The National Association of State Workforce Administrtors (NASWA) has been granted access by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to
over 20,000 federal job opportunities found on the federal website, USAJobs.gov. Federal job
openings will now be distributed to the National Labor Exchange (NLX) website US.jobs, state job banks and microsites
within the "dot JOBS" network, providing job seekers with quicker access to
available federal government jobs.
Created in 2007, the NLX is a unique
partnership leveraging private, nonprofit technology and existing state
workforce agency resources. The NLX collects and distributes job openings
exclusively found on corporate career websites, state job banks, and now federal
jobs.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Facebook and Summer Jobs
From the most recent NASWA Bulletin:
On June 5h, 2012, NASWA authored a post on the Social Jobs Partnership Facebook page to promote Summer.jobs. While each partner posting has gained traction on the Social Jobs Facebook page, the posting gained a large amount of "likes" and "shares", even prompting individuals to apply for job openings on Summer.jobs.
When the Social Jobs Partnership began, the goal was to combine social media and recruiting to help job seekers. With advice and further outlets for employment opportunities. The partnership among Facebook, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), DirectEmployers Association, and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) has further cultivated this goal and provided job seekers a unique view of how employers view a potential hire as well as advice and statistics pertinent to their job search.
The posting on Facebook, Summer.jobs received a significant amount of interaction – which in turn translated into a spike by referring traffic to Summer.jobs. Overall, NASWA learned that Summer.jobs received a total of 600 visits from Facebook and of those, 119 of them came from a mobile device accessing Facebook. This traffic underscores how a relatively simple post on Facebook can generate impressive statistics on jobseekers when used correctly.
On June 5h, 2012, NASWA authored a post on the Social Jobs Partnership Facebook page to promote Summer.jobs. While each partner posting has gained traction on the Social Jobs Facebook page, the posting gained a large amount of "likes" and "shares", even prompting individuals to apply for job openings on Summer.jobs.
When the Social Jobs Partnership began, the goal was to combine social media and recruiting to help job seekers. With advice and further outlets for employment opportunities. The partnership among Facebook, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), DirectEmployers Association, and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) has further cultivated this goal and provided job seekers a unique view of how employers view a potential hire as well as advice and statistics pertinent to their job search.
The posting on Facebook, Summer.jobs received a significant amount of interaction – which in turn translated into a spike by referring traffic to Summer.jobs. Overall, NASWA learned that Summer.jobs received a total of 600 visits from Facebook and of those, 119 of them came from a mobile device accessing Facebook. This traffic underscores how a relatively simple post on Facebook can generate impressive statistics on jobseekers when used correctly.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Job Accommodation Network
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of a $2.5 million grant to fund a cooperative agreement to manage and operate the Job Accommodation Network, a national technical assistance center that facilitates the employment and retention of workers with disabilities.
"Employers need to understand how to provide specific, individualized accommodations to create a work environment that enables a qualified individual with a disability to participate in the job application process and perform the essential functions of a job," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "The Job Accommodation Network provides that expertise."
JAN is a free and confidential consulting service for employers that provides individualized worksite accommodation solutions and technical assistance to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related legislation. JAN also provides information about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
For more than 20 years, JAN has been employers' primary resource for accommodations expertise, analyzing situations that span the complete range of disabilities and job functions, and delivering effective solutions that benefit both employers and employees.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
House Committee on WIA Reauthorization
On March 29, 2012, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Rep. Joseph J. Heck (R-NV) and Rep. Howard P. McKeon (R-CA) introduced a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) reauthorization bill (H.R. 4297). The bill consolidates funding from twenty seven national and state-administered workforce programs, including: WIA Adult, WIA Dislocated Workers and WIA Youth, Job Corps, the Senior Community Service Employment Program, and a section of the Wagner-Peyser Act into a new Workforce Investment Fund that would be distributed by formula to states and local areas.
On June 7, 2012, The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), approved an amended version of the legislation, The Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2012 to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). The bill was approved on a party line vote, 23 to 15.
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) began the markup session by offering several changes to the original H.R. 4297, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4297. Representative Foxx’s substitute would make the following changes to the bill:
• Authorizes an increase in the state set aside for statewide activities from 5 percent to 10 percent.
