One-Stop Career Center

Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board (USWIB)

Memorandum of Understanding

July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been developed in accordance with Section 121(c) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (“WIA”), 29 U.S.C. § 2841(c) and executed between the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board (USWIB) and the One-Stop system partners.

I. Purpose of Memorandum of Understanding

The purpose of this MOU is to define the parameters within which the Upper Shore One-Stop system will provide employment & training opportunity services to job seekers, employers, employees, and other interested parties within the local Workforce Investment Area. The USWIB has received concurrence from the grant recipient, i.e. the five county elected officials, to develop and enter into this MOU. The mutual objectives of all partners to this MOU are to provide these services in the most efficient manner possible. This MOU establishes the groundwork for maintaining working relationships that facilitate joint planning and evaluation of services in the One-Stop.

II. Vision and Mission Statements

Vision: Every person in the Upper Shore maximizes his or her career potential through skill development and education for gainful employment, and all employers have the human resources they need to grow and prosper.

Mission: The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board shall provide the highest quality workforce services to the five-county Upper Shore area allowing opportunity for advancement to workers of all ages and skill levels and meeting the current and future needs of local employers.

III. One-Stop Operator/System

The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Consortium (USWIC) has been designated as the One-Stop Operator by the local elected officials in the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Area. The duties of the One-Stop Operator will include the following:

· Design the integration of systems and coordination of services for the One-Stop;

· Manage fiscal responsibility for the WIB portion of expenses supporting services at the One-Stop;

· Evaluate performance and implement required actions to meet standards;

· Evaluate customer needs;

· Evaluate satisfaction data to continually refine and improve service strategies;

· Act as liaison with the state and the One-Stop;

· Monitor adherence to the provisions of the MOU;

· Market One-Stop services to all WIA customers;

· Recruit additional partners, as needed to provide a full array of available services;

· Define and provide support to meet common operational needs;

· Facilitate the sharing and maintenance of data for the One-Stop;

· Continuously assess customer needs;

· Respond to One-Stop and community needs;

· Other duties as required by the local Workforce Investment Board.

IV. Partners

Section 121(b)(1) of the WIA (29 U.S.C. § 2841 (b)) identifies the programs that are required partners in the local One-Stop systems. The planning process for the Upper Shore One-Stop system is a collaborative effort. The partners decided that a co-located center with coordinated delivery of services, with some partners using the “no wrong door” approach would most efficiently serve the needs of our collective customers. In the centers each program retains control of its own resources and each partner pays for its costs as direct program costs. The only pooled costs are those shared jointly with other partner agencies. The partners establish how:

· Services are to be provided;

· Services are to be funded;

· Operating costs of the One-Stop are to be funded;

· Which costs will be shared, and

· How shared costs will be allocated.

The following entities and agencies have agreed to serve as partners in the Upper Shore One-Stop delivery system for Core Services, and to collectively address the workforce needs of local customers:

A. Workforce Investment Act Title I Programs: USWID of Chesapeake College

1. Adults

2. Dislocated Workers

3. Youth

4. Trade Act

B. Wagner-Peyser Programs

C. Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs

D. Veterans

E. Native American Programs: Three Rivers Council

F. Adult Education and Family Literacy

1. Chesapeake College's Consolidated Adult Education and Family Literacy Services

(Serving Caroline, Dorchester, Kent and Talbot Counties)

2. Queen Anne’s County Adult Education: Board of Ed

G. Rehabilitation Act: DORS

H. Senior Community Service Employment Activities: Md Dept of Aging

I. Carl D. Perkins Act, Post Secondary Voc Ed: Chesapeake College

J. Community Services Block Grant: no E & T programs on the Upper Shore

I. Housing and Urban Development: no E & T programs on the Upper Shore

K. Unemployment Compensation: Eastern Shore Division

L. Job Corps: Career Technology Services (CTS)

M. Departments of Social Services: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s & Talbot Counties;

N. Shared Opportunity Service, Kent Family Center., Kent Family Center

Note: The partners are participants in a collaborative effort. There is no legal partnership as defined in section 9A-101 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.

V. Partner Services

The Upper Shore One-Stop delivery system offers customers a wide variety of career development and workforce resource opportunities through its partner agencies. Each partner’s primary program provisions are listed below.

