined: details of the need along with all roles responsibilities for a Job Center Operator. The committee used proper reporting and procurement processes as well as reported to the full board for final approval of their recommendation. You can find all WDB Bylaws on the Bergen County website. This document guides our committee work including how decisions are developed, recommended and confirmed by the full board.

Description of the competitive progress to select the One-Stop Operator and to award

sub-grants and contracts for activities carried out under WIOA Title I.


XVI. Performance

The local levels of performance negotiated with the Governor and Chief Elected Official pursuant to section 116(c) will be used to measure the performance of the BCWDB local area and will be used by the local board for measuring the performance of the local fiscal agent, eligible providers under subtitle B, and the one-stop delivery area. In conjunction with North Jersey Partners, the BCWDB will not be establishing any regional performance measures beyond their locally designated area measures which will be negotiated independently of one another with the state.

XVII. Local Board make-up

Chairperson Mark Bocchieri, Director of External Affairs, Verizon

Vice-Chairperson Kevin Tarantino, Supervisor/Manager, North American Talent Acquisition, SUEZ

Secretary Michele Talamo, Human Resource Consultant, Manufacturing, Chemical and Private Small Business

Treasurer George Charne, CPA/Principal, SAX LLP

Abbe Greenberg, Owner and Founder, Bright Path Consulting, LLC

Adina Yacoub, Director, Bergen County Board of Social Services

Amanda Missey, Executive Director, Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative

Brian Fitzgibbons, President and CEO, Heightened Independence and Progress Center for Independent Living

Daniel Gumble, Business Manager / Financial Secretary, I.B.E.W. Local 164

Danielle DeVincenzo, Executive Campus Director, Atrium Health and Senior Living

David Hollenbeck Regional Public Affairs Manager, Bergen NJ, PSE&G

Dr. Deirdre Christofalo, Dean for the School of Business and the Center for Innovation & Professional Studies,

Felician College

Dr. Allan DeGiulio, Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer, Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc.

Dr. Howard Lerner, Superintendent, Bergen County Technical Schools District

Dr. Michael Redmond, President, Bergen Community College

Etta Denk, Sr. VP, NJ Market Manager, Bank of America

Iris Verdi, Vice President, Facility Operations, New Bridge Medical Center

Description of how the local levels of performance will be used to measure the performance of the local area.


Jackie Lue Raia, Director of Corporate Outreach & Training, FDU Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies

James Tedesco, County Executive, County of Bergen

Jason DeStefano, Corporate Controller, EMEA, Crestron

Jay Daly, Shopping Center Manager, Westfield Garden State Plaza

Jayne Jacobson, Community Outreach Director & Marketing Chair, SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business

Jim Thebery, Director, County of Bergen Disabilities Services

JoAnn Mitchell, Partner Marketing Specialist, Sandvik Coromant

Joanne Cimiluca, Director, Bergen County Division of Economic Development

Joseph Zarra, Interim Executive County Superintendent of Schools, NJ Department of Education, Bergen County

Kathy Walsh, President/CEO, Arc of Bergen/Passaic

Lorraine Joewono, Director, County of Bergen Div. of Senior Services

Lynda Wolf, Principal and Co-Founder, FizGIG Workforce Solutions

Lynn Bartlett, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Bergen County

Martin Devaney, VP/Director, Human Resources, Pumpman Holdings

Maxine Becker, Office Manager, BC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Michael Schneider, President, Bergen County Central Trades

Nina Nardone, Senior Business Development Manager, Accounting Principals

Patrice Goldfarb, President, Employee Benefits Advisors Group

Patrick Welton, General Manager, Residence Inn Marriott Saddle River

Paula Wills, Manager, NJDOL State Employment Services

Shane Sudol, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Garfield

Shannon Lazare, Relationship Manager- Vice President, M&T Bank

Thomas Brizzolara, Director-Regional & Community Affairs, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.(O&R)

