September 2024

Updates

We are excited to announce that the ACP Provider Map is now posted to the ACP webpage! You are able to search for services and ACP training programs across the state by provider, types of training, certifications and credentials offered, location and/or tribal service area. The ACP Provider Map will display a list of providers and the provider’s contact information. Just click on the training provider name and you will be redirected to their website.

The Office of Adult Career Pathways is soliciting applications for:

• Funding Capacity Building to eligible Minnesota community-based organizations to increase their capacity to provide workforce services and related training to historically underserved communities of color or low-income communities. Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until all funds have been awarded.
• Funding Diversity and Inclusion training to eligible Minnesota small businesses to increase their ability to engage, hire, and retain people of color in a variety of roles.

We encourage Grantees and any interested organization to visit the DEED Competitive Grants and Contracts webpage and review all outgoing grants.

Quarterly Reports – Due Dates

Quarterly reports are due the 30^th of the month following the end of the quarter. See below for the report due dates:

• October 30
• January 30
• April 30
• July 30

Program-specific report templates are available on the webpage under Adult Career Pathways Programs. If you need assistance, please connect with your Grant Coordinator. If needed, we have also posted Quarterly Report Instructions.

Adult Career Pathways Guides

The ACP Workforce One User Guide, ACP Operations Guide, and Cost Category Guidance have been updated and posted to the ACP home page.  Changes are noted below:

• ACP Operations Guide
  • Added the Entered Registered Apprenticeship Exit reason and definition to the Exit Reason Definitions table (page 21)
  • Included additional guidance to the Co-Enrollment section (page 14)
• ACP Workforce One User Guide
  • Added the Entered Registered Apprenticeship the Exit Reason Explanations Chart (page 61)

Grantee Spotlight

In 2019, Minnesota Training Partnership (MTP) was incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit organization by the leadership of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. MTP’s mission is to advance equity by strengthening the pipeline of underserved populations into stable job opportunities and upgrading incumbent worker skills. MTP helps workers, unions, and employers collaborate, and is uniquely positioned as the only union workforce development intermediary agency in the state.  

MTP provides a wide range of training programs that help people advance in their careers or start new ones. They deliver a very individualized set of services for all participants, from helping them to determine their career interests to offering support services that will help them reach their occupational goals in manufacturing or construction.

One of the training options MTP offers is Union Jobs for Women. This program provides short-term, flexible online training; connections to employers and apprenticeships; and resources participants need to be successful. Participants who enter this program come from a wide range of backgrounds, including career changers ages 50+, women involved in the justice system, and young women from communities of color who want to explore careers in manufacturing and construction. Some participants are seeking to get to work quickly, and some are looking for help to enter and be successful in long-term Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the trades.

All of MTP’s programs include both one-to-one assistance and group opportunities for support. MTP partners with workers, unions, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Minnesota and across the nation to promote successful outcomes for training participants, workers, and their families.

Please contact your Adult Career Pathways Grant Coordinator directly with any questions regarding Adult Career Pathways Programs.

Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury Illness Network (RETAIN)

• MN RETAIN is open for enrollment! Do you know someone that has an injury or illness that affects their work? Visit mnretain.com to see if MN RETAIN could help.
• Eligible individuals can receive 1:1 support from a Mayo Clinic Return-to-Work Case Manager.

Formula Funds – WIOA Adult, WIOA DW and State DW

• Monthly Financial Status Report (FSR)/Reimbursement Payment Request (PRP):
  • FSRs/RPRs are due 20 days after month end. For example, the July FSR/RPR is due August 20.
  • Report on accrued monthly expenditures.
  • A monthly FSR/RPR is required even if no funders were expended.
• Quarterly Progress Report (QPR)
  • Reports are due 30 days after the end of the quarter. Quarter ending June 2023 was due on July 30. Reports must be completed for all active grants.

Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board (MJSP)

• Next Board meeting will be held on October 28, 2024.
• Supplemental Funding Requests are due 30 days before the meeting.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) 

Check out the updated SCSEP web page for information and resources. We’ll continue to update the page as needed.

• Reminders:
  • Quarter Progress Narrative Reports (QPNRs):
    QPNRs are to be submitted by the 30th date of the month following the end of the quarter. Quarter four QPNR were due on July 30^th for quarter ending June 30th. If you have any outstanding report/s, please ensure that you submit as soon as possible. Submission of reports contributes to overall provider performance.
  • Requests for Reimbursements (RPRs) or Financial Status Reports (FSRs): Providers are reminded that Requests for Reimbursements (RPRs) or Financial Status Reports (FSRs) are due every 20th date following the month of expenditure. To ensure timely processing and avoid payment delays, it is essential for providers to submit RPRs/FSRs promptly, even if they do not have any expense claims for that period.

Questions from the field

Read Questions & Answers about I-9 requirements for DWFAP and if the use of QR codes to provide the details required from the law is allowable. 

