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1 | Page Your Future OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING WORK EXPERIENCE MENTORING ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE LEADERSHIP APPRENTICESHIP CAREER EXPLORATION EXPLORE YOUTH VISION WIOA Training Manual
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YOUTH VISIONWIOA Training
Manual
E X P L O R E
C A R E E R E X P L O R A T I O N
A P P R E N T I C E SH I P
L E A D E R S H I P
A C A D E M I C A S S I S T A N C E
M E N T O R I N G
W O R K E X P E R I E N C
E
O C C U P A T I O NA L T R A I N I N G
Your Future
Table of Contents
WIOA YOUTH INTRODUCTION Page 3
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY Page 6
YOUTH ELIGIBILITY Page 7
YOUTH ENROLLMENT Page 14
YOUTH SERVICES Page 15
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WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT
YOUTH OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION:
The vision of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is ensure a long-term supply of skilled workers and
leaders in local communities.
WIOA is committed to providing high quality services for youth and young adults beginning with career
exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-
demand industries and occupations, and culminating with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in
post-secondary education.
With an estimated 6 million 16-24 year olds in our country not employed or in school, WIOA youth programs
provide a continuum of services to help these young people navigate between the educational and workforce
systems.
WIOA calls for customer-focused services based on the needs of the individual participant. This includes the
creation of career pathways for youth in all title I youth programs, including a connection to career pathways as
part of a youth's individual service strategy in the youth formula-funded program. In addition, many services under
title I youth programs are based on the individual needs of participants. WIOA also calls for this population to be
intimately involved in the design and implementation of services so the youth voice is represented and their needs
are being met.
This integrated vision also applies to the workforce system's other shared customer-employers. By repositioning
youth as an asset to employers with a need for skilled workers, the value of employers engaging the youth
workforce system and programs is enhanced. Employers are critical partners that provide meaningful growth
opportunities for young people through work experiences that give them the opportunity to learn and apply skills in
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real-world setting and ultimately jobs that young people are ready to fill given the opportunity.
The Department recognizes that much of this alignment and integration is already happening in local areas and
regions across the country. WIOA aims to build upon these existing efforts through an emphasis on system
alignment, an increased focus on serving OSY and those most in need, an emphasis on the needs of individual
participants, and the prioritization of connections with employers, especially through work experience
opportunities.
WIOA includes a number of significant changes for the youth formula-funded program. The biggest change under
WIOA is the shift to focus resources primarily on OSY. WIOA increases the minimum percentage of funds
required to be spent on OSY from 30 percent to 75 percent. This intentional shift refocuses the program to serve
OSY during a time when large numbers of youth and young adults are out of school and not connected to the
labor force.
Local strategies must incorporate strong framework services which must include intake, objective assessments,
and the development of individual service strategy, case management, supportive services, and follow-up
services.
In addition, WIOA includes a major focus on providing youth with work experience opportunities. WIOA prioritizes
work experiences with the requirement that local areas must spend a minimum of 20 percent of local area funds
on work experience. Under WIOA, work experience becomes the most important of the program elements.
WIOA also introduces five new program elements: Financial literacy; entrepreneurial skills training; services that
provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in
the local areas; activities that help youth prepare for and transition to post-secondary education and training; and
education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a
specific occupation or occupational cluster.
WIOA enhances the youth program design through an increased emphasis on individual participant needs by
adding new components to the objective assessment and individual service strategy. WIOA incorporates career
pathways as part of both the objective assessment and development of the individual service strategy. In addition,
the individual service strategy must directly link to one or more of the performance indicators. The program design
under WIOA also includes effective connections to employers, including small employers, in in-demand industry
sectors and occupations.
Local Boards must ensure appropriate links to entities that will foster the participation of eligible local area youth.
Such links may include connections to:
Local area justice and law enforcement officials;
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Local public housing authorities;
Local education agencies;
Job Corp representatives; and
Representatives of other area youth initiatives, including those that serve homeless youth and other public
and private youth initiatives.
KANSAS WORKFORCEONE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE:
The Kansas WorkforceONE Chief Elected Officials Board and Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) have
ultimate authority over the policies and procedures of the WIOA Title I Youth Program. In addition, the LWDB has
two standing committees which will provide oversight and guidance to the Youth Program. The Operations
Committee will approve all youth program policies and procedures and ensure performance accountability as well
as provide program linkages to employers and economic development within our local communities. The Youth
Development Committee is responsible for developing system-wide connections to eligible youth and providers of
youth services.
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GENERAL YOUTH ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
All potential enrollees must document work authorization, age, and selective service registration. All Work
Experience participants must all provide social security documentation.
