North Florida Workforce Development Board Serving Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Taylor, and Suwannee Counties

1. North Florida Workforce Development BoardServing Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Taylor, and Suwannee Counties Board Member (Re)-Orientation Revised September 2010

2. Vision Statement A non-profit Board who collaborates with partners to provide effective and seamless employment and economic development solutions to the people in our region, through diversified resources that insure social and economic growth.

3. Mission Statement To be responsible and active partners in sharing resources for the North Florida Region so communities will be confident in quality solutions that strengthen the workforce and enhance economic development.

4. Who are we? One of 24 Regional Boards established and certified by the Governor of the State to provide employment and re-employment services to local residents and employers Our service area includes the counties of Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor. The Board is made up of approximately 27 members. Federal law requires that the majority of Board members come from private sector businesses.

5. Who is the North Florida Workforce Development Board? (cont) Upon designation by a consortium of County Commissioners, the Board is responsible for the administration of the Workforce Investment Act funds, through one-stop services in the region. Our service centers are located at 705 E. Base St. in Madison, and 815 N. Ohio St. in Live Oak. We have two mobile career labs deployed to other towns throughout the region. Our primary customer is the business employers of the region.

6. Employer / Business Services Employee recruitment and screening Employer/Employee matching Skills assessment Access to local, state, and national labor market data Assistance in obtaining training and tax incentive programs On-the-Job training Customized training Interview space and assistance upon request Business Center services: customized HR assistance, access to posted resumes, business related workshops and seminars Other special projects from time to time

7. Job-Seeker Services Workforce provides assistance to residents in our region who are seeking employment opportunities, and also helps employers who are looking for quality employees through the following services to the local job seeker: Wagner Peyser (WP) - provides services for the universal customer, including labor market information, job listings, job referral, unemployment compensation filing, and resume advice and preparation, access to computer technology. Veteran's Services �- ensuring that veterans receive the full range of priority workforce services in the one-stop career centers, providing functional oversight for the one-stop veteran's program and service delivery strategies and services targeting veterans.

8. Job Seeker Services Workforce Investment Act (WIA) � customers who receive these services must be determined eligible in order to receive the following: labor market information, job listings, job referral, skill and employability assessments, job skills training, placement and follow-up. Welfare Transition (WT) - these customers are referred to Workforce by the Department of Children and Families. Welfare Transition services emphasize work and personal responsibility to help make the move to self-sufficiency.

9. Ready to Work Jobseekers can obtain a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Florida Ready to Work Credential signed by the Governor. Jobseekers can use online curriculum to improve skill level. Results of job profiling can assist the employer with hiring decisions and also provide data to jobseekers regarding what skill level they should target for specific occupations. Partnering with Educational Institutions to provide this service to vocational program students.

12. Board Member Expectationsand Responsibilities Board members are responsible for the governance of the organization, insuring its financial well-being, representing the organization in the community, and accepting ultimate legal authority for it. To fulfill these responsibilities, board members generally must: Regularly attend board meetings and other important related meetings Actively participate in committee work. Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them. Stay informed about Board matters, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports. Get to know other Board members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus. 

13. Board Member Expectations and Responsibilities (cont) Specific Primary Duties: Planning Approve and support the organization's mission and philosophy. Assess the environment in which the organization functions and approve necessary strategy changes. Review and approve the organization's budget. Approve major policies and actions of the organization, such as capital expenditures, and major program and service changes. Approve Regional Workforce Investment Plan as needed for submission to the State Workforce Board

14. Board Member Expectations and Responsibilities (cont) Organization Hire, monitor, evaluate, advise, support, reward, and, when necessary, change top management. Insure management succession is provided for. Recruit new board members and fill vacancies as needed. Determine necessary board committees and councils and participate on at least one. Review and monitor the performance of the Board and take steps to improve its performance as needed.

15. Board Member Expectations and Responsibilities Fiscal Assure the Board is adequately and currently informed of the condition of the organization and its operations. Develop, approve and participate in achieving the organization's funding plans and financial goals. Assure published reports properly reflect the operating needs and financial condition of the organization. Ascertain that management has established and enforces appropriate internal control and conflict of interest policies. Appoint independent financial auditors and cooperate with the audit process. Review compliance with relevant material laws affecting the organization.

16. Vision Priorities A fully integrated workforce / economic development / education organization maintaining effective partnerships to establish and sustain a unified service delivery system. Diversified funding sources so all programs, facilities, services and customer groups are fully funded. Effective and seamless education, social, and economic service infrastructure. A highly effective, diverse and influential board of directors committed to promoting regional employment opportunities.

17. One-Stop Career Center Goals (according to the last WIA Plan) Provide a system where low-income individuals, unemployed and entry level incumbent workers can more effectively participate in the workforce and benefit from the economy. Promote employment and skills training opportunities that provide livable wages, leading to worker economic security. Build a stronger demand-side involvement through business and industry participation as partners, collaborators, advisors and investors in workforce services. Provide system support for workforce development through professional practices and capacity building within the Workforce Career Centers. Provide a focus on program alignment between Workforce and community partners to increase collaboration through a high level of service integration. Insure that Workforce and community partners deliver relevant services that are results-driven and include a high level of accountability.

19. Partnership and Collaboration Businesses Economic Development Organizations Community Colleges and School Districts Local Faith and Community based groups Other state and federal agencies We share the responsibility and the accolades.

20. References Workforce Investment Act of 1998 Florida Workforce Innovation Act of 2000 See Web Site links for these and other resources and references. (www.nfworkforce.org)