Thomas Eastwick, President, Eastwick College

Tracy Zur, Freeholder, County of Bergen

Vince Vicari, Regional Director, NJSBDC Bergen County

Walter Hecht, Consultant, WCH7 Consulting/Project Literacy


Tammy Molinelli Executive Director, Bergen County Workforce Development Board

Carol Polack Business Manager, Bergen County Workforce Development Board

Liason to Bergen County Workforce Development Board

Donna Todd Workforce Systems Manager, Bergen One-Stop Career Center

b,c,d – Recruitment & development

d. Recruitment plans: The BCWDB continues to reach out to those interested in joining the Board and recently welcomed several new members. The Bergen County Workforce Development Board reviews perspective board members if they both live and work in Bergen County, have relevant experience and or expertise in areas of workforce. When the WDB has openings for our board, the full board is notified at our public meeting and referrals are taken by members. Additionally, the Executive Director actively recruits members to fill future openings. Currently we will be referring 4 perspective business members and one CBO member to the County Executive to fill slot not currently covered. When board members time on the board is close to the end of their term, their participation on the board is reviewed and recommendations are made to the County Executive with recommendations to review or to not review based on ea. Board Members active or non-active participation on the board. The County Executive reviews and makes a decision as to whether or not a board member will be renewed.

e.

f. g. Describe development/training program with board members: An orientation is

planned for February 2017 for new board members. e. Describe the actions the local board will take toward becoming a high- performing

workforce development board: The BCWDB is a large and wide agency and will strive

towards increasing communication on its mission and efforts to make sure all WDB

recommendations are implemented at the One-Stop.

XIV. Staff and Partner development and training efforts

The BCWDB will work with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, its Technical Assistance Department, and the Garden State Employment & Training Association’s Committees and Institute to ensure proper training of BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER staff.

XVIII. Provision of training services

Description how training services under chapter 3 of subtitle B will be provided in

accordance with section 134(3)(3)(G).


The BCWDB will support Individualized Training Account grants (ITAs) that offer an Industry- Valued Credential, and whose providers are on the Eligible Training Provider List; On-the-Job Training Account grants (OJTs) with local Employers; Competitively bid, and sub-grantee contracts for Youth and WFNJ To-Work programs. The BCWDB will determine the appropriateness of awarding a contract to an institution of higher education or eligible provider of training services to facilitate the training of multiple individuals in in-demand industry sectors or occupations, provided such contracts do not limit customer choice.

XXI. Local Plan creation

The Bergen County Workforce Development Board Local Plan 2016-20 was developed based on year-long input from its eight committees and sub-committees, the County of Bergen Executive, & Freeholder Board, and input from Bergen One-Stop Career Center partner agencies. These parties had the opportunity to read and give input to the Plan, prior to its submission to the NJSETC.

Notice of the Local Plan was published in The Record and The Herald News on November 30, 2016 (see attachment.) The Local Plan was posted on the WDB website and the deadline for public comments was December 29, 2016. None were received.

Finding 3: Plan Section XXI: Local Plan Development Each of the WDB Committee Chairs led their committee to develop their section of the plan. For Example, our Disability Chair led the committee to identify and develop goals for the committee. Project Search is one of these projects. The Bergen WDB and its Disability committee is the first in the Nation to start this program from scratch and will be nationally recognized as a speaker at their National conference in July of 2017. Copious notes are taken at each of our committee meetings and these are available online via our WDB website. Additionally, our committee members and their corresponding organizations will be available shortly on our website as its being redesigned. The public will be able to see the robust and comprehensive membership of the committee attendees. Board participation ranges from 80%- 90% full board attendance and committee engagement or stakeholder input. Meaning, 95% of our board members are engaged in the work of the board in more ways than just board meeting attendance.

XXII. Integrated & technology enabled intake & case management

XXI. Describe the process to create the local plan, and provide assurances that it was

an open and transparent process.


WIOA staff and local LWD divisions are working together to transition to an integrated One- Stop. The facility has state of the art computers and Cisco IP Phone systems. The partners are awaiting AOSOS Version 6.6 that will allow documents to be scanned directly into the system.