Social Security (acceptable documentation)o DD-214 Report of Transfer or Discharge
o Employment Records
o IRS Form Letter 1722
o Letter from Social Service Agency
o Pay Stub
o Social Security Benefits Records
o Social Security Card
o W-2 Form
Selective Service Registration (acceptable documentation)o Acknowledgement letter / print out – www.sss.gov
o DD-214 Report of Transfer or Discharge
o Selective Service registration Card
o Selective Service System Contact
o Selective Service Verification Form
o Stamped Post Office Receipt of Registration
Work Authorization / Citizenship (acceptable documentation)o Alien Registration Card indicating Right to Work
o Baptismal Certificate (if place of birth is shown)
o Birth Certificate
o DD-214 Report of Transfer or Discharge
o Food Stamp Record
o Foreign Passport Stamped Eligible to Work
o Hospital Record of Birth
o Naturalization Certification
o Public Assistance Records
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o U.S. Passport
o Voter Registration Card
Birth Date/Age - is based on time of enrollment and as long as the individual meets the age eligibility at time
of enrollment they can continue to receive WIOA youth services until goals are accomplished. (acceptable
documentation)
o Baptismal Certificate
o Birth Certificate
o DD-214 Report of Discharge or Transfer
o Driver's License
o Federal, State, or Local Government ID Card
o Hospital Record of Birth
o Passport
o Public Assistance/Social Service Records
o Work Permit
An eligibility assessment and income test worksheet that is not valid after 45 days if not submitted to the
AAO for approval.
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YOUTH PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
In-School Youth Definition:
An In-School Youth is defined as an eligible youth who is attending and/or enrolled in school, either secondary or
post-secondary.
In-School Youth Eligibility Requirements:
In School Youth must meet all the below criteria:
o General Eligibility Established AND
o Between the ages of 14 and 21 (WF1 Priority 16 to 21) AND
o Attending school (Secondary or Post-Secondary) AND
o Family Low income (Free and Reduce Lunch) AND
o One of the following options
Basic skills deficient
An English language learner
Offender
A homeless individual, homeless child or youth
A runaway
In foster care or has aged out of the foster care system
A child eligible for assistance under Section 477 of the Social Security Act (DCF - Foster Care
Education Program)
An out of home placement
Pregnant or Parenting
Individual with a disability
Individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and
hold employment
Out-of-School Youth Definition:
An out-of-school youth is defined as an eligible youth who is a school dropout (and does not attend an
alternative school or has not received a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent); or is an
eligible youth who has either graduated from high school or holds a GED, but is basic skills deficient,
unemployed, or underemployed.
Please note: If a youth is attending an alternative school at the time of enrollment, the youth does not meet
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the requirement for "out-of-school" youth. However, once a youth is determined eligible as an "out-of-
school" youth and enrolled in the program, he/she can then attend an alternative school or receive
alternative school services and it will not disqualify them as an "out-of-school" youth.
Out-of-School Youth Eligibility Requirements:
Out of School Youth must meet all the below criteria:o General Eligibility Established AND
o Between the ages of 16 and 24 AND
o Not attending any school (does not consider Adult Education / Job Corps attendance as in-school) AND
o One of the following options:
School dropout
A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at
least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter
An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system
A homeless individual, homeless child, or youth
A runaway
In foster care or has aged out of the foster care system
A child eligible for assistance under Section 477 of the Social Security Act
An out of home placement
Pregnant or Parenting
Individual with a disability
Recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and is low income and basic
skills deficient or an English language learner
Low income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational
program or to secure and hold employment.
For OSY, only those youth who are the recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent and are either basic skills deficient or an English language learner and youth who require
additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment
must be low-income. OSY Low Income – POVERTY LEVELS For OSY who are subject to the justice system, homeless, pregnant or parenting, or have a disability,
income eligibility documentation is not required by statute.
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PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY DEFINITIONS:
Deficient in Basic Literacy Skills Definition:
"Deficient in basic literacy skills" is defined as "an individual who computes or solves problems, read writes
or speaks English at or below grade 8.9." Any assessment instrument used to determine an individual's
basic literacy skills must be generally accepted and must provide results in (or can be converted to) a
grade/year and grade/month format. For those individuals where recent assessment scores are not
available, the KCS will be utilized to determine basic literacy skill levels.
Family of One (Only Youth’s income is tested)
o Disabled youth
o Ward of the State (Incarceration or Current Foster Care)
o Homeless / Runaway
ISY Youth Low Income Exception
5 percent of in-school youth who meet all the other eligibility requirements need not be low-income. The 5
percent is calculated based on all youth served in the WIOA local youth program in a given program year.
These youth must fall within one or more of the following categories.
o School dropout
o Basic skills deficient
o One or more grade levels below the grade level appropriate for the individual's age
o Pregnant or parenting
o Possess one or more disabilities (including learning disabilities)
o Runaway
o Offender
o Attending alternative school (identified by Local Area I LWDB)
o Receiving treatment for drug or alcohol dependency (identified by Local Area I LWDB)
Youth who require additional assistance to complete educational program must meet one of more of the following:o Previously dropped out of an educational program
o Has poor attendance patterns in an educational program during the last twelve (12) calendar months
o Has below average grades
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Youth who require additional assistance to secure and retain employment must meet one of more of the following: Has a poor work history (including no work history)
Has been fired from a job in the last six (6) months
YOUTH ELIGIBILITY DOCUMENTATION:
Individual Status/Family Size – Family is defined as those living at the same address who are related
by blood of decree of court.
o Birth Certificates
o Decree of Court
o Divorce Decree
o Landlord statement or Lease Agreement
o Marriage Certificate
o Most Recent Tax Return
o Public assistance/Social Security Agency Records
o Public Housing Authority Records
o Written statement from Care Facility or Institution
Individual/Family Income- Complete Income Test Sheeto Family income means all includable income received by all members of the family during the six-month
period prior to application/registration, annualized by multiplying the six-month income by two.
o The composition of the family is determined as of the date of the application/registration. Therefore, the
income of prior family members who may have comprised part of the family during the past six months
but are no longer members of the household (i.e., a divorced, separated or deceased spouse, or other
family member) would not be counted for income determination purposes. Only the income of
members of the current family should be counted and applied against the current family size.