Workforce Investment Act The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Division (USWID) of Chesapeake College is a full One-Stop partner, as well as a member of the USWIC, and will assist as a primary provider of core, intensive and training services.

Core Services

· Determination of individual eligibility for services;

· Outreach, intake (including worker profiling) and orientation to the information and other services available through the one-stop delivery system;

· Initial assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service needs;

· Job search and placement assistance, and career counseling where appropriate;

· Provision of employment statistics information and labor market information such as job vacancy listings, skills necessary to obtain jobs, local in-demand occupations, earnings, and skill requirements;

· Provision of performance information and program cost information on eligible providers of training services;

· Provision of information regarding local area performance on the local performance measures;

· Provision of accurate information relating to the availability of supportive services available in the region;

· Provision of information regarding filing claims for Unemployment Compensation;

· Follow-up services, including counseling regarding the workplace, for WIA participants who are placed in unsubsidized employment for not less than twelve (12) months after the first day of the employment;

· Other core services as determined by a partner agency's governing legislation;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Intensive Services

· Comprehensive and specialized assessments of skill levels;

· Development of an Individual Employment Plan to identify the employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate combination of services for the participant to achieve their employment goals;

· Ready-To-Work Program: ensures customers approved for training services have completed workshops interviews and basic computer literacy goals;

· Group counseling;

· Individual counseling and career planning;

· Case management for participants seeking training services;

· Short-term prevocational services, including development of learning skills and professional conduct, to prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment or training: the USWIB Ready-To-Work Program

· Other intensive services as determined by partner agency's governing legislation;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Training Services

· Occupational skills training including training for nontraditional employment;

· Provide input on additions and recommended revisions to the State List of Occupational Training Providers;

· Programs that combine workplace training with related instruction which may include cooperative education;

· Training programs operated by the private sector;

· Skill upgrading and retraining;

· Entrepreneurial training;

· Job readiness training: Ready To Work includes all employment readiness workshops and basic computer skills;

· Training strategy may include a work experience, try-out employment placement;

· Adult education and literacy activities provided in combination with services described above;

· Customized training conducted with a commitment by employer or group of employers to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training;

· Other training services as determined by a partner agency's governing legislation;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Trade Act

The Trade Act Program will be represented by USWID of Chesapeake College in the One-Stop center and services will be provided as needed.

· Provides training for eligible participants;

· Provides job search assistance;

· Information, forms preparation and referral services to qualify for state payments of travel allowance, income support, relocation allowance, & TRA payments to eligible participants if needed;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

The following schedule will be implemented in terms of USWID staff, days, and hours.

· Caroline County Career Center: 300 Market Street, Denton, MD 21629 (410) 819-4543

Monday 8:30 – 4 & Wednesdays 8:30 – 4 pm.

· Dorchester County Job Center: 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 901-4250

Mondays & Thursdays 9:00 – 4:00 pm.

· Kent Family Center: 601 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 (410) 778-7911

Fridays 8:30 - 4 pm.

· Queen Anne’s County Job Center: 125 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 (410) 758-8044

Tuesdays 9-12 p.m.

· Talbot Career Center: 301 Bay Street, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 822-3030

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 – 4 p.m.

Maryland Job Corps

Job Corps will be a no wrong doors partner available for outreach and recruiting counseling as well as follow-up appointments at the One-Stop center, and also provides referral services at its own facility.

· Provide intake, outreach, and orientation sessions for interested candidates;

· Provide information, assessments, and referrals to WIA services and partners;

· Provide counseling and follow-up services;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Native American Program

The Native American Program will be a no wrong doors partner available for appointments at the One-Stop center.

· Provide outreach, intake, orientation to services available;

· Provide eligibility certification for Native American Program requirements;

· Provide support for job search and occupational skills training, as funding is available;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Wagner-Peyser

The Wagner-Peyser Program is a full-time One-Stop partner, as well as a member of the USWIC, and will be the primary provider of core WIA Title I services.

· Provide employer services to include: direct referral and placement of applicants, pre-screening of applicants (upon request), networking and workforce development educational activities, recruitment/labor exchange services; provide labor market information, employment marketing resources, referral and tax credit information, and information about the federal bonding program; Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) online hiring process management services.

