Benchmarks of Success Issue 12, July/August 2019

Maryland Department of Labor sent this bulletin at 08/01/2019 01:28 PM EDT

Monthly Newsletter - Issue 12, July/August 2019

Marking the ADA Anniversary

Maryland Promise Improves Employment Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 29^th anniversary was celebrated last week. And while much progress and access has been achieved for people with disabilities, there is still much work to be done. The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) is wrapping up a five-year federal grant to improve the employment outcomes for transitioning age youth with disabilities called Maryland PROMISE and sharing the lessons learned from the study.

The primary goal of Maryland PROMISE was to assist youth to achieve better post-school outcomes, including graduating from high school readiness for college and a career, completing post-secondary education and job training, and obtaining competitive employment in an integrated setting. The underlying premise of Maryland PROMISE was that improved coordination between services can improve outcomes for youth on supplemental security income (SSI) and their families. Maryland PROMISE’s goals included improving the life outcomes of youth on SSI and decreasing their reliance on the program, as well as reducing the federal government’s cost.

Maryland PROMISE was a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Within the State of Maryland, Maryland PROMISE was a partnership between the Maryland Department of Disabilities, TransCen, Inc., and Way Station, Inc.

For more information on youth engagement, readiness, and other employment topics, visit the website at www.mdtransitions.org. “Lessons Learned Briefs” and archived webinars from the Maryland PROMISE team and state partners highlighting many aspects of the results from Maryland PROMISE are on the MD Transitions website as well.

Quick Resources

Benchmarks of Success Resource Page

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Resource Page

Maryland’s State Combined Workforce Plan

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2019 Newsletter Issue Dates

9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/1

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Benchmarks of Success New Collateral

Download and share the new Benchmarks of Success two-sided flyer!

Job Seeker and Business Engagement: Targeted Population Success

Janice, Human Resources Generalist with a Frederick-based manufacturer, is a long-term business client of Frederick County Workforce Services. The company had difficulty filling many positions at their Frederick production facility, especially with mechanic positions.

With the help of the local Business Services team, the business held six recruitment events at the Frederick County American Job Center, which yielded better outcomes than job fairs and advertising efforts. The Business Services team also helped connect the employer with grant funds for on-the-job training for new employees. Through regular engagement with the business, the team was seen as their "go to" for matters related to workforce. In addition, the company was open to considering hiring returning citizens to expand their talent pool. That relationship led to the business hiring an unemployed returning citizen who praised the efforts of the job center staff and the employment opportunity he has been afforded by the company. At a local Workforce Development Board meeting he shared his heart-felt appreciation to the entire staff for "treating me like a human being." He was grateful for the services and the business for giving him a second chance and for changing his life for the better.

Workforce Partners

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Maryland Department of Human Services

Maryland State Department of Education Governor's Workforce Development Board

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Maryland Workforce Association

Did You Know...?

Maryland's Latest Workforce Development Updates

Through inter-agency collaboration, the Hogan administration continues its innovative approach to offering services by providing both employers and employees with the opportunity to improve their performance and thrive in Maryland.

Effective July 1, 2019, the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation became the Maryland Department of Labor (Labor). Although the name has changed, Labor services and strong commitment to providing excellent customer service are the same.
Governor Hogan Appoints Labor Secretary - As of July 31, 2019, Tiffany P. Robinson is Maryland's new Secretary of Labor. Read more...
Happy 29th Anniversary, American Disabilities Act! July marks 29 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)--landmark legislation that works to open doors for people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, including employment. Every day, the ADA helps make a more inclusive American workforce, one where people with disabilities have more opportunities to demonstrate that at work, it's what people can do that matters. Read more...
The Maryland Department of Labor announced a $2,854,797 award from the United States Department of Labor's (USDOL) State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant. This grant is the third in series of expansion grants awarded to the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) and will be used to further invest in the state's registered apprenticeship sponsors, employers, and apprentices. Read more...
Maryland Announces Third Round Funding Opportunity for Strategic Investments in Career Pathways - An additional $500,000 in federal funds is available to local workforce entities. Over all three funding rounds, a total of $1.5 million has been available. This third round of career pathway grants is open to Maryland's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Local Workforce Development Boards (Title I providers) and Adult Education organizations (Title II providers). These targeted funds will support areas in developing career pathways that will increase adult learners’ access to training and/or career opportunities and will expand the talent pipeline for the business community. Read more...
Labor's Division of Unemployment Insurance Modernization Project - The Reemployment BEACON UI Modernization Project is ongoing. The new system will allow Labor to deliver high quality Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Tax, and Appeals services and provide self-services to Maryland’s workers and employers. The system is planned to be implemented in the Winter 2019/2020 time frame. Currently, system development is being finalized and testing is being conducted. The Reemployment BEACON will meet the goals of the Division by improving the business climate, drive employment, provide excellent customer service for employers and claimants, and engage staff to new levels all while moving forward.
Benchmarks of Success Defined - Download and share the new Benchmarks of Success two-sided flyer!

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Benchmarks of Success Newsletters

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Benchmarks of Success Committee Updates

Five Benchmarks of Success committees are hard at work...
- Executive Steering - provides strategic leadership for the rollout and implementation of the Benchmarks initiative - meets quarterly
- WIOA Alignment - oversees and coordinates the activities of the Benchmarks committees - meets monthly
- Data and Dashboard - creates a sustainable system supporting local areas in utilizing the Benchmarks to continuously improve the quality of their service delivery - continues to develop the scorecard and is developing notable data to share
- Communications - promotes the Benchmarks statewide and educates local workforce areas on the value, implementation, and outcomes of the initiative - has developed the two-sided informational flyer and is working on drafts of a poster and rack card to be distributed to partners
- Policy - identifies opportunities which support the Benchmarks implementation via policy changes - discussed the TANF "benefits cliff" and brainstormed solutions regarding financial education
...providing strategic planning and organizational infrastructure to ensure successful implementation of the Benchmarks leadership tool.

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Benchmarks of Success Video Series

July 2018

Introductory Video

Featured Guests: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Kelly M. Schulz; Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D.; Department of Human Services Secretary Lourdes R. Padilla; and Governor's Workforce Development Board Executive Director Michael R. DiGiacomo.

August 2018

Targeted Audience: Management/Frontline Staff/Partners - Parts One, Two and Three

Featured Guest: Secretary Lourdes R. Padilla, Maryland Department of Human Services

September 2018

Targeted Audience: CEOs/Boards/Privates/Non-Profits - Parts One and Two

Featured Guest: Board Chair Louis M. Dubin, Governor's Workforce Development Board

October 2018

Targeted Audience: Jobseekers/General Public

Featured Guest: State Superintendent Karen B. Salmon, Maryland State Department of Education

November 2018

Targeted Audience: Employers

Featured Guest: Secretary Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

December 2018

Targeted Audience: Elected Officials - Federal, State and Local - Parts One, Two and Three