NOTE: An income test sheet must be completed for all potential ISY and Applicable OSY participants
regardless of Public Assistance status.
Deficiency in Basic Literacy Skillso Assessment Scores by a generally accepted standardized test (TABE, CASAS, BSLT or COMPASS)
o School Records
Pregnant of Parenting
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o Birth Certificate
o Hospital Record of Birth
o Physician's Verification
o School Records
o Statement from Social Service Agency
o Child's Social Security Cards
School Dropouto Dropped letter
o School Letter of Verification
Homeless / Runaway / Out of Home Placemento Written Statement from Individual Providing Temporary Shelter
o Written Statement from Shelter
o Written Statement from Social Service Agency
o Police Records
Offendero Court Documents
o Letter of Parole
o Letter from Probation Officer
o Police Records
o Halfway House Verification
Disabledo Letter from Drug or Alcohol Rehabilitation Agency
o Letter from IEP Team Stating Specific Disability
o Medical Records
o Physician's Statement
o Psychiatrist's/Psychologist's Diagnosis
o Rehabilitation Evaluation
o School Record Stating Specific Disability
o Social Service Records/Referral
o Social Security Administration Disability Records
o Veterans Administration Letter/Records
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o Vocational Rehabilitation Letter
o Workers Compensation Record
Youth who require additional assistance to complete educational programo School Records
Youth who require additional assistance to secure and retain employmento Employment Records
ISY Youth Low Income Exception o Barrier Documented
o Income Test Sheet
o Letter from Participant and Parent/Guardian
o Written Exception Request
An English language learnero School records
o Employment Specialist Statement
Foster Care o Court Records
o School Records
Section 477 of the Social Security Acto Agency documentation
o Court Records
o School Records
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YOUTH POINT OF PARTICIPATION AND ENROLLMENT
POINT OF PARTICIPATION:
To be enrolled in the WIOA Title I Youth Program the following conditions must be met:
1. General and Program Eligibility fully established.
2. General demographic information is gathered (age, race, ethnicity, disability status, school status, etc.)
3. Basic Skills Assessment and Interest Survey Completed.
4. Individual received any service beyond eligibility determination.
5. Service Provided with WIOA funds - This includes service received either at a physical location or
electronically that are either fully or partially funded by WIOA funds.
6. Individual Service Strategy Completed.
7. AAO Approval fully executed.
ENROLLMENT FORM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Eligibility Assessment completed along with all documentation.
2. School Confidentiality Release
3. Individual Service Strategy completed.
4. Basic Skills Assessment
5. Interest Survey
6. Signed Complaint Procedure
7. Signed Information / Disclosure Form
8. Provision of services and referrals are documented in the Kansas Works System.
9. Youth Enrollment Form
10. Budget Form (If applicable)
NOTE: All documents requiring signatures must include parent or guardian if youth is under 18.
SERVICE STRATEGY CONSIDERATION:
The goal of the youth’s individual service strategy should be based upon the long-term success of the youth.
The intent should be to involve other service providers (state, federal and local in the strategy to assist the
youth obtain their long-term goals which according to the Act is that the youth is successfully prepared to enter
post-secondary education and/or unsubsidized employment. As the youth progress through their strategy/plan
continued updates to the ISS will be necessary in the physical and electronic service records.
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WIOA YOUTH SERVICES
14 REQUIRED PROGRAM ELEMENTS:
The fourteen program elements required are as follows:
Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout
prevention strategies
Alternative secondary school offerings or dropout recovery services
Paid and unpaid work experiences with an academic and occupational education component
Occupational skill training, with a focus on recognized postsecondary credentials and in-demand occupations
Leadership development activities (e.g., community service, peer-centered activities)
Supportive services
Adult mentoring
Follow-up services for at least 12 months after program completion
Comprehensive guidance and counseling, including drug and alcohol abuse counseling
Integrated education and training for a specific occupation or cluster
Financial literacy education
Entrepreneurial skills training
Services that provide labor market information about in-demand industry sectors and occupations
Postsecondary preparation and transition activities
GENERAL YOUTH SERVICES REQUIREMENTS:
All other services must be described in detail in the Individual Service Strategy.
Approval must be given prior to providing youth services which require the use of WIOA Title 1B funds.
All vendors must complete an MOU with the LAI LWDB.
All Services must be entered into KSL.
Services being provided by another partner must be described in the ISS and recorded in KSL.
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INDIVIDUAL YOUTH SERVICES DESCRIPTION AND POLICIES
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT:
Definition - Participation in a comprehensive and specialized assessment in order to determine
participant's skill level and service needs. This may include diagnostic testing and the use of other
assessment tools. It may also include in-depth interviewing and evaluation with supporting
documentation, to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment goals.