• Includes industry-recognized credentials and recognized postsecondary credentials as a common performance measure.
• Requires state and local workforce investment boards to describe the strategies and services they will use to assist at-risk youth and out-of-school youth in workforce development program activities.
• Prohibits funds allotted to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from being consolidated by the governor into the Workforce Investment Fund.
• Requires the Secretary of Labor to reserve 28 percent of the total amount appropriated to fund a national Job Corps program and reforms to the program.
• Reduces the Secretary’s reservation from 2 percent to 0.5 percent to reflect the repeal of WIA NEG, restricting the Secretary's activities to conducting technical assistance and evaluations.
• Requires state and local boards to better coordinate workforce development and literacy programs with non-profit organizations in the community, including public libraries.
• Expands the Statewide Adults with Barriers to Employment Grants to include at-risk youth and renames the program as the Statewide Individuals with Barriers to Employment Grants.
• Includes pay for performance initiatives as allowable uses of state and local employment and training activities.
• Reduces the number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff positions at the Department of Labor to reflect the reduced federal role intended by the bill.
During the markup session there were over twenty amendments offered to H.R. 4297, with nine amendments being adopted. Of the nine amendments adopted into the bill there were several provisions of significance:
Veterans Employment Services
The amended language would eliminate the current federally staffed Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and replace them with a Veteran Employment Specialist (VES) whom would be hired by a local area. The total funding available would be increased by inclusion of the funds currently authorized for Veteran’s programs including State Administrative Grants, Federal administrative funds, Homeless Veterans and the National Employment and Training Services Institute, increasing the total funds available from $6.080 billion to $6.292 billion.
Wagner Peyser Services
The language in the original Bill repeals sections 1 through 13 of the Wagner-Peyser Act, eliminating the Employment Service (ES), but retains the requirement to collect employment statistics.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act
Funds for Wagner-Peyser Act services are collected annually by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act’s (FUTA) levy of 0.6 percent on the first $7,000 of UI covered employment. Eighty percent of that money is earmarked by law for UI administration and Wagner-Peyser Act services. These FUTA revenues are deposited into the Employment Security Administration Account (ESAA) in the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund. With the repeal of the majority of Wagner Peyser Act in H.R. 4297, it is questionable funds in the ESAA could be appropriated for labor exchange services provided under the WIF. The authority for appropriations for grants to states for administration of employment services under the Social Security Act alludes to the Wagner Peyser Act only and H.R. 4297 does not amend the Social Security Act. The House Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over the Social Security Act, but H.R. 4297 was not referred to that Committee.
On June 7, 2012, The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), approved an amended version of the legislation, The Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2012 to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). The bill was approved on a party line vote, 23 to 15.
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) began the markup session by offering several changes to the original H.R. 4297, with an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4297. Representative Foxx’s substitute would make the following changes to the bill:
• Authorizes an increase in the state set aside for statewide activities from 5 percent to 10 percent.
• Includes industry-recognized credentials and recognized postsecondary credentials as a common performance measure.
• Requires state and local workforce investment boards to describe the strategies and services they will use to assist at-risk youth and out-of-school youth in workforce development program activities.
• Prohibits funds allotted to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from being consolidated by the governor into the Workforce Investment Fund.
• Requires the Secretary of Labor to reserve 28 percent of the total amount appropriated to fund a national Job Corps program and reforms to the program.
• Reduces the Secretary’s reservation from 2 percent to 0.5 percent to reflect the repeal of WIA NEG, restricting the Secretary's activities to conducting technical assistance and evaluations.
• Requires state and local boards to better coordinate workforce development and literacy programs with non-profit organizations in the community, including public libraries.
• Expands the Statewide Adults with Barriers to Employment Grants to include at-risk youth and renames the program as the Statewide Individuals with Barriers to Employment Grants.
• Includes pay for performance initiatives as allowable uses of state and local employment and training activities.
• Reduces the number of full time equivalent (FTE) staff positions at the Department of Labor to reflect the reduced federal role intended by the bill.