Please email all requests, reports, and technical assistance questions to the Dislocated Worker Federal Adult Programs general email at dwfaprograms.deed@state.mn.us.

Performance Updates for Dislocated Worker and WIOA Adult

PY2023 Quarter Four Participant Individual Layout Reports (PIRLs):

• Trade Adjustment Assistance – Submitted to the Department of Labor (DOL).
• WIOA Dislocated Worker – Submitted to the DOL.
• WIOA Adult – Submitted to the DOL.
• WIOA National Dislocated Worker Grants (NDWG) – Submitted to the DOL.

PY2023 Quarter Four Scorecards:

In development and anticipated for release during the week of August 26, 2024.

• WIOA Dislocated Worker, WIOA Adult, and NDWG for DEED Headquarters’ (HQ) staff, Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB) members, the WIOA Annual Report to the DOL).
• State Dislocated Worker for DEED HQ staff, MAWB members, Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Board members and the State Legislative Report).
• Total Dislocated Worker for MAWB members and Rapid Response events.

Performance Negotiations:

The team is excited for another round of great conversation, knowledge gathering on what local areas are experiencing, and negotiating another 320 goals statewide!

• Program Year 2025 and 2024 proposed performance goals for the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs were received from all local areas.
• WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker performance negotiations will take place September 4 – September 13, 2024.

Technical Assistance Topic of the Month: Naloxone in the workplace

A Workforce GPS webinar presented by the Employment and Training Administration, United States Department of Labor.  

Issue: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the incidence of workplace overdose, unintentional deaths, and poisonings has increased significantly from 2011 to 2022. Overdose deaths now account for 9.6% of all workplace fatalities.

If needed in an alternative format, please contact mohamed.farah@state.mn.us

When considering preventable deaths, common thoughts typically focus on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. However, the National Safety Council highlights a noteworthy shift in the category of preventable deaths.

Overdose poisoning has now surpassed motor vehicle accidents. This represents a significant change in the landscape of preventable deaths. This issue impacts all racial and ethnic groups, particularly individuals aged 24 to 64—spanning the entire working-age population.

Data Shows: From the National Safety Council:

If needed in an alternative format, please contact mohamed.farah@state.mn.us

It raises the question:

Are employers aware of this critical issue related to opioid overdose deaths and do they know about the resources they have available?

 Workplace substance use and misuse:

• 9 million people misused opioids in 2022.
• 66% of people with a SUD are in the workforce.
• One in 12 workers has an untreated SUD.
• 75% of employers say their workplace is impacted by opioid use.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), employers can use the NSC cost calculator to enter information and see potential savings in areas such as lost time, turnover, and healthcare costs by addressing substance use within their organization. On average, employers can save $8,500 for each employee supported in recovery from substance use disorder.

How Employment and Training programs can help:

The National Safety Council (NSC) aims to reduce overdose deaths in workplaces by promoting the availability of Naloxone, along with related training and support resources. Naloxone is an effective tool for overdose preparedness, as it works on opioid receptors in the brain to restore breathing.

After administering Naloxone, activate your emergency response plan and ensure emergency medical services are coming to the site, as the individual will require medical attention following the incident.

The NSC's "Response Ready Workplace" program is built on three foundational pillars for employers: awareness, access, and adoption. These pillars help employers understand and implement effective overdose response strategies in the workplace.

 Awareness: Conduct webinars to raise awareness about the importance of addressing substance use disorder in the workplace, reducing stigma, and having Naloxone readily available.

Access:

• Understand and explain how workplaces can obtain Naloxone.
• Support increased availability of Naloxone for workplace adoption through advocacy and external distribution opportunities.

Adoption:

• Increase the number of employees trained on Naloxone administration and overdose response.
• Promote the adoption of additional support materials.

How to Create a Naloxone Program at Your Workplace:

1. Plan:

• Prepare for a Naloxone program by creating a comprehensive policy.
• Planning and communication with stakeholders are crucial for successful implementation.

• Obtain Naloxone and ensure it is available in your organization.
• Plan for proper storage and determine the doses needed based on a risk assessment and policy.
• Naloxone can be sourced from local harm reduction organizations, health departments, pharmacies, and drug stores.

• Train employees to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone.
• Ensure they know how to activate the emergency response system.
• Monitor symptoms after administering Naloxone, as individuals may experience disorientation, confusion, headache, and nausea. Provide calm and supportive communication to the victim.

• Support both overdose victims and bystanders after an incident.
• Regularly evaluate the program to ensure its long-term success.

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard for providing Naloxone in the workplace, administering Naloxone spray to an employee does not automatically classify as a recordable workplace injury or illness. Since Naloxone is available over the counter, it is important to monitor how the individual responds to treatment by emergency medical services (EMS) and, if necessary, subsequent treatment in the emergency room.

In Minnesota:

The opioid epidemic affects all Minnesotans. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) concentrates its opioid overdose prevention efforts on supplying the public with data, empowering them to make informed, data-driven decisions for their communities.