· Provide applicant services, including direct referral and placement with employers via Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE), local and state job banks, call-in referrals, and provision of supportive services to include career assessment and exploration services, job search workshops, referral services, and access to computer hardware and related resources, brochures and materials;

· Co-locate with partner agencies, when appropriate to enhance access to Wagner-Peyser services

· Provide other services as may be available and appropriate;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Migrant and Seasonal Farm workers

The MSFW Program will be a part-time partner available for appointments at the One-Stop center. A tentative schedule is as follows:

March – October Wednesdays half-day, Talbot Career Center, 301 Bay Street, Suite 301, Easton, MD; Thursdays & Fridays, half-day, 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613;

October – December Wednesdays, Talbot Career Center, 301 Bay Street, Suite 301, Easton, MD; Fridays, 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613;

December – March 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays, Talbot Career Center, 301 Bay Street, Suite 301, Easton, MD; 2^nd and 4^thFridays, 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613;

· Provide outreach to MSFW customers with regard to services at the One-Stop;

· Provide emergency assistance referral services;

· Provide language interpretation for MSFW customers;

· Conduct wage surveys to ensure livable wages for migrant employees

· Conduct housing inspections to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations on behalf of the migrant staff

· Network with employers to ensure seamless services delivery

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Veterans

The Veterans Program will be a full-time partner at the One-Stop center.

· Provide employment and training referral services to eligible veterans;

· Provide referrals to intensive services to meet the needs of eligible veterans;

· Provide specialized case management services to veterans with disabilities;

· Conduct job search workshops, and informational seminars regarding benefits for eligible veterans;

· Provide assistance to veterans transitioning into civilian workforce;

· Network with companies and businesses to encourage veteran employment recruitment

· Educate businesses and companies on the benefits of hiring veteran staff

· Participate with other veterans' services partners in the local community

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

The following schedule will be implemented in terms of staff, days, and hours for the Veterans' services programs.

Caroline County Career Center: 300 Market Street, Denton, MD 21629 (410) 819-4549 Mondays 8:30 – 4 pm.

Dorchester Job Center: 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 901-4250 Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays 8:30 - 4 p.m.

Kent Family Center: 601 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 (410) 778-7911 By appointment

Queen Anne’s County Job Center: 125 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 (410) 758-8044 By appointment

Talbot Career Center: 301 Bay Street, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 822-3030 Thursdays 8:30 – 4 p.m.

Adult Education and Family Literacy

Chesapeake College's Consolidated Adult Education and Family Literacy Services (Serving Caroline, Dorchester, Kent and Talbot Counties) providing services beginning September 22, 2008 for Kent, Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties using the “no-wrong doors” strategy where partners provide services at their own facilities. Project Read, GEd, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and External Diploma (EDP) classes may be available. For local service schedules, classes and contacts please visit the Adult Literacy Resource Center website: http://www.umbc.edu/alrc and click on the button at the top of the page for “Programs/Classes.” That will bring you to a page with a map which is set up to click on a county and see the listing of available programs. For additional information and other inquiries, please contact Elaine Wilson, Chesapeake College, Continuing Education Division, extension 5835.

Queen Anne’s County Board of Education conducts adult literacy classes at both the Board of Education location in Centreville, and at the Judy Center in Grasonville. Information about these programs will be listed on the website, http://www.boe.qacps.k12.md.us/adult/ADULTED.HTM or you may call (410) 827-3310 for more information.

Goals for this partner are to provide academic and basic literacy assessment;

· Provide Adult Basic Education classes;

· Provide GED classes;

· Provide English for Speakers of Other Languages classes;

· Some areas provide External Diploma Program; if not, they can provide referral information;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Division of Rehabilitation Services will provide services through One-Stop referrals at its own facilities.

· Provide intake, orientation, and assessments for disabled job-seekers;

· Promote employment of persons with disabilities;

· Provide independent living services to enhance the capacity of persons with disabilities to live unaided in the community;

· Provide comprehensive assessments and an individualized Employment Plan;

· Provide guidance and counseling, physical restoration, and training to financially eligible persons with disabilities;

· Provide follow-up services to enhance job retention;

· Provide other services as may be available and appropriate;

· Provide performance information as required by WIA;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Senior Employment Program will be a part-time partner at the One-Stop Center. Counseling and job placement of eligible participants will be provided to customers in Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Caroline Counties by the Maryland Department of Aging.