During the markup session there were over twenty amendments offered to H.R. 4297, with nine amendments being adopted. Of the nine amendments adopted into the bill there were several provisions of significance:
Veterans Employment Services
The amended language would eliminate the current federally staffed Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and replace them with a Veteran Employment Specialist (VES) whom would be hired by a local area. The total funding available would be increased by inclusion of the funds currently authorized for Veteran’s programs including State Administrative Grants, Federal administrative funds, Homeless Veterans and the National Employment and Training Services Institute, increasing the total funds available from $6.080 billion to $6.292 billion.
Wagner Peyser Services
The language in the original Bill repeals sections 1 through 13 of the Wagner-Peyser Act, eliminating the Employment Service (ES), but retains the requirement to collect employment statistics.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act
Funds for Wagner-Peyser Act services are collected annually by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act’s (FUTA) levy of 0.6 percent on the first $7,000 of UI covered employment. Eighty percent of that money is earmarked by law for UI administration and Wagner-Peyser Act services. These FUTA revenues are deposited into the Employment Security Administration Account (ESAA) in the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund. With the repeal of the majority of Wagner Peyser Act in H.R. 4297, it is questionable funds in the ESAA could be appropriated for labor exchange services provided under the WIF. The authority for appropriations for grants to states for administration of employment services under the Social Security Act alludes to the Wagner Peyser Act only and H.R. 4297 does not amend the Social Security Act. The House Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over the Social Security Act, but H.R. 4297 was not referred to that Committee.
Monday, June 18, 2012
100th and Counting
This is my 100th post since starting this blog and it seem fitting that it is the first post after I was installed as IAWP President. I attended my first IAWP educational conference in Seattle, Washington in 1982. Now 30 years later, I am being installed as president in Spokane, Washington. It feels a little like I have come full circle. I want to thank all my District 14 friends for their support and encouragement over the many years. I also want to thank my director, Roger Madsen for his support. I look forward to a terrific year "Celebrating a Century, Charting Our Future." I would have never believed that first day, walking into Seattle Center, that I would someday become the leader of professionals in workforce systems. It really is like a dream come true for me.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
IAWP Awards
The annual IAWP awards luncheon was held today in beautiful Spokane, Washington. Congratulations to all the award winners! The recognition program is just one of the programs and services offered by membership in IAWP. If you haven't already talked to your workforce agency about IAWP awards, now is an excellent time to do so. With an awards structure already in place, it's easy to adapt and promote awards at the state level.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Get Connected in Spokane
I just arrived in Spokane after the 8 hour drive from Boise. It was a beautiful trip with rain and sunshine off and on. We arrived a bit to early to check in so we wondered over to Clinkerdagger's a local eatery we found when we were here last fall. I had a great lunch and now am all checked in and unpacked and blogging. I have a beautiful room overlooking the falls and am kicked back drinking a root beer (really). I probably need to check in with folks, but for the moment, I am enjoying the peace and quiet I know I won't find much of this week. I hope all the IAWP members who could not attend will make plans for joining us next year in Chicago for the 100th anniversary celebration.
Monday, June 4, 2012
VOW to Hire Heroes Act
On May 31, 2012, the House Veterans Affairs Committee conducted an oversight hearing entitled, "Reviewing the Implementation of Major Provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011" (VOW Act). The main focus of the hearing was the implementation status for the "Veterans Retraining Program" (VRAP). The VRAP will provide up to one year of Montgomery GI Bill benefits of $1,473 per month to unemployed veterans, ages 35 – 60, for in-demand jobs and careers.
In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) said he is pleased to hear about the efforts at both the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs to implement the VOW Act, but said there has not been enough outreach and promotion at the Cabinet level and by the President to promote the VOW Act, especially the VRAP. Chairman Miller cited an example of a one-stop center not being aware of the VRAP program until May 11th and voiced concern the word was still not getting out to the local areas. Chairman Miller also cited an example of a veteran who saw an advertisement made by a local one-stop center, and after discussing VRAP with the Local Veteran Employment Representative, completed an application.
