The document outlines the resources and services provided by Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast through its 29 career offices across 13 counties, aimed at assisting job seekers, particularly those with disabilities. It details the three tiers of services available—basic, expanded, and training—along with various funding streams and community partnerships to enhance job opportunities and support for individuals. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration with career offices to better meet consumer needs and improve job placement outcomes.

1. Workforce Solutions Career Offices: How Can They Be a Resource to the People I Work With?

2. Workforce Solutions- Gulf Coast 29 Career Offices 13 Counties

3. Required Career Office Partners WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker, & Youth Activities Employment Service Adult Education Post-secondary Vocational Education Vocational Rehabilitation Title V of Older Americans Act Trade Adjustment Assistance NAFTA Transitional Adjustment Assistance Veterans Employment & Training Programs Community Services Block Grant HUD Administered Employment & Training Programs Unemployment Insurance Additional non-mandated partners are permitted

4. 3 TIERS OF SERVICES Basic: Services available to everyone at no charge Expanded: For individuals who are unable to successfully obtain employment through core services More customized to needs of individuals Must meet eligibility criteria Wide variety of funding streams Training : For individuals who are unable to successfully obtain employment through basic & expanded services Must meet eligibility criteria Typically funded by WIA Adult & Dislocated Worker Funds

5. Disability Community: Benefits from Using Career Office Job leads Enhanced labor market knowledge Stronger employer relationships Access to training programs Access to VR and other partners Access to computers, technology, internet Computerized assessments, data bases, etc. Job seeking and other workshops Assistance with transition Exposure to integrated settings Expansion of resources

6. Accommodations Accessible Workstation Reader Software (JAWS) Magnifying Software (ZoomText, Magnifier) Large Print Keyboard Trackball Mouse Sign Language Interpreters upon request (at least 48 hrs in advance)

7. Disability Organizations Examples of Career Office Relationships Basic level : use of basic services by job developer and job seeker Accessing training and other services to meet a consumer need Co-teaching of workshops Use of Career Officespace for individual and group activities Consultation on disability issues Collaborative service delivery Possibly under Ticket-to-Work

8. Disability Organizations More Examples of Career Office Relationships Agency desk within a Career Office Coordinated job development with other organizations Serving on Career Office disability advisory groups Using Career Office to meet agency employment needs Special projects Career Office partner

9. Type of Agency – Career Office Relationships Informal to formal Ranges from “community goodwill”, in-kind, to requiring payment (e.g., for use of desk) Need for formal agreements will vary depending on local requirements Parameters may be contained in state and local plans & MOU’s Check with Center Manager & WDB Remember : everyone is entitled to basic services at no charge

10. Why Do You Want to Work with a Career Office? What benefits will working with a Career Office bring? What do you want? Services? Resources? Money? Job leads? Referrals? What do you bring to the table?

11. The Bottom Line of Partnership: Customer Service How can working with a Career Office help you better meet your consumer needs? Will working with a Career Office allow you to serve your existing customers better? Will working with a Career Office allow you to serve more customers?

12. In working with Career Offices remember… System is designed to work with high volume of customers In 2009, Workforce Solutions served almost 29% of the 125,000 businesses in the region and more than 444,125 individuals in its career offices. The total number of persons Workforce Solutions helped get a job or get a better job was 296,000 Many services (particularly basic) are fairly self-directed Understand what Career Offices are…and are not

13. Getting Started Visit your local Career Office Start using services on an informal basis Learn about your local system Set up meetings with decision-makers Look for opportunities to collaborate

14. www.workintexas.com As part of the statewide Texas Workforce Solutions network, we partner with the Texas Workforce Commission and other workforce boards in the largest job-matching database in the state-- WorkInTexas.com .

15. Who should I contact? Career Office Manager, Staff Claudia Magallan, Disability Navigator claudia.magallan@wrksolutions.com, (713) 692-7755, ext. 1384 Visit our website www.wrksolutions.com About Us Contact and Feedback Link Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/ program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. (Please request reasonable accommodations 48 hours in advance.) Texas Relay Number: 711

16. “ I am a firm believer that relationships count more than institutions. It’s because you know someone that you start to care about their issues.” Lenny Zakim

17. Questions? Comments? Remarks?