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all assessment vendors prior to conducting the
assessment. The assessment results must be placed in the participant's file.
Funding Limit- $100 per assessment
Documentation Required:o Budget
o MOU
WORKSHOPS/PREVOCATIONAL SERVICE:
Definition - This service may include life skills workshops, workshops dealing with the world of work,
or workshops to remove barriers to employment. Each workshop should be directly related to the
individual participant's goals and barriers. Workshops are usually short-term - 1 to 2 days.
Prevocational Services are designed to help prepare the participant for unsubsidized employment or
training. These services may include the development of learning skills, communication skills,
interviewing skills, punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct. These services
may also include a single course that does not lead to a credential or meet the criteria for being
considered a program of occupational skills training conducted by an eligible training provider, but will
assist the individual in securing a particular job. Participation in Pre-vocational Services is typically
longer than workshops. Example - Manufactures Skills Certificate.
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all workshop vendors prior to conducting the
workshop/prevocational services. Documentation of participation and evaluation must be placed in the
participant's file. If a prevocational service is an approved training course through the Kansas Board of
Regents or Board of Education an MOU is not required.
Funding Limit- $100 per workshop or prevocational service. Exceptions may be granted by AAO for
prevocational services in a Local Area I demand occupation.
Documentation Requiredo Budget
o MOU
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INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING:
Definition - Helping participants deal with a variety of personal problems that occur during participation.
Policy- Participants have the ability to choose where they would like to receive counseling assistance;
therefore, an MOU would not be required. However, a detailed plan including billing information should be
provided prior to the start of the counseling. The counseling center must be an accredited center.
Funding Limit- $500 per customer
Documentation Requiredo Budget
o Counseling Plan
FINANCIAL LITERACY:
Definition - This service is either a workshop or program equipping youth with the knowledge and skills they
need to achieve long-term financial stability.
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all workshop vendors prior to conducting the
workshop/prevocational services. Documentation of participation and evaluation must be placed in the
participant's file.
Funding Limit- $100 per workshop or prevocational service.
Documentation Requiredo Budget
o MOU
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING:
Definition - Local youth programs must coordinate pre-apprenticeship programs to the maximum extent
feasible with registered apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs can be adapted to meet the
needs of participants, the various employers and sponsors they serve, and the specific employment
opportunities available in a local labor market.
Policy- Same as Work Experience and Occupational Skills Training
Funding Limit – Same as Work Experience and Occupational Skills Training
Documentation Required -Same as Work Experience and Occupational Skills Training
INTERNSHIPS:
Definition - Internships offer work-based training experience in a work setting. There shall be an agreement
with an employer to provide structured on-site exposure to work and the requirements for successful job
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retention. Internship may be paid or unpaid, and in the private or public sector
Policy- Same as Work Experience
Funding Limit – if paid, work experience funding limits apply.
Documentation Required -Same as Work Experience
JOB COACHING:
Definition - Professional job coaching provides assistance in developing good work habits and basic
work skills. The degree of job coaching will be determined based on the client's needs.
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all job coaching vendors prior to starting the job coaching.
Documentation of participation and evaluation must be placed in the participant's file.
Funding Limits- $500 per Program Year
Documentation Required:o MOU
o Budget
o Individual job coaching plan and schedule
TUTORING:
Definition- Professional tutoring provides assistance in improving basic skills such as math or
reading.
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all tutoring vendors prior to starting the tutoring.
Documentation of participation and evaluation must be placed in the participant's file. If an agency
is not available an individual may enter into a MOU with the following additions to the MOU;
resume, list of references, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Child Abuse and/or Neglect Central
Registry background check.
Funding Limit- $500 per Program Year
Documentation Required:o MOU
o Budget
o Individual Tutoring Plan/Schedule
o All required documentation on tutor.
BASIC SKILLS AND LITERACY ACTIVITIES:
Definition - GED/ Alternative High School Diploma/ English as a Second Language - Stand Alone.
Educational services for those in need of additional educational assistance to improve their general
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competencies and develop their readiness for skill training or work. Basic remedial education includes
preparation for a high school equivalency certificate, basic literacy skills, bilingual education or English
as a second language (ESL). Basic developmental education includes non-credit courses required to
prepare people for vocational or technical training such as pre-requisite courses.
Policy- LAI will pay for fees related to taking the Test and required study books. Supportive services
are not paid while client is participating in GED/Alternative Education/ESL courses.
Funding Limit- $150 per lifetime of the customer
Documentation Required –o MOU
o Budget
o ISS should explain timeline for attainment of the credential.
ADULT MENTORING:
Definition - Mentoring is a committed relationship between an adult and a youth focused on developing
the character and capabilities of the young person. By definition, a mentor means a wise and trusted
friend and guide. Mentoring, whether it is informal or formal, is a wonderful way for caring adults to
make a positive difference in a young person’s life. A Mentor is a Friend, Listener, Tutor, Confidant,
Coach A Mentor is Not a Foster Parent, Therapist, Cool Peer, Parole Officer, ATM Machine, Savior
Policy – Mentoring must be provided for at least 12 months. The ISS should fully define the
relationship and the role of the mentor in the youth’s ISS. Documentation of participation and
evaluation must be placed in the participant's file. If an agency is not available an individual may
enter into a MOU with the following additions to the MOU; resume, list of references, Kansas
Bureau of Investigation and Child Abuse and/or Neglect Central Registry background check.
