599 Program Transition to the One Stop System Pilot

1. 599 Program Transition to the One Stop System Pilot Wanda Santiago Carol Elwell Mariangela Viglucci Mary Blais

2. Training Objectives • Understand 599 Program and Approval Criteria • Understand Roles of One-Stop System Staff and Special Programs Unit • Able to complete required forms • Understand Documentation Requirements • Know when and how to communicate with claimant, SPU, One Stop Staff

3. Anticipated Benefits of Transition to One Stop System Coordination of services through the One Stop system will: • Ensure that individuals who start training are better able to finish • Enhance NY’s labor force making the state more attractive for economic development. • Target a larger pool of UI claimants • Better market the 599 Program to UI claimants to increase numbers that apply and are approved for the Program • Fully obligate available 599.2 funding

4. Anticipated Benefits of Transition to One Stop System (cont.) • Utilize experienced One-Stop staff to assist UI claimants to: • Choose appropriate training programs w/consideration of local labor market conditions • Coordinate support services • Provide information on funding availability for training • Improved program outcomes for the system (All programs - UI, WIA, ES, Reemployment) • Improved individual outcomes for participants: • successful completion of training • successful employment following training (higher wages, job retention, skills upgrading, career advancement…)

5. 599 Phase In Strategy Transition to One Stop System Phase I : • SPU: • Continued responsibility for processing 599 Applications from claimants self-identified as in-training at time of their UI Original Claim (OC) • Responsible for follow-up with all claimants approved for 599 • One Stops: • Responsible for review/processing 599 Applications and approval recommendations identified after the OC process • Responsible for outreach to claimants in training at time of OC and disapproved by SPU

7. Phase I Timeline

8. Phase I: Role of the SPU • Continuing to process 599 applications from claimants identified in training at OC • Reviewing the recommendations from One Stop staff for approval/disapproval • Issuing all 599 Determinations to the claimant • Calculating individual eligibility for additional 599.2 benefits • Follow-up on progress of training to ensure continued eligibility and satisfactory progress • Monitoring the 599.2 funds availability • Assessing effectiveness of process, forms, communication methods

9. Phase I: Role of the One Stop Staff • Increasing claimant awareness of 599 program • Identifying UI claimants interested or in need of training • Assessing training needs, developing individual training plans • Assisting UI claimant/customer in making informed decisions regarding training. • Coordinating One Stop services as needed (LMI, Training funds, support services, etc..) • Review and Recommendation of approval/disapproval of 599 Applications identified after OC • Scheduling Follow-up with 599 Applicants identified as part of OC and disapproved by SPU • Assess effectiveness of process, forms, communicationmethods

10. One-Stop Customer Flow • Claimants in need of training identified through current customer flow process • Initial Assessment (UI orientation) • Comprehensive Assessment • Workshops • Job Match • Identify as early as possible to maximize training opportunities and benefits

11. Increase Awareness of 599 • Initial Assessment – UI Orientation • Brochure • Talking Point in presentation • Section 599 Training Fact Sheet • Comprehensive Assessment, Workshops, Employment Plan development • Detail 599 approval criteria for informed decision making

12. 599 Program - Purpose The 599 Program provides an opportunity for eligible UI claimants who lack competitive job skills to receive UI benefits while attending an approved training and or retraining program. Allows claimants to collect UI benefits while in approved training without having to: • Search for work • Be available for work • Accept suitable work 599.2 allows for up to 26 weeks of additional UI benefits, after exhausting regular UI, if funding is available. 599 refers to the specific section of Article 18 of the NYS Labor Law

13. 599 Approval Criteria 1. The training is needed by the claimant because: a). Claimant’s employment opportunities limited or b). Training likely to lead to more regular long term employment or c). Training will upgrade existing skills And 2. At least 12 hrs/week classroom attendance or 12 credit hours of training, And 3. Training or remaining training period not more than 24 months, And 4. Competent and reliable training facility, And 5. Training relates to an occupation or skill, And 6. Training relates to an occupation or skill with reasonable employment opportunities, And 7. Claimant has the qualifications to complete training successfully

14. Training is needed The training is needed by the claimant because: (a) It will upgrade the claimant’s existing skill; or (b) It will train the claimant for an occupation likely to lead to more regular long term employment; or (c) Employment opportunities for the claimant are limited.

15. Training will upgrade existing skills • Claimant needs additional training to obtain work in their regular occupation (occupation for which they have training and/or work experience). • Claimant needs additional training to advance in the same field or field related to regular occupation, i.e. to obtain higher skilled/higher wage work.* • If claimant already has in-demand occupational skills but lack of English proficiency, high school diploma, or basic skills is a barrier to reemployment in that occupation, ESL, GED, or Basic Skills training may be considered an upgrade of claimants existing skills *

16. Training will Upgrade Existing Skills Example 1: Claimant’s regular occupation is office administrative support worker. He needs to improve his computer skills in order to obtain work in this occupation. He is attending school to obtain a Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate. Training will upgrade his current skills. Example 2: Claimant studied acupuncture in a foreign country, and she lacks English proficiency. She had been working in as a housekeeper in hotel for the past 6 months. To become a licensed acupuncturist in NYS, she must demonstrate proficiency in English. She is attending an ESL course for this purpose. Training will upgrade her current skills. Example 3: Claimant’s regular occupation is nursing aide. She is attending school to obtain a Practical Nursing license in order to become a LPN. Training will upgrade her current skills.