XIII. Priority of Service

a. Public Assistance & Low-Income

As part of its One-Stop Certification process, the State of New Jersey will require the BCWDB to identify the process for implementing and monitoring the priority for public assistance recipients, other low-income individuals, or individuals who are basic skills deficient in accordance with the requirements of WIOA sec. 134(c)(3)(E). The State will reinforce these efforts through its policy on Additional Performance Measures for WIOA Title I, Title II, and Work First New Jersey which include the percentage of program participants served with barriers to employment such as disability, ex-offender status, lack of a high school diploma, and homeless status. The BCWDB and its Committees will develop policies and work with the BERGEN COUNTY JOB CENTER Management Team to develop workable procedures.

b. Veterans

Jobseekers who are Veterans receive priority referral to all jobs and training opportunities they are qualified for at the Bergen One-Stop Career Center. Priority service means that eligible Veterans move to the top of any waiting list for training services such as an Individual Training Account grant, or On-the-Job Training grant. Customer registration forms are stamped with “Vet” to easily identify veterans. The BCWDB will ensure this Priority of Service is maintained, including review of existing signage.

Finding 6: Plan Section XXIII: Priority of Service This has been addressed under the Veterans section of the plan, however, we have supplemented more information.

XXIII. Additional local elements

Description of how the local board will ensure priority for adult career and training

services will be given to recipients of public assistance, other low-income individuals and

individuals who are basic skills deficient; veterans services.


To be determined by the Bergen County Workforce Development Board and its collaborative partners as local needs arise.

Finding 9: Plan Section XIII: Literacy Services Flow Title II provider consortium members attend quarterly WDB Literacy and Education meetings to discuss Title II programs and how their students, when ready, can transition into the Job Center for employment services. The title II consortium partners, through the literacy committee made up of a cross section of County literacy stakeholders, provide ideas and planning strategies for discussion and review. In addition, a detailed Title II, literacy collaboration plan was submitted to Howard Miller at the DOL within the last month.

XXIV. Contributors to Local Plan

The Local State Plan 2016-2020 was written in collaboration with the Bergen County Workforce Development Board Members and Partner Agencies.

Local Plan Strengths and Promising Practices

As stated earlier, the Local Plan was primarily developed by the WDB members through our planning

subcommittee. Bergen County has led the way in ring Project SEARCH to NJ, played a Leadership role in

the development of North Jersey Partners, the Norther Workforce Regional Consortium. Our Job Center

staff are cross trained and work cross functionally. We have great success with our Out of School Youth

program servicing up to 300 students per year.

52 | P a g e

XXVI. Attachments

Customer Flow Chart Partner Services Matrix Public Notice for Comment

(See attachments)

Bergen One‐Stop Career Center Customer Flow Chart

WIOA, WDP, WLL, WFNJ, ES, UI, BRC, DVR

Sect

ion

A: J

ob

Sea

rch

& U

nem

plo

ymen

t /

Sect

ion

B: V

oca

tio

nal

Reh

abili

tati

on

/ S

ecti

on

C: W

elfa

re

SECTION A

1st Floor

Information Desk/

Customer Service

ES & WIOA

Job Search, Orientation/ If Customer

Career Registration Staff Assisted Goal is

Counseling & Customer Attends Services

Training Training Information WIOA & ES Session

ES & WIOA

If Customer Goal is Job

Search

Customers come to the One‐ Stop for Job Search Assistance

or for Unemployment Self‐Directed Public Access/

Insurance Services Services Resource Room ES, WIOA

Unemployment

Insurance Customer can meet Customer Can

with UI Rep or Services File Online UI Claim

Proceed to Staff

UI UI Assisted or Self‐ Directed Services

TABE Test

Counseling Services Training Contracts or Resources

Counselor Assesses Skills Customer Receives Grant or Leveraged Resource

& Refers Customer to ITA, OJT, WDP (WIOA)

One‐Stop Services Tuition Waiver, ABT, Re‐entry (ES)

WIOA, ES, DH WLL Skills Upgrade (WIOA, WLL)

Basic Skills Remediation/ESL (Title II)