Mentoring services may include group mentoring, mentoring via electronic means, and other forms as
long as it also includes individual mentoring from an assigned mentor. Employment specialist must
maintain regular contact with youth, mentor and parents/guardians. Mentors must always meet with
youth in a public setting.
Funding Limit- NA
Documentation Required:o MOU
o Individual Mentoring Plan/Schedule
o All required documentation on mentor.
LEADERSHIP AND POSITIVE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:
Leadership and positive social behavior developmental definition – Services (training, workshops, etc.)
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that encourage responsibilities, employability, and other positive social barriers such as:
o Exposure to postsecondary educational opportunities;
o Community and service learning projects;
o Peer-centered activities, including peer mentoring and tutoring;
o Organizational and team work training, including team leadership training;
o Training in decision-making, including determining priorities; and
o Citizenship training, including life skills training such as parenting, work behavior training, and
budgeting of resources;
o Positive attitude development;
o Self-Esteem Building;
o Openness to working with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
o Maintaining healthy lifestyles, including being alcohol and drug free;
o Civic duties such as voting;
o Postponing and/or avoiding early parenthood;
o Maintaining a commitment to life-long learning and academic success;
o Avoiding delinquency;
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all workshop vendors prior to conducting the
workshop/prevocational services. Documentation of participation and evaluation must be placed in the
participant's file.
Funding Limit- $100 per workshop or training.
Documentation Requiredo Budget
o MOU
ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS TRAINING:
Definition – This training/workshop is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge that you need to know
before embarking on a new business venture. Skills learned may include financial literacy, marketing,
business plan development, goal setting, and communication.
Policy - An MOU must be in place with all workshop vendors prior to conducting the
workshop/prevocational services. Documentation of participation and evaluation must be placed in the
participant's file.
Funding Limit- $100 per workshop or training.
Documentation Requiredo Budget
o MOU
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WORK EXPERIENCE/SUMMER EMPLOYMENT:
Definition- Planned, structured learning experiences that take place in the workplace for a limited period
of time. Work experience may be paid or unpaid. Work experiences are designed to enable youth to gain
exposure to the working world and its requirements. Work experiences are appropriate and desirable
activities for many youth throughout the year. Work experiences should help youth acquire the personal
attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to obtain a job and advance in employment. The purpose is to
provide the youth participant with the opportunities for career exploration and skill development and is not
to benefit the employer, although the employer, may, in fact, benefit from the activities performed by the
youth.
Intent of Work Experience: o Gain Work Experience
o Develop and practice soft skills
o Acquire skills needed to obtain employment
o Not Permanent Employment. If the intent is to obtain permanent employment, OJT should be utilized.
Work experiences may be subsidized or unsubsidized and may include the following elements:o Instruction in employability skills or generic workplace skills;
o Exposure to various aspects of an industry;
o Progressively more complex tasks;
o Occupational Skills Training;
o Internships and job shadowing;
o The integration of basic academic skills into work activities;
o Supported work, work adjustment, and other transition activities;
o Entrepreneurship;
o Service Learning;
General Policy -o Work experience worksites may be in the private, for-profit sector; the nonprofit sector; or the
public sector.
o All paid work experience participants will be paid the prevailing wage for a maximum of 180 hours.
No one youth may participate in more than two work experiences.
o Local Boards are required to offer summer employment opportunities that link academic and
occupational learning as part of the menu of services.
o Summer youth employment must provide direct linkages to academic and occupational learning,
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and may provide other elements and strategies appropriate to serve the needs and goals of the
participants.
o Youths who participate in summer employment opportunities must be provided with a minimum of
twelve months of follow-up services.
o If worksite accident or injury occurs, the Employment Specialist must notify the LWIB Administrative
Office immediately. An accident report must be submitted to the Workman's Compensation
Insurance Company within 10 days.
o Nepotism: No individual may be placed in a WIOA employment activity if a member of that person's
immediate family is directly supervised by or directly supervises that individual.
o The Employment Specialist must remain in contact with the participant and employer to ensure
participant's performance as well as address issues that may arise during the work experience.
o An Individual Service Strategy must be completed which includes explanation of plan and goals.
The plan must be approved by the AAO prior to the start of the work experience
o If a work experience is utilized to attain an occupational skills goal, a detailed explanation of the
skills that will be developed must be provided within the Individual Service Strategy.
o Once the Work Experience is completed the Final Worksite Evaluation must be completed by the
worksite supervisor and reviewed with the participant. Once this has occurred the Final Worksite
Evaluation must be submitted in order to document attainment of work readiness and/or
occupational skills goals. The participant must score average or above average on the final
worksite evaluation in order to report successful skill attainment or show marked improvement from
the beginning of the Work Experience.