17. Training for occupation leads to more regular long term employment • Claimant’s regular occupation, although not necessarily limited in the current labor market,* is a low wage/high turnover occupation. This may be evidenced by: • Multiple UI claims • Multiple jobs with different employers • Low skills, low wages • ESL , GED, or Basic Skills training may be approvable if training would position claimant to pursue more regular, long-term employment.*

18. Training for occupation leads to more regular long term employment Available Resources: • Low wage criteria (NYC: benefit rate ≤250; Outside NYC: benefit rate ≤200) • Need for Low Wage Alternative Definition? Looking for local feedback/specific cases. • Job Zone (Career Exploration tool): job description; skills, training and education required by occupation. • USDOL Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): job description; skills, training and education required by occupation; turnover information. • Need for High Turnover List? Looking for local feedback/specific cases.

19. Training for occupation leads to more regular long term employment Example 1: Claimant’s regular occupation is retail salesperson at department stores. Information in OOH indicates this occupation requires few skills to enter. Claimants benefit rate is $177. Claimant is attending school to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management in order to become a Medical Records Technician: a higher skilled, higher paying occupation. Criterion is met

20. Training for occupation leads to more regular long term employment Example 2: Claimant has difficulty obtaining and/or retaining employment due to a lack of English proficiency. ESL training will position him to pursue more regular, long term employment. Criterion is met.

21. Claimants employment opportunities are limited • Reduced employment opportunities in the claimant’s occupation or skill. • Technological change, plant closing/removal, discontinuance of specific plant operations, or similar reasons. • Seasonal nature of claimant’s regular occupation. • Claimant’s personal traits

22. Claimant’s employment opportunities are limited Available Resources: • NYS Workforce & Industry Data, Employment Prospects 2004-2014 – can be searched statewide or by region. Occupations rated as less favorable or least favorable are impaired. • Notice of Mass Layoff or Closing – WARN • Local Labor Market Analyst

23. Claimants employment opportunities are limited Example 1: Claimant’s regular occupation is landscaping and grounds keeping. He is laid off every year during the winter months. Due to the seasonal nature of his occupation, his employment opportunities are limited. Example 2: Claimant’s regular occupation is carpenter. She suffered an injury which prevents her from returning to this occupation. Due to her physical condition, her employment opportunities are limited.

24. 12 Classroom or 12 Credit Hour Criterion Two Options: • 12 Credit Hours • No exception for Summer Sessions OR • 12 Classroom Hours per week • Cannot include homework, non-credit labs, or self-study time • No exception for Summer Sessions

25. 12 Classroom or 12 Credit Hour Criterion Example 1: Claimant is attending school to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. The number of class hours per week is 16. 12 hour criterion is met Example 2: Claimant is attending school to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Although the number of class hours per week is 10, the claimant will receive 12 credits at the end of the semester. 12 hour criterion is met Example 3: Claimant is attending school to prepare for a GED. The class meets 8 hours a week. 12 hour criterion is not met

26. 24 Months to Complete To measure the 24 months, determine how many months of training are remaining on the date the 599 application is reviewed for approval. • When training begins at a future date, the remaining training period is calculated from the training start date • Scheduled training breaks are counted as part of the training period.

27. 24 months to Complete Example 1: Claimant filed a UI claim effective 3/10/08, and indicated that he is attending training to be completed on 4/17/10. The 599 application is reviewed for approval on 4/20/08. There are less than 24 months of training remaining on the date the 599 application is reviewed (4/20/08); training meets the ≤ 24 month criterion. Example 2: Claimant filed a UI claim effective 5/5/08. On 6/4/08, he informs the One Stop he was accepted to training, which is scheduled to begin on 8/18/08 and end on 8/10/10. The 599 application is reviewed for approval on 6/26/08. There are less than 24 months of training remaining on the date the 599 application is reviewed (6/26/08), since training does not start until 8/18/08; training meets the ≤ 24 month criterion.

28. Competent and Reliable Agency NYS training provider • on ETPL (http://www.labor.state.ny.us/etp/default.asp)* • SED list of approved degree granting institutions (www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue) • SED Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision’s list of non-degree granting schools and programs (www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss/home.html) • SED list of Distance Learning Providers (www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/ded/database.html) Out of State training provider • Appropriate SED approved lists in the State of the provider

29. Training relates to occupational goal The training provides the skills and qualifications required to work in the claimant’s occupational goal. • Liberal Arts may be approvable if with a concentration that directly relates to occupational goal. • General Liberal Arts are not approvable • ESL, GED, or Basic Skills training may be approvable if:* • prerequisite for occupational skills training • combined with occupational skills training as training package • needed in combination with existing occupational skills to work in claimant’s occupational goal

30. Training relates to occupational goal Example 1: Claimant’s occupational goal is police officer. She is attending school to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Information in Job Zone’s Career Exploration indicates this degree prepares individuals to become police officers. Training satisfies the educational requirement to work in the stated occupational goal. Example 2: Claimant’s occupational goal is a paralegal. He is attending school to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in History. Information in USDOL’s OOH indicates usually an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies or a program leading to a Certificate in Paralegal Studies prepares individuals for this occupation. Claimant’s training program does not provide the skills or qualifications to work in his occupational goal.

31. Training relates to occupational goal Example 3: Claimant’s occupational goal is lobbyist/public relations specialist. Her chosen program of study is an Associates Degree in Women’s Studies. OOH indicates entry level positions usually require a college degree in public relations, journalism, advertising, or communication. Claimant’s training program does not provide the skills or qualifications to work in her occupational goal Example 4: Claimant’s occupational goal is LPN. Claimant requires a basic skills refresher in Math prior to starting the LPN program. The combination of basic skills and occupational skills training provides skills and qualifications to work in the claimant’s occupational goal.

32. Training relates to occupational goal Available Resources: • Job Zone (Career Exploration tool): • Education and training required for occupation