State Employment Agencies Element 20 Page 147

American Job Centers (AJCs)

Typical services Employer outreach / job development Local, state & national job banks and boards Resume and cover letter assistance Mock interviews and advice Labor Market Information Assessments/Skills Validation (Work Keys) Computers with internet access

Typical services Workshops Hiring fairs OJT programs (Earn and Learn) Info about credentialing and apprenticeships Work Study Opportunities Plus WIOA partner programs (Element 12)

Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) Conducts employer outreach / job development on behalf of all veterans Assists employers with veteran-related hiring dynamics (including tax credits and federal contractor issues) (Non-Veteran) Business services staff also serve job-seeking veterans

Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) Assist veterans with significant barriers to employment (p. 140) Disabled Long-term unemployed (27 weeks) Low-income Homeless Ex-offenders

Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPS) Also, assist special populations of veterans 18-24 year-olds (and Vietnam Era Vets) Transitioning service members who have been identified as in need of intensive services/individualized career services Wounded, ill, or injured service members receiving treatment in Military Treatment Facilities or Warrior Transition Units The spouses or other family caregivers of such wounded, ill, or injured members.

Tips for taking full advantage of AJC services Be an exemplary client (“Audition” for AJC staff) Prompt & reliable attendance at appointments, workshops, job fairs, etc. Project a professional presence at all times (Business casual dress, language, body language) Educate staff about your skills, translating your military experience for non-veteran staff

Ensure the Intake Staff know you’re a veteran (especially female veterans!)

Questions?

Priority of Service at American Job Centers Pg. 131 Element 16 Page 140

What does it mean? Most veterans, and eligible spouses, are given priority (“earlier than” or “instead of”) over non- veterans to most of the employment, training, and placement services* offered at the AJC *directly funded, in whole or in part, by the U.S. Department of Labor

Who gets Priority of Service Veterans Active military service and discharged under “other than dishonorable” conditions

Eligible Spouses Is married to: A veteran with a total service-connected disability, per VA evaluation A Service member who is missing in action, captured or forcibly detained Is a widow of a veteran who: Died of a service-connected disability Died while a total service-connected disability, per VA evaluation, was in existence

Tips Make sure you let AJC staff, including whoever handles the Intake process, know that you are a veteran (or eligible spouse) Online registration forms will include a place to indicate you are a veteran Keep your DD 214 handy; the AJC may require it when placing you at the head of the line for programs that involve the expenditure of training funds Pg. 131

Questions?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Element 32 Page 167 WIOA The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Element 32 Page 167

Key elements It’s the law that governs and funds the AJC system Places greater emphasis on co-locating partner agencies Takes the “one stop” notion to a new level (including Adult and Dislocated Worker programs, important for separating military members and relocating spouses)

Key elements Increased involvement with local employers More relevant / better matched training programs for job seekers (‘demand occupations”) Greater understanding by AJC staff of skills employers need

Key elements Broader eligibility among job seekers for both basic and individualized career services Emphasis on outcomes (job placements, retention, etc.)

Resources https://www.doleta.gov/wioa/ https://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/WIOA_V eterans_FactSheet_for_Veterans_and_Spouses.p df https://www.dol.gov/vets/militaryspouses/Military SpouseDeskReference.pdf

Resources

Questions?

State Job Boards Element 21 Page 149

The Details The most efficient way to find posted vacancies Especially suitable when targeting public sector, health care, and large employers Most sites allow you to apply for the job online Competition can be stiff; best if you meet or exceed all listed requirements (keywords are key!)

More details Be prepared to: Create accounts when applying (Tip: create a new email address and password for all applications) Upload - or copy and paste the contents of - your resume Possibly answer a lot of questions and complete skill, personality or honesty assessments

Getting started Navigate to your state’s AJC website….

Getting started … and locate the “Find a job” link Familiarize yourself with the search options Consider using O*Net occupation titles Look for a Veteran or Military link Scan for other useful links on the page

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcO8yYcSz6s&feature=yout u.be

Questions?