The Worksite agrees to:o Assume supervisory responsibility for each enrollee while he/she is on the worksite; if primary
supervisor is not available a substitute supervisor must be assigned to supervise the youth.
o Be aware that all immediate worksite supervisors will receive orientation as to their duties and
responsibilities to the program and participants; the orientation to be provided by Local Area 1.
o Provide training that is necessary for the Participant to be placed in a training-related occupation.
o Provide a safe and healthy environment
o Follow the ALL child labor laws.
o Comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, codes of State, Federal, and local government as well
as any special provisions pertaining to the WIOA regulations; to be monitored by State, Federal,
and Local Area Representatives.
o Be responsible for keeping accurate time sheets and attendance of each participant under your
supervision and timely transmittal of time sheets to the WIOA Employment Specialist, fully
understanding that non-worked hours or recreational activities are not to be reported for payment
to the participant. Holiday pay is not provided.
o Assure that sufficient work will be available to occupy all participants during working hours;
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Kansas WorkforceONE agrees too Pay the participant t he prevailing wage for hours worked during pa id work experience.
o Monitor for proper supervision.
o Provide worksite supervisor orientation and information concerning Child Labor Laws.
o Provide participant orientation.
o Maintain workman's compensation for all participants in work experience.
o Adhere to all Wage and Hour regulations.
Funding Limits –
o ISY Funding Limit – Youth must participate in 1 unpaid work experience for a minimum of 6 weeks.
Then one paid work experience for span of enrollment for a maximum of 180 hours. Prevailing Wage for
180 Hours.
o OSY Funding Limit – Maximum of two paid work experiences for span of enrollment.
Required Work Experience documentation:o Worksite Agreement
o Worksite Safety Agreement
o Contractual Provision and Attachment
o 1-9 with documentation
o W-4
o Budget
o Prevailing Wage Calculator print out
o Individual Services Strategy
Note: In determining prevailing wages, if similar work cannot be found in the area defined by the geographic labor market (the vicinity), the closest comparable community should be used. The prevailing wage may not be lower than the applicable statutory minimum wage. Calculator found at http://www.dol.gov/whd/sec14c/calculators/StraightAverage.htm
The prevailing wage is not an entry-level wage or a training wage, but the wage rate paid experienced employees after completion of any training or probationary periods. An experienced worker is one who has learned the basic elements or requirements of the work to be performed, ordinarily by completion of a probationary or training period. Typically, such a worker will have received at least one pay raise after successful completion of the probationary or training period.
When contacting employers for prevailing wage calculation, Employment Specialist should ask:
o What wage do you pay the entry level position? This amount is used for entry level wage in the prevailing wage calculator.
o What wage do you pay upon successful completion of the probationary period for the same position? This amount is used for the experienced worker wage in the prevailing wage calculator.
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NOTE: Out-of-School May Also Participate in On-the-Job Training according to Adult and Dislocated Worker Policies and Procedures.
OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING:
Definition - Occupational Skills Training: Occupational skills training or classroom training (CRT) consists
of basic or advanced formal training for acquiring skills in a specific occupation. The training is provided at
an approved vocational/technical institution, high school, proprietary school or college. The training offered
is targeted to in-demand occupations in the local area.
Policy-o ALL Occupational Skills Training must be vocational in nature and in a demand occupation for Local
Area I. Labor market statistics must be included with all requests for Occupational Skills Training.
o An Individual Service Strategy must be completed which includes explanation of plan and goals. The
plan must be approved prior to the start of training. Financial Feasibility Assessments should be
completed for all customers attending school.
o Maximum reimbursement to the training/services provider is $3,000 per participant for tuition, fees,
books and supplies.
o ALL youth must apply for Federal Financial Aid. Pell grant awards will be applied to the cost of
education prior to applying WIOA funds.
o Training Agreement / Individual Training Account Vouchers- A training agreement will be used for
In-School Youth ONLY. The individual training account (ITA) voucher will be used for out-of-School
Youth ONLY. The ITA / training agreement must be completed prior to the start of the training. This ITA
/ training agreement must specifically illustrate the training needs of the participant and indicate the
level of Pell Grant as well as the participant's enrollment status. ALL Training Provider must bill the
WF1 Administrative Office once the approved ITA / Training Agreement has been returned to the
Training Provider. A ITA / training agreement must be completed even if the customer is not receiving
WIOA Title IB Training and/or supportive services. I T A / Training Agreements are completed on a
semester basis; including summer or interim sessions.
o Youth must remain in "good standing" with the training institution in regards to attendance and grades.
Failure to do so may jeopardize continued WIOA Title IB funding for training.
o WIOA Title IB will not pay for courses that I must retake do to failing grades or courses dropped after
the allowed drop period.
o If the client has chosen to attend CDL Training, the client's Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must be
provided.
o All requests for independent study, on-line course, or open-entry/open exit courses must include a
plan for the Employment Specialist and school to track participation and progress.
o Local Area I will purchase no more than 2 uniforms and 1 pair of shoes (maximum amount for shoes
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is $60) for courses that require this of their students. If participant must obtain these items or any
other tools from a vendor other than the training institution the budgets must be submitted specifying
the vendor. In addition, the vendor needs to be made aware that payment will not be rendered until a
receipt or invoice has been submitted to the LWDB Administrative Office.
o All current customer ITA/TA and budgets must be fully approved 30 days prior to the start of the next
training session. The additional time will allow time for approval of new enrollments and ensure all
training and supportive service policies are adhered to. Please continue to follow this process to ensure
all policies are adhered to.
