Adult Services
- Workforce Investment Act
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 created a new environment for people seeking jobs and financial assistance for training. WIA places an emphasis on universal service; accountability; customer choice; and, integration of services through a one-stop approach where service partners join together in the JobLink Career Centers. Persons seeking WIA funding for training, even though they may meet the program entrance requirements, are not considered for training until completing certain requirements, which can include job search, assessment, development of an individual employment plan, and other activities.
There are five major levels of service:
Core Services
Core services are open to everyone. Essentially when you walk into a JobLink Career Center, you are taking part in Core Services. Core Services include job search assistance, resume preparation, information about the labor market, information on training and financial aid, referrals to other services and other general information exchanges. The opportunity for guidance orientation and selfdirected activities/resources are provided.
Intensive Services
Intensive services are actually the first level of documented service within WIA. When customers are determined unable to find a job with existing skills in the current marketplace, they can request further assistance, including assignment of a case manager, counseling, assessment, coordinated referrals, and one-on-one job search assistance. To be eligible for such services, customers must fall into one of two categories: Adult or Dislocated Workers.
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Adult Program eligibility is based on public assistance receipt or income and family size. Persons receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps or other types of public assistance can qualify for the Adult Program. Entry into the program can also occur if the family’s income is below levels posted by the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information on eligibility click here.
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Dislocated Workers include persons laid off due to a plant closure or substantial layoff or if a worker is laid off due to lack of work and does not have the skills to obtain similar work. Dislocated Workers Program eligibility is not income-based. A case manager is assigned to the customer entering Intensive Services. Counseling, coordinated referrals, and job search efforts are the primary tools of Intensive Services. For more information on eligibility click here.
Training Services
Customers who are found to be unable to obtain work through Intensive Services may go into Training Services to improve their skills for future job search and receive funds for approved training programs. Training resources are limited by federal funding allocations to the state and local area. It is not possible to move directly from Core Services to the Training Services component. Efforts must be made in the Intensive Services section and documented by case managers. Available funding is a primary limitation for financial assistance. Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) are generally provided for a period of two years or less. Customers are encouraged to consider short term training to quickly return to the labor market. Training requires that customers select training providers that are registered on the NC STARs system and that have been approved by the Capital Area Workforce Development Board. JobLink Career Center staff will assist customers in exploring other funding options beyond the limited dollars available through Workforce Investment Act funds.
Employment
Employment is the fourth component of WIA and includes targeted and extensive job search assistance.
Follow-up Services
Follow-up-Services are the fifth element and is made available to WIA customers for a minimum of 12 months following employment.
Full list of Adult Service Providers