1. Georgia Frontline Decision Support System Pilot
Presentation at the conference for:
Assessing the Midwest Workforce: Strategies for Developing the Region’s Human Capital
November 21, 2002
Kelly DeRango, Research Fellow
W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research

2. Goal of One-Stop Centers
Integrate and coordinate employment services to create a comprehensive and cohesive delivery system
Tantamount to achieving this goal is to bring together information to help customers and staff make better decisions regarding job prospects and service referrals

3. Challenges How to get this information to users
How to present this information in a way so that it is used by customers and staff and so that it is beneficial in making decisions
How to keep information up to date
How to integrate the information from LMI and various one-stop employment programs so that it is accessible when needed

4. Frontline Decision Support System
Two components:
Tools to help workers find work
A targeting system to provide more effective One-Stop Center services for those who have difficulty finding employment

5. Targeting
With limited WIA funds, not all workers receive intensive and training services
Now, funds are allocated using informal “targeting” methods
First-come, first-served basis
Give preference to certain groups
Is there a better way to target WIA resources?

6. Using Data to Help Workers
Learning lessons from past successes
How can we assemble data from workforce development programs serving workers in the past to better serve them in the future—proactive?
How can services be targeted to workers who “look” like workers who benefited from these services in the recent past?

7. Research and Front-line Operations
These challenges require new and innovative tools to help staff be more effective in the identification of needs and delivery of services
Research offers insights into ways to develop tools that can assist front-line staff and customers in making more informed decisions regarding:
Employment prospects
Skill requirements
Appropriate services
Eligibility for services

8. Frontline Decision Support System
A set of tools that uses existing administrative data to help staff and customers make better decisions about job prospects and about appropriate services that meet the customer’s needs in finding employment
Uses statistical methods to relate customer characteristics, local labor market information, past work history, and service participation to employment outcomes

9. Georgia FDSS
Frontline Decision Support System is a joint effort of the USDOL/ETA, the Georgia Department of Labor, and the Upjohn Institute
Developed and implemented a system that customizes information that targets the needs of individual customers
It brings appropriate LMI and administrative data to bear on particular transactions at One-Stop Centers
Job search process
Service referral process

10. FDSS Tools Systematic Job Search Module Service Referral Module
Chance of returning to same industry
Estimate likely reemployment earnings
Scan job prospects
Explore “What if” scenarios
Identify related occupations
Provide targeted information about specific jobs
Service Referral Module
Rank services by effectiveness w.r.t. employment
Indicate typical use

11. FDSS Tools
Tools are customized to reflect an individual’s needs and propensities
Based on the experience of people who have similar characteristics and similar histories of program participation and work
Tools relate outcomes to personal characteristics and other factors

12. Data Sources UI wage records Employment/earnings history
Program records:
ES, UI, JTPA/WIA
WtW
Worker/client characteristics
Program participation
Employment history
Labor Market
Information
Local unemployment rates
Occupation/industry
projections
Related/transferable
occupations
Massive layoffs

13. Individual Customer Time Lines
Program participation
(services)
Work History
Registration
Work Outcomes
Labor market
Conditions
Industry of prior job
Industry of post job
Personal
Characteristics
Occupation

14. Available Data

15. Customized Modules are estimated for different types of job seekers
UI claimants: by risk of exhausting benefits
ES registrant not eligible for UI
Veteran
Job seekers referred to special assistance unit, because of barriers to employment
Youth

16. Customized And different regions Atlanta Coastal Northern
Balance of Georgia

23. Conclusion:
FDSS is a joint effort of USDOL/ETA, Georgia Department of Labor and the Upjohn Institute
Uses customized information from job history (UI), administrative data and intake, and targets the needs of individual customers
FDSS contains a
Systematic Job Search Module
Service Referral Module
Currently in Pilot Phase in Georgia

24. Georgia Frontline Decision Support System Pilot
Presentation at the conference for:
Assessing the Midwest Workforce: Strategies for Developing the Region’s Human Capital
November 21, 2002
Kelly DeRango, Research Fellow
W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research