Services Provided to MSFWs Through the One-Stop Delivery System

Core, intensive, and training services, as required by WIA Title I, will be provided to MSFWs through One-Stop Career Centers. Local WorkForce Investment Boards have WIA case managers located in the One-Stop. They coordinate with local office WorkForce staff to provide services to MSFWs.

WorkForce West Virginia assists all Workforce Investment Boards in operating an outreach and employment program for MSFWs.

One-Stop Career Centers utilize other agency staff and volunteer workers to inform farmworkers of the services available to them and their family members. The outreach network is further supported by the State Monitor Advocate, who conducts on-site Quality Assurance visits of West Virginia’s One-Stop Career Centers to ensure that an equitable level of services is provided to the farm worker community. The Martinsburg One-Stop Career Center is a significant Field Office for serving MSFWs. This

designation is by choice, since West Virginia does not meet the requirement by law. As such, office staff will maintain a vigorous outreach effort and provide appropriate documentation on services. Office staff will also provide the full range of Employment Services as required by regulation.

Outreach services may include:

• Distribution of written brochures explaining community services • Labor camp visits

• Taking MSFW applications

• Coordination with other MSFW agencies • Explaining the complaint system; and • Bilingual translations.

A MSFW Outreach Specialist is out-stationed in the Martinsburg One-Stop Career Center. The MSFW Outreach Specialist in this office will provide technical assistance to other One-Stop Career Center staff that may encounter MSFWs and require information about MSFW activities.

At the significant office location, WorkForce West Virginia will provide bilingual staff for MSFWs by utilizing available bilingual staff of One-Stop partners. The staff person accepts responsibility for offering all information and services in the language understood by the worker.

Aside from utilizing potential monolingual staff, a software package is available to aid in communicating with the non-English speaking population in all WorkForce West Virginia sites. Pertinent information is posted and is available in English and Spanish in the Career Centers. Services to MSFWs include, but are not limited to:

• Assessment

• Vocational counseling

49 • Job development

• Job training • Job placement

• Supportive service referrals; and • Complaint resolution.

All West Virginia One-Stop Career Centers are supplied with information regarding job openings. The increased use of technology makes this sharing of information and opportunities available to more workers. Opportunities for MSFWs to advance their technological skills are offered in partnership with local WIBs and participating partners.

Some examples of available information and training include:

• Computer Skills - Workers may qualify for Microsoft Office and basic computer skill classes offered locally, in the evening hours.

• Computers and Support - Once basic skills are mastered, the Career Center Resource Center, as well as several local public libraries, provides computers and support.

WorkForce West Virginia will continue to develop and maintain strong relationships with the Division of Rehabilitation Services; Regional Workforce Investment Boards; the Department of Health and Human Resources; Shenandoah Community Health Center; Telamon; Mountain Heart; local health departments as well as any additional resources that will benefit this special population. All of the aforementioned services are provided in accordance with the current WIA and Wagner-Peyser Plan.

The Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers Program provides services through the One-Stop Career Center’s Labor Exchange System. Services are provided to the agricultural community, agricultural employers, Limited English Proficient individuals and MSFWs. The program’s mission is to assist MSFWs and their families in making career and labor market decisions that will help them achieve economic self-

sufficiency and improved living and working conditions.

The MSFW Outreach Specialist has an extensive background in working with farmers and farmworkers in the Eastern Panhandle. The specialist is available to assist any and all MSFWs statewide via

WorkForce West Virginia's toll-free telephone number. This will ensure that agency staff is aware of MSFWs and that they are sensitive to socio-economic and cultural issues in the agricultural communities throughout West Virginia.

The MSFW program offers the following: • Covers MSFW benefits and protections;

• Provides vocational counseling, testing, job development and job referral services; • Is personalized to meet the needs of families and individuals;

• Is accessible, accountable and comprehensive;

• Is culturally and linguistically appropriate and respectful;

• Is coordinated across systems to allow smooth transition between programs in the One-Stops; • Is evaluated for outcomes;

• Emphasizes prevention and early intervention; and

50 WorkForce West Virginia’s bank of computerized career information is available via the Internet through a Broadband grant from The United States Department of Commerce. To assist job seekers and employers, the site:

• Provides access to State job bank resources, institutions and organizations that provide training, development and distribution of State and local workforce information; and

• Allows job seekers, employers, job training providers and planners, and economic developers to obtain information about job opportunities, regional job vacancies, labor supply, labor market or workforce trends, and the market climate in particular industries.