Ohio’s One-Stop Strategy
Every Workforce Investment Area in Ohio has a comprehensive One-Stop system that meets the minimum criteria set forth by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio is committed to the implementation of one-stop service delivery for employment and training programs. Funding was received from the U. S. Department of Labor to help pay for the one-time implementation costs associated with the transition to One-Stop service delivery. The Hocking County Job Services Center serves as a flagship and model of exactly how a One-Stop should function within its community.
One of the challenges that one-stop career centers face is acquiring, installing, and operating the requisite state-of-the-art equipment needed to support their activities. The Hocking County Job Services Center has been created with extensive support of local community service agencies, businesses, and the Hocking County Commissioners. The Hocking County Job Services center has joined with Athens, Meigs, Perry and Vinton Counties to create a five county workforce delivery system known as 1-Stop Jobs Workforce Development System.
Ohio’s One-Stop service delivery system has simplified and expanded access to services for Ohio citizens and businesses in a seamless delivery of services. Ohio offers universal access, customer choice, streamlined services, local flexibility, and increased accountability. Ohio’s One-Stop services delivery system is a valued, visible, and well-utilized resource in each community.
All Ohio Citizens will be aware of and use their local One-Stop system for a variety of purposes, no matter what their interest or need. The system is relevant and used by everyone including parents and their children looking at occupational trends, employed people wanting to gain additional skills, retirees interested in part-time employment, students writing their first resume, and many more.
Local systems are encouraged to incorporate as many local partners as possible within their communities. In addition, a minimum set of core services must be universally available to all customers in each One-Stop site:
· customer oriented information on careers, labor markets, job and the availability of quality training and education;
· testing and assessment;
· job openings, hiring requirements and referrals;
· job search assistance; and
· initial eligibility information on programs available in the community.
Employers will utilize the One-Stop system for purposes including on-site workshops, employee recruitment and screening, cross-industry strategic planning on future labor force needs, and a host of other services. Employer services will be based on local needs of businesses and the economic and workforce development needs of the community. Up-to-date and user-friendly resources will be available depending on the customers needs.
Governance of the One-Stop systems at the state level is through the Governor’s Workforce Policy Board. The local governance structure to oversee the 1-Stop Jobs Workforce Development System is provided by a board comprised of business professionals and all mandatory program partners.