Job Training On‐Site Workshop/J4J Recruitments

ES, WIOA, DH BRC, WIOA & ES

Sample Workshops: Sample Companies: Effective Job Search Home Depot

Interview/Role Play Meadowlink

Interviewing Skills Spectrum For Living Networking NJ Transit

Resume Writing Labor Ready

Reducing Stress of Job Macy’s Search

Customer Takes Basic Skills Test

WIOA & ES

One‐on‐One Job Search

ES

WorkForce55+

Customer Can

Proceed to Staff Assisted

Services

SECTION B

Division of Assessment,

One Stop Partners: One‐Stop Operator – Bergen County Technical Schools Fiscal & Administrative Entity for grant funding:

WIOA – Workforce Investment & Opportunity Act WDP – Workforce Development Program WLL – Workforce Learning Link WFNJ – Work First New Jersey (TANF & GA & SNAP)

New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (LWD) Local Divisions

ES – Employment Services UI – Unemployment Insurance Services BRC – Business Resource Center DVR – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 55+ – WorkForce 55+

Other Partners DH – Displaced Homemaker Program (BCTS) Title II – WIOA Title II Consortium (Leveraged Resources)

Scheduled Appointments for DVR

Vocational Counseling & Rehabilitation Referral to

Services One‐Stop Services

DVR

SECTION C

GA 28 Day

WFNJ Customers are

GA/SNAP

TANF Referral from

(ES)

GA BC Board of TANF G‐Job

SNAP Social Services

WFNJ Case

Operator/ES Management Operator & ES Staff

Assessment,

Mandatory To‐Work Participation for WFNJ

Counseling & Referral to One‐

Stop Services

Bergen One-Stop Career Center Customer Flow Chart Narrative

The Flow Chart is divided into two sections:

Section A is a look at Customers who either walk-in or have a scheduled appointment for Job Search or resolution of Unemployment Insurance issues. Section B is a look at Customers who have appointments to see a Counselor in DVR and are generally referred by another agency. Section C is a look at Customers who are in mandatory to-work-programs, referred by the Bergen County Board of Social Services.

Section A The first section of the Flow Chart illustrates activities provided by One-Stop Operator, Employment Services, and Unemployment Insurance Services staff. Customers generally enter the One-Stop on the 1st Floor and are directed to services by the Information Desk staff. One-Stop services are open to the general public, and some program services have eligibility requirements.

Customers are directed to Unemployment Insurance Services if they have an issue with their UI claim. They meet with a Representative or use the Call-Center phones. Afterwards they can proceed to other One-Stop Services (see next bullet).

Customers who are interested in Job Search, Career Counseling & Training are directed to attend an Information Session, which is the gateway to One-Stop Services. Once registered, Customers can proceed to Staff Assisted Services or Self-Directed Services.

o For Staff Assisted Services, there are two distinct avenues, depending on the immediate goal. If the Customer goal is Training or skills upgrade, s/he is scheduled to take a TABE test, which assesses basic skills (waived for college graduates); and then scheduled for an appointment

to see a Counselor. Customers who are separated, divorced, widowed, or spouse-disabled can meet with a Displaced Homemaker (DH) Counselor for guidance or referral to full One- Stop services. After meeting with a Counselor, a Customer can receive a training grant – Individual Training Account (ITA); On-the Job Training (OJT); Workforce Development Program (WDP); Tuition Waiver; Additional Benefits While Training (ABT); or Workforce Learning Link (WLL) Soft Skills or Basic Skills upgrade. Counselors may refer Customers who needs basic skills remediation or ESL to the WIOA Title II Consortium to receive leveraged resources.

If the customer goal is Job Search, they can benefit from Staff-Assisted or Self-Directed Services. Customers can meet with an ES Interviewer for one-on-one job search, or work independently in the Public Access computer lab. Approximately 12 monthly Workshops are open to all registered Customers; and regularly scheduled Recruitment events are open to Customers and the general public as well. Economically disadvantaged seniors, 55 years and older, can receive jobs and training through WorkForce55+.