Required Occupational Skills Training Documentation:o ITA / Training Agreement
o Contractual Provision and Attachments
o Budget
o Individual Service Strategy
o Labor Market Statistics
o Training Institution Confidentiality Release
o Classroom Schedule
FOLLOW-UP SERVICES - DURING ENROLLMENT
Definition -Services provided during enrollment to ensure customer's success in other services.
Policy- Employment Specialists should contact customers on a regular basis while they are participating in
other services. Employment Specialist may need to coordinate additional services to compliment the services
they are already participating in. All services should be added to the Individual Service Strategy and in
Kansas Works.
Funding Limit- Funding should not be required unless additional services are necessary. Funding limits for
those services should be followed.
Documentation Required –
o Individual Service Strategy Addendums
o Case Notes
o Kansas Works Updated
FOLLOW-UP SERVICES - POST ENROLLMENT
Definition - Services provided after exit to ensure customer maintains success after enrollment.
Policy- Youth Participants must receive follow-up services 12 months after exit. All services should be added
to the Individual Service Strategy and in Kansas Works. Follow-up services requiring additional WIOA Title IB
funds must be provided prior the Exit in the Kansas Works System.
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Funding Limit - Funding should not be required unless additional services are necessary. Funding limits for
those services should be followed.
Documentation Required-o Exit form
o Follow-up forms
o Individual Service Strategy Addendums.
o Case Notes
o Kansas Works Updated
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
All exceptions to LAI spending limits must be submitted to the LWDB Administrative Office for approval
prior to the start of the service being requested. The Employment Specialist must provide ample
documentation and justification for the exception.
All providers of 14 program elements must complete an MOU with the LWDB which identifies the
service/element, city/county/region where services are delivered, and youth population to serve. The
agencies entering into the MOU must identify the service, specifications and cost of each service. In
addition, each agency must provide documentation that all applicable staff is covered under the
agency's liability coverage and have been adequately screened. If an agency is not available an
individual may enter into a MOU with the following additions; resume, list of references, Kansas Bureau
of Investigation and/or Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry background check.
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SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
Supportive services may be provided youth who are participating in WIOA services and are unable to obtain
supportive services through other programs.
WIOA regulations encourage the use of supportive services to enable participants to successfully complete
individual service plans. In the absence of alternative resources, supportive service payment may be made to address the financial needs of a participant.
General Policy:
o Youth who fall below the LAI self-Sufficiency Guidelines (125% of the Poverty Guidelines) will be eligible
for childcare and basic allowance. The participant’s entire family income will be considered. Financial
Status will be reviewed at enrollment and prior to each semester to ensure the “most in need” are
receiving supportive services. The Income Test Worksheet and required documentation must be
completed on a semester basis.
o Training Feasibility Assessments should be completed for all customers attending school.
o Participants who are not eligible for childcare and basic allowance may be eligible for emergency
payment and transportation allowance which, if not addressed would prevent the participant from
successfully completing the WIOA service plan.
o Participants must maintain a full-time and acceptable grade/attendance status to receive any supportive
services (no online or self-guided courses).
o All exceptions to LAI spending limits must be submitted to the AAO for approval prior to the start of the
service being requested. The Employment Specialist must provide ample documentation and justification
for the exception.
o Timesheets will be used to track the attendance of each client. If the time sheet indicates that the
participant is not attending school regularly all supportive services will be suspended and the Employment
Specialist will be notified. The Employment Specialists are then required to follow-up with the participant
and submit a report to the AAO. Once attendance has improved and verified supportive services may
resume. If the participant is struggling the Employment Specialist will be required to intervene and provide
additional services to assist the client.
o Once approved, a Client Services Approval Form signed by the participant and Employment Specialist
must be submitted to the AAO prior to the first payment of supportive services.
o Classroom Training Breaks – Childcare and Needs Related Payments will not stop during a regularly
scheduled school break, if client is attending regularly otherwise. Breaks include but are not limited to,
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break regardless of length of time. These allowances will cease if
the break is more than 30 days.
o Supportive Services are tracked using timesheets
Client receives timesheets as well as a copy of pay schedule from Employment Specialist
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Timesheets are due every two weeks to Employment Specialist
Timesheets must be filled out completely and signed by each instructor showing client was in
attendance at class full time
Employment Specialist is responsible for tracking and submitting timesheets to AAO using Supportive
Service tracking spreadsheet.
Employment Specialist should insure funds are available; all services are in progress and verify
attendance and grades.
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SUPPORTIVE SERVICE ALLOWANCES
TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCE:
Definition: A weekly transportation allowance to assist customer with the cost of gas to drive to and from
occupational skills training.
Policy: The Employment Specialist must document the amount of miles that the participate will traveling to
participate in training services. Gas Allowance will be paid for trips to school for regularly scheduled classes
only.
Funding Limit –
Miles Travelled Amount Paid
50-99 $15
100-199 $30
200-299 $60
300-399 $90
400 and up $120
Required documentationo Map signifying the number of miles traveled to training from participant’s city in which they live. Kansas
Department of Transportation Travel Calculator must be used.
o Classroom Schedule
o Budget
o Training Agreement
o Client Service Level Form(Once Approved)
CHILDCARE ALLOWANCE:
Definition – An allowance to provide limited childcare assistance for a customer who is attending
Occupational Skills Training.
