From the VDOE: Career Services
The extensive network of service providers that comprise the workforce development system in Virginia offers a wealth of information, referrals, and services to our adult education students as part of what is referred to in WIOA as “career services.”
The WIOA Combined State Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia 2020-2023 represents a collaboration between 24 workforce programs across eight state agencies. Many additional local community service providers are partners in the Career Works Centers network. The services these partners offer can support students’ persistence, help them overcome barriers to employment and participation, and ensure that their education and training leads to an in-demand career pathway.
All students are eligible to receive career services through their adult education program. The VDOE Adult Education Director’s Memo #018-19 describes the categories of services. Some categories are familiar and are regularly provided, such as intake, orientation, and initial assessment. Other services may require coordination with or guest presentations from other providers and partners. Rely on your partners to share information on child care and/or child support, medical or child health assistance available through the state’s Medicaid program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Earned Income Tax Credit assistance, assistance under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program, and other supportive services such as transportation and food assistance.
The September 2020 issue of PROGRESS shares some of the supportive services that our partners can provide to our students and their families to assist them in achieving their goals. Reach out to your partners to schedule time for them to help students understand the services for which they may be eligible.
Using the Common Access Portal is one way for students to learn about and request these services, especially while in-person classes are postponed. Help students create an account in the Portal so that service providers can contact them. Learn more about the Portal in the June issue of PROGRESS.