Assistance Programs

General Information about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act – Adults/Youth/Veterans and Dislocated Workers Program

Program Description

The Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment, and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business.

Goals

• To increase employment, as measured by entry into unsubsidized employment
• To increase retention in unsubsidized employment six months after entry into employment
• To increase earnings received in unsubsidized employment for dislocated workers
• To enhance customer satisfaction for participants and for employers

Services

Services are provided through One-Stop Career Centers. There are three levels of service:

• Core services
  Includes outreach, job search and placement assistance, and labor market information available to all job seekers;
• Intensive services
  Includes more comprehensive assessments, development of individual employment plans and counseling and career planning; and
• Training services
  Customers are linked to job opportunities in their communities, including both occupational training and training in basic skills. Participants use an “individual training account” to select an appropriate training program from a qualified training provider.

Additional Services

• “Supportive” services such as transportation, childcare, dependent care, housing and needs-related payments are provided under certain circumstances to allow an individual to participate in the program.
• “Rapid Response” services at the employment site for employers and workers who are expected to lose their jobs as a result of company closings and mass layoffs are also available.
• Individuals whose layoff was created or affected by international trade may access information and services under the Trade Act programs.
• States are responsible for program management and operations including enrollment, service delivery, and certification of training providers.

Target Population

• All adults, 18 years and older, are eligible for core services.
• Dislocated workers.
• Priority for intensive and training services must be given to recipients of public assistance and other low-income individuals where funds are limited.
• In addition to unemployed adults, employed adults can also receive services to obtain or retain employment that allows for self-sufficiency. State and local areas are responsible for establishing procedures for applying the priority and self-sufficiency requirements.