Section B The second section of the Flow Chart concerns Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Customers who generally come to the One-Stop through appointments. They are referred to DVR by another social service agency school, or WIOA/ES One-Stop Counselor.

DVR provides services that enable Customers with disabilities to find and keep jobs. DVR is staffed by experienced rehabilitation Counselors who provide services to Customers who, as a result of physical, learning, mental or emotional difficulties, need assistance obtaining or maintaining employment.

After assessment & counseling, Customers are referred to employment or One-Stop Services as appropriate.

Section C The third section of the Flow Chart deals with Customers who receive public assistance grants through Work First New Jersey – Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF); General Assistance (GA) Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) funding. Any individual who receives public assistance must be in an approved to-work activity, and are referred to One-Stop activities as appropriate.

TANF, SNAP and most GA Customers are referred to the One-Stop from the Bergen County Board of Social Services; some GA Customers are referred through Municipal Welfare Departments. o TANF Customers attend a month long job readiness program (G-JOB) and are then referred to a Case Management Agency, procured through the Workforce Development Board. Customers

must work 35 hours a week as a volunteer in a Community Work Experience Program (CWEP); or attend an approved training program. o GA, GA/SNAP Customers must attend a 28-Day program (Protocol) where they work with a Counselor and search for a job. Able bodied SNAP only customers must be in a to-work activity.

New Jersey

Local WIOA Planning Guidance:

Partner Service MatrixPerkins

C&T

Trade

Act VETS

E&T

CSBG

E&T

HUD State UI

Second

Chance

Act WFNJ WDP

Other

Funding

Streams COMMENTS

Strength of Partnership (1-Weak to 5-Strong)

CAREER SERVICESEligibility Determination 5 5 5

Outreach, Intake and Orientation 5 5 5 5

Initial Assessment of skill levels 5 5 5 5

Job Search and Placement Assistance 5 5 5 5 5

Career Counseling 5 5 5 5

Provision of info on on-in demand sectors and

occupations

5 5 5 5

Provision of info on non-traditional

employment

5 5 5 5

Appropriate recruitment and other business

services

5 5 5

Provision of referrals and coordination of

activities with other programs and services.

5 5 5 5

Provision of workforce and labor market

statistics, including the provison of accurate

information related to local, regional, and

national labor market areas.

5 5

Provision of performance information and cost

on eligible providers

Provision of information on how the local area

is performing on local performance

accountability measures and any additional

measures.

Provision of information relating the

availability of support services or assistance

and the appropriate referral to those services

and assistance.

5 5

Assistance in establishing eligibility for

programs of financial aid assistance for

training and education programs not provided

by WIOA.

5 5

Provisional of information and assistance

regarding filling claims under UI programs.

INDIVIDUALIZED CAREER SERVICESComprehensive and Specialized Assessment

for Adults and Dislocated Workers

5 5 5

Development of individual employment plans 5 5 5 5 5

Group and Individual Counseling and

mentoring

5 5 5 5

Career Planning/Case Management 5 5 5 5

Short Term Pre-Vocational services

Internships and Work Experiences

Workforce preparation Activities 5 5

Financial Literacy

Out-of-Area Job Search Assistance 5 5 5

English language acquisition and integrated

education.

5

FOLLOW UP SERVICESUnsubsidized Employment for up to 12 months 5 5

Transitioning to Career Services

TRAINING SERVICESOccupational Skills Training 5 5 5

On-The-Job Training 5 5

Incumbent Worker Training

Programs that combine Workplace Training with

Related Instruction

5

Training Programs operated by Private Sector 5 5 5

Skill Upgrading and Retraining 5 5

Entrepreneurial Training

Transitional jobs

Job Readiness Training 5

Adult Education and Literacy Activities 5 5

Customized Training

Others: Explain

PUBLIC NOTICES & PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD 2016-2020 WDB LOCAL PLAN - 2019 MODIFICAITON

Documents

BERGEN COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD · Bergen County, located in the northeast corner of New Jersey, is the most populous county in the State, with approximately 948,406 residents