Policy–
o Childcare Eligibility Requirements
o Must be enrolled as a full-time student and attend school on a regular basis.
o 125% of the Lower Living Standards Level/ Self-Sufficiency guidelines.
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o Children who are attending secondary education will not be considered for childcare expenses unless the
class is after regular school hours or over the summer. Children’s ages will be evaluated and must be
receiving care from a childcare provider.
o Local Area I will not reimburse family members for childcare.
Funding Limit - A weekly child care allowance of $40.00 per child per week with a maximum of $120.00 per
week.
Required Documentation -o Training Agreement
o Childcare Provider Information Form
o Budget
o Class schedule
o Client Service Level Form (Once Approved)
EMERGENCY SUPPORT PAYMENTS;
Definition – Emergency support payments may be paid to a participant to cover a specific extraordinary
situation or need.
Policy–
o Every effort must be exhausted to find alternative sources to address the situation or need prior to
submitting requests for emergency support payments.
o Youth must be attending occupational skills training to be eligible for Emergency Support Payments.
o LAI will not enroll someone only to provide the ER support. LAI will not reimburse the client unless ample
justification can be provided; all payments will go directly to the vendor.
o If the client is requesting payment of a regularly scheduled bill (i.e. rent), they must demonstrate their
ability to pay the expense the following month and beyond.
o The Employment Specialist and participant must submit a formal written request to receive an emergency
support payment along with a bill or estimate along with a budget.
o To access funds for car repairs, tires, clothing, etc. at least two estimates must be submitted with request.
Emergency support payments may include:
Car repairs
Tires
Car Insurance
Utilities
Shelter/rent
Drug abuse counseling
Funding Limit – Maximum of $500 during participation.
Required Documentation
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o Employment Specialist and participant formal written request justify the need.
o Bill or estimate along with a budget.
HOUSING ALLOWANCE;
Definition: A weekly housing allowance to assist customer with the cost of housing while attending short-term
training. Short-term training for purposes of this policy will be no longer than 10 weeks.
Policy: o The Employment Specialist must document the need for housing allowance. Need may be defined as
number of miles between training institution and the customer’s home, lack of proper transportation,
length of training and number of days of training per week.
o Housing will be paid ONLY to training institutions that make dormitories available for trainees.
o Customers must live more than 40 miles from the training institution, exception to this policy must be
approved prior to the start of training.
o ITA’s must indicate the cost of the housing and Pell Grants will be leveraged wherever allowed.
o New Budget Category will be Supportive Service Housing #207
Funding Limit – Maximum Allowance of $100 per week.
Required documentation -o Memo Request
o Training agreement / ITA
o Amount of miles between home and institution.
o Classroom Schedule
o Budget
o Client Service Level Form(Once Approved)
NEEDS RELATED PAYMENT POLICY
Definition - Clients will receive payments not to exceed $100.00 per week). Participant is not eligible for
needs-related payments if currently receiving cash assistance through DCF.
Policy –
o Must be unemployed when classes begin.
o Must attend school on a regular basis and on a full-time basis.
o 125% of the Self-Sufficiency guidelines. The total household income will be applied to determine if
customer qualifies for needs related payments. The initial eligibility income test sheet will be used ONLY if
it represents the total household income. If it does not a second income test sheet will be required to
determine eligibility for needs related payments. Income must be tested prior to the start of each
semester.
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o Customers will be required to provide documentation that they have applied for and been deemed
ineligible for Department for Children and Families cash assistance. (See Below for DCF determination
data and resource)
o The participant must attend school on a regular basis and maintain full-time status. Class schedule is
required.
Required Documentationo Training Agreement / ITA
o Childcare Provider Information Form
o Budget
o Class schedule
o Client Service Level Form (Once Approved)
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Department for Children and Families Criteria
To receive help from the Successful Families Program, a family must have the following:
1. Families must have at least one child in the home under the age of 18 (including an unborn baby).
2. Families must meet income requirements. Click here to complete self assessment based on income
documentation gathered for WIOA initial and/or supportive service eligibility.
https://kscapportalp.dcf.ks.gov/client/start.swe#SWEApplet4
Step One: Click Check Eligibility to Apply. To complete the self-assessment in the next step creating an account
is not required.
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Step Two: Click here to find out which benefit and service you might qualify for.
Step Three: Enter client data according to eligibility and/or supportive service documentation.
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Step Four: Click on Review or Make Changes.
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Step Five: If data is correct and matches WIOA documentation than print this to be included with Needs Related
request.
Step Six: If online self-assessment shows that the customer is eligible to receive cash assistance through DCF a
request for Needs Related Payments should not be submitted. However, documentation must be forwarded to
AAO with a memo stating the supportive service was denied.
NOTE: If customer formally applies for DCF Cash Assistance and is denied a Needs Related request may be
submitted with documentation of denial.
Allowable Exceptions: If a customer through the self-assessment is shown to be eligible for DCF – Cash
Assistance but due to child custody/support issues elects not to apply an exception MAY be granted.
Included with the exception request must be justification from the Employment Specialist and a letter of
request from the customer.
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