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/opioids/index.html

Minnesota has a Good Samaritan Law, also known as Steve’s Law, which protects someone who administers naloxone and calls 911 in good faith from prosecution, even if they are using drugs when the overdose occurs.

Request for TA Event Topics:

The Performance team is actively seeking input on topics to address in the upcoming technical assistance session planned for this fall. We are committed to ensuring that the session is relevant and beneficial for all participants, and your feedback is essential in achieving this goal. We invite you to share any specific areas of interest or challenges you are facing that you would like to see covered. Your suggestions will help us tailor the session content to better meet your needs and enhance our collaborative efforts. Please feel free to reach out with any inquiries or suggestions using performanceAP.deed@state.mn.us.

Please email the following team members, should you have performance or data entry questions, using the Performance Team general email at performanceAP.deed@state.mn.us.

• Thomas Sommer: Eligible Training Provider List Administrator.
• Mohamed Farah: Case Management and Workforce One Technical Assistance.
• Usha Valappil: Evaluation Liaison: case management techniques and outreach procedures.
• Rasha Ahmed: Data extraction, reporting, and tool creations.
• Amy Carlson: All Other (Performance Accountability Supervisor).

Virtual Informational Session September 24

Please email all questions and customer applications to the Trade Adjustment Assistance general email at deed.taa@state.mn.us.

Electronic Document Storage (EDS) Training using WF1.

We were pleased to have over 250 attendees at the Electronic Document Storage (EDS) Webinars in July! Of the those who responded to our survey, 80 percent stated that the webinar was helpful to extremely helpful. During the webinar, participants received an overview of the new EDS policy, received a demonstration on how to upload participant documents, and heard from a panel of peers who are already using EDS. A huge thank you and kudos to Aimee from Anoka County, Beth and Joy from Hired, Mathias from Ramsey County, and Betsy and Karissa from the City of Duluth who served as our panelists during the webinar!

Click here to watch the Electronic Document (EDS) Webinar

Electronic Document Storage (EDS) Policy & WF1 Document Storage Guide

Electronic Document Storage (EDS) FAQ:

1. What is the importance of adding a date to the document name in EDS?
   Adding the date to the document name is crucial as it helps ensure that the most recent version of a document is easily identifiable. This practice is particularly important when multiple versions of a document may exist, allowing users to quickly determine the latest update.
   
   
2. Are all fields required when uploading documents in EDS, and how are required fields indicated?
   Not all fields are required when uploading documents in EDS. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are the minimum required fields. However, some programs and local policies might mandate additional fields beyond these minimum requirements.
3. Where can I find the guide for uploading documents in EDS?
   The guide for uploading documents is attached to the EDS Policy. It's also available at the following link: https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/ddp/PolicyDetail.aspx?pol=578.
   
   
4. How can I edit an uploaded document?
   From the Document Summary page, select the Tags and Comments link to review the tags and comments associated with the document in EDS. On the Document Tags and Comments page, select the “Edit Tags” button to update, add, or change the tags related to the document.
   
   
5. What if an agency already has another storage system? Are we still required to use the WF1 EDS System?
   Yes, all providers must adhere to the guidance issued in the EDS policy, even if they have a different storage system already in place.

Do you have additional questions?  Email etpmonitoring.deed@state.mn.us

Employment & Training Programs (ETP) is offering Data Validation Training in October 2024!

Who Should Register? 

• Partners and staff working with federal grant programs including WIOA Adult, WIOA Youth, WIOA Dislocated Worker, or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) 

Agenda: 

• Introduction to Data Validation
• Data Validation Process and Schedule Overview
• Best Practices for Successful Data Validation
• Questions/Comments

Date/Times (Select one): 

• WIOA Adult/WIOA DW/TAA - Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 10 AM – 12 PM
• WIOA Youth - Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 10 AM -12 AM

Register Now: 

https://forms.office.com/g/bufADtEnaN 

 Webinar Link: Will be sent after registration.  

Registration is unlimited and recording will be posted following the live trainings as well as training materials used in the webinar. 

For more information, email: etpmonitoring.deed@state.mn.us 

If you have questions about Monitoring content, please email shannon.rolf@state.mn.us.

Labor Market Information

Each month, DEED's Regional Analysis & Outreach unit produces a series of Local Look blogs exploring labor market information. Last month’s blogs covered a range of topics from Cost of Living and Wages in Northeast and Southeast, to unemployment in the Twin Cities and Southwest, to housing demand in Northwest, to job vacancies in Central Minnesota. For more local information, please reach out to your Regional Analyst! 

If you have questions about Labor Market Information, please email deed.lmi@state.mn.us.

This newsletter is meant for DEED Grantees, Providers, and Employment Counselors. We want this e-Newsletter to meet your needs! We encourage you to send your comments and suggestions to deed.taa@state.mn.us.

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