Dorchester County resources and referrals services are provided through another state vendor, MAC Incorporated http://www.macinc.org/senioraides.htm .

· Provide outreach, intake, and orientation;

· Provide employment and training programs for age-eligible, disadvantaged individuals;

· Provide opportunities for eligible participants to learn, work, and serve others;

· Provide case management and supportive services to participants in training programs;

· Refer clients to workforce investment system partners as appropriate;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Note: Senior aides are assisting with the delivery of one-stop services in Talbot & Dorchester Counties.

Carl D. Perkins Act Postsecondary Voc Ed

Services will be available off-site through Chesapeake College partner facilities in a no wrong doors approach.

· Provide career guidance and counseling services;

· Provide access to occupational and employment information;

Community Services Block Grant

There are no employment & Training services offered in the Upper Shore through this partner;

The Housing Authority

There are no employment & Training services offered in the Upper Shore through this partner;

Unemployment Insurance

The Division of Unemployment Services will be a presence in the One-Stop center through telephone and electronic access.

· Profile U.I. claimants for E.I. workshops and re-employment services;

· One-Stop Centers will be supplied with informational pamphlets outlining eligibility requirements and information on how to apply for benefits;

· Facilitate access to all Unemployment Insurance programs, including but not limited to filing a claim and writing work search waivers for claimants involved in training programs;

· Provide notification of services available to employers and claimants;

· Participate in Rapid Response mass-layoff events as needed;

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Departments of Social Services (DSS)

The five county departments of social services have been required to participate in the One-Stop Career Center Consortium by our local elected officials. In three counties, the DSS is the host agency for the Career Center.

· Information and referral services for public income grants, temporary cash assistance, food stamp programs, medical assistance, emergency shelters, etc. are a key resource for the Career Centers that allow cross-referrals for self sufficiency.

· DSS office staff supply calendars monthly with scheduled workshops and classes that are available to the constituents of the county. (Caroline County uses THE MOSAICS CONNECTION and opens this up to all customers without eligibility.)

· The Universal Referral Form is used for cross referrals between partners to ensure customers are apprised of any available resource within the One-Stop Career Center System.

Shared Opportunity Service, Kent Family Center., Kent Family Center

The Kent Family Center is host to the One-Stop Career Resources in Kent County. KFC is also host to a full array of community, childcare and family resources. They provide mentoring, workshops and classes in nutrition, cooking, financial sustainability, as well as counseling and home visits.

VI. Resource Sharing and One-Stop Costs

The partners located at the One-Stop Centers have entered into a Resource Sharing Agreement which is attached as Exhibit A. The Resource Sharing Agreement also includes Exhibits 1,2 & 3 providing a One-Stop budget based upon the costs necessary to support each center. Partners will not be responsible for the legal responsibilities of the other partners.

Federal regulations require that partners located at the Centers contribute their fair share of the operating costs of the One-Stop system, proportionate to the use of the system attributable to each program. The partners have collectively reviewed allowable methods for determining their share of the costs and have elected to allocate costs based upon the number of staff (FTE method) delivering services.

VII. One-Stop Standards

It is agreed that the One-Stop system in the Upper Shore will strive to achieve the following standard of quality service for its customers, employees and employers.

All customers will receive:

1. Prompt and courteous service from staff;

2. Service(s) designed to assist customers (both job seekers and employers) in

achieving their educational and/or employment goals; and

3. Referrals to needed partner services.

VIII. Performance Measures

The Partners agree to participate in efforts to assess the effectiveness of the One-Stop system. ETA has instituted common measures that will affect programs administered by six Federal agencies and affect the following DOL programs: Employment Service, Job Corps, WIA, Senior Community Service, Trade Adjustment Act, and Veterans Services. Upon implementation, all partner programs will provide performance information to assist in the calculation of these measures.