Testifying at the hearing were General Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and Ismael "Junior" Ortiz, Acting Assistant Secretary, Veterans Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). Under Secretary Hickey said the application process began on May 15, and to date the VA has received 12,200 applications - a little over a two-week period. The VA has processed 1,400 claims to date.
The VRAP is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance at the full-time payment rate under the GI Bill. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, certificate, or similar evidence of completion of an educational or training program the veteran received in a high demand occupation.
The Committee members were concerned about the outreach being conducted to get the word out to veterans in 35 – 60 year old category. Under Secretary Hickey and Assistant Secretary Ortiz described the outreach efforts both departments are conducting – using public service announcements (PSAs), providing information on as many websites as possible, mass e-mails, directives,participation in job fairs, partnering with other groups, using Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), conducting webinars, and other efforts.
In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) said he is pleased to hear about the efforts at both the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs to implement the VOW Act, but said there has not been enough outreach and promotion at the Cabinet level and by the President to promote the VOW Act, especially the VRAP. Chairman Miller cited an example of a one-stop center not being aware of the VRAP program until May 11th and voiced concern the word was still not getting out to the local areas. Chairman Miller also cited an example of a veteran who saw an advertisement made by a local one-stop center, and after discussing VRAP with the Local Veteran Employment Representative, completed an application.
Testifying at the hearing were General Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and Ismael "Junior" Ortiz, Acting Assistant Secretary, Veterans Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). Under Secretary Hickey said the application process began on May 15, and to date the VA has received 12,200 applications - a little over a two-week period. The VA has processed 1,400 claims to date.
The VRAP is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance at the full-time payment rate under the GI Bill. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, certificate, or similar evidence of completion of an educational or training program the veteran received in a high demand occupation.
The Committee members were concerned about the outreach being conducted to get the word out to veterans in 35 – 60 year old category. Under Secretary Hickey and Assistant Secretary Ortiz described the outreach efforts both departments are conducting – using public service announcements (PSAs), providing information on as many websites as possible, mass e-mails, directives,participation in job fairs, partnering with other groups, using Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), conducting webinars, and other efforts.
Friday, June 1, 2012
App Challenge
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy announced the launch of its first disability-related application challenge, which is designed to generate innovative tools that will improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.
Nearly 22 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 39 years after the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, people with disabilities continue to be employed at much lower levels than those without disabilities. The goal of the app challenge is to promote recruitment resources for employers, develop job training and skill-building tools for job seekers, facilitate employment-related transportation options and expand information communication technology accessibility.
"I am thrilled to announce the Labor Department's first disability employment app challenge. Using today's technology, we hope to inspire creative and innovative solutions to the pressing employment-related problems faced by people with disabilities," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.
Submissions should provide access to important data and resources; attract users with different skill sets and language preferences; be accessible; and consider partnerships that will ensure sustainability of the app. In addition, they should be targeted toward a variety of audiences such as students, teachers, employers, career counselors and workforce professionals, as well as individuals with disabilities working or seeking work at all levels in a variety of salaried and hourly jobs.
Awards with cash prizes – totaling $10,000 – will be given to the top three submissions, including the grand prize Innovation Award, the second prize People's Choice Award, and the third prize Above and Beyond Accessibility Award.
Nearly 22 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 39 years after the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, people with disabilities continue to be employed at much lower levels than those without disabilities. The goal of the app challenge is to promote recruitment resources for employers, develop job training and skill-building tools for job seekers, facilitate employment-related transportation options and expand information communication technology accessibility.
"I am thrilled to announce the Labor Department's first disability employment app challenge. Using today's technology, we hope to inspire creative and innovative solutions to the pressing employment-related problems faced by people with disabilities," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.
Submissions should provide access to important data and resources; attract users with different skill sets and language preferences; be accessible; and consider partnerships that will ensure sustainability of the app. In addition, they should be targeted toward a variety of audiences such as students, teachers, employers, career counselors and workforce professionals, as well as individuals with disabilities working or seeking work at all levels in a variety of salaried and hourly jobs.
Awards with cash prizes – totaling $10,000 – will be given to the top three submissions, including the grand prize Innovation Award, the second prize People's Choice Award, and the third prize Above and Beyond Accessibility Award.
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