“New Hampshire works best when New Hampshire works together” Margaret Hassan, Governor

Purpose of the RTW Initiative Return to Work will help job seekers to acquire new or additional skills by matching eligible employers and eligible job seekers in a training opportunity at no cost to the employer for up to 6 weeks, 24 hours per week Eligible claimants will continue to collect their unemployment benefits, including those eligible for partial benefits It’s a Win-Win for both the employer and job seeker

Participant Requirements Participants must attend a RTW Orientation A person is eligible to enter into a RTW agreement if they are eligible for UI benefits or unemployed, or underemployed working part time, and 18 years or older Participants must train with a NH employer Participants must be registered in the NHES Job Match System with a current resume and active Virtual Recruiter Participant cannot currently be working part time for the employer offering the training

Cumulative Statistics Total Agreements959 Approved Claimants629 Approved Non-claimants162 Claimant Hires327 Non-claimant Hires113 Agreement not finalized, though produced a hire142 Total # of employers who generated agreement357 Produced more than one agreement105 Orientation Attendance to date 16,413 Employers interested to date 5,149 Information as of 4/22/2015

Employer requirements A legitimate full-time position must be available to participate in the RTW program The trainee must have adequate supervision at all times Any changes to the training agreement must be authorized by NHES in advance Training plans shall only be authorized for employers who are providing direct training

Employer requirements Employers must agree NOT to pay any wages or payment in kind for training Employers cannot hire the trainee for the additional 16 hours to work for them during the RTW agreement period The employer must agree that this training opportunity will not displace any current worker or have a negative impact on the promotion due an existing employee

How to Find a RTW opportunity RTW opportunities are available in the NH Job Match System for registered employers who are RTW friendly. They are identified as “job shadowing” opportunities. RTW may be promoted to any employer. A job seeker, may also promote this program to an employer.

Incentives to Hire after Training The Federal Bonding Program can help to provide fidelity bonding insurance coverage to at-risk individuals. Trainees may also qualify for the WOTC when hired.

Partnering on RTW and OJT Sharing of leads…joint visits when possible Always inform employers of RTW and OJT programs at initial meeting ESR lets JPS know when RTWs begin ESR monitors status of RTW training and “fit”, and communicates any feedback with a JPS RTW does not have to last the full 6 weeks…often employers can gauge trainee fit in days or a few weeks For any new WIA participants, intake and assessment could take up to 2 weeks, so timing and communication are critical to smooth the transition from RTW to OJT

Contact Information Pamela Szacik Director, Employment Service Bureau New Hampshire Employment Security (603)