Adult Measures Youth Measures

Entered Employment Placement in Employment or Education

Employment Retention Attainment of a Degree or Certificate

Six month Earnings Increase Literacy and Numeracy Gains

IX. Resolution Process

In the event that an impasse should arise between the partner(s) and/or the WIB regarding terms and conditions, performance, or administration of this MOU the following procedures will be initiated:

1. The parties to this MOU shall first attempt to resolve all disputes by way of a One-Stop Partner meeting. Any party may call for a meeting of the partners to discuss and resolve disputes.

2. Should these resolution efforts fail, the Partners shall refer the dispute to the Chair of the Workforce Investment Board within 15 days of failure to resolve the dispute.

3. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Maryland State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or other governing agency authorities may provide assistance in resolving the issue. In the case of the agreement with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, the state superintendent of schools will be included in the resolution process.

X. Modification Process

Partner(s) may request, in writing, an amendment to this MOU through the WIB. The WIB may amend the One-Stop Partner MOU whenever the WIB determines it is appropriate or necessary. Any modifications to this MOU must be in writing, signed and dated under the conditions agreed upon by all the Partners, and attached to the original MOU.

XI. Duration of the MOU

This MOU is entered into on July 1, 2008. This MOU will become effective as of the date of signing by the final signatory below and shall terminate on June 30, 2009, unless terminated earlier by any of the parties to this MOU. The MOU may be terminated by any of the parties upon 30 days written notice to the other parties with cause, or upon 90 days written notice to the other parties without cause.

XII. Customer Referral Method between the One-Stop Operator and Partners

All Partner agencies are committed to a customer-friendly and expeditious referral system. One-Stop Operator will use the Maryland Workforce Exchange (“MWE”) to document referrals to partner agencies/services. In the Upper Shore, the Universal Referral Form will be used to expedite the referral process between the partners in this MOU. The MWE will maintain sufficient data to ascertain prior services received, and to document future services needed.

XIII. Applicable Law

The MOU must be construed and enforced according to the Laws of the State of Maryland. The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Division (USWID) and the Partners shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws.

XIV. Confidentiality

The parties agree to maintain confidentiality of records as required by applicable law and regulation., including but not limited to Md. Code Ann., State Gov’t Art. 10-613, Lab & Empl. Art. 8-625, COMAR 09.01.01, 09.33.01, and 42 U.S.C.503.

XV. Non-Assignment

No party may, during the term of this MOU or any renewals or extensions of this MOU, assign or subcontract all or any part of the MOU without prior written consent of the other parties.

XVI. Fair Practices Certification

The WIB and the Partners certify that they prohibit, and covenant that they will continue to prohibit, discrimination on the basis of: (a) political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital status, race, color, creed, or national origin: (b) sex or age, or except when age or sex constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification: or (c) the physical or mental disability of a qualified individual with a disability. Upon the request of the other party, WIB and the partners will submit to the other information relating to its operations with regard to political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital status, physical or mental disability, race, color, creed, sex, age or national origin.

XVII. Assurances of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity in DOL-Funded Agreements

The WIB and the Partners specifically agree that they will comply fully with the non-discrimination and equal opportunity provisions of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; the Nontraditional Employment for Women Act of 1991; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (PL 101-336); the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended; and with all applicable requirements imposed by or pursuant to regulations implementing those laws including but not limited to 29 C.F.R. Part 37.

XVIII. Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace

The USWID and the Partners will comply with the State of Maryland’s policy concerning drug and alcohol free workplaces, as set forth in COMAR 01.01.1989.18 and 21.11.08 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and its implementing regulations codified at 29 CFR 98, Subpart F.I. The USWID and the Partners must remain in compliance with these policies throughout the term of this Agreement.

XIX. Certification Regarding Lobbying

The WIB and the Partners shall comply with the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352) and 29 CFR Part 93.

XX. Debarment and Suspension

The WIB and the Partners shall comply with the debarment and suspension requirements (E.0.12549 and 12689) and 20 CFR Part 98.

XXI. Signatures

In Witness Thereof, the undersigned have executed this Memorandum of Understanding on or before the date set forth herein.

Witness:
Upper Shore WID of Chesapeake College
By:______________________________
Title______________________________
Date _____________________________

Witness:
Division of Workforce Development: DLLR:
By:______________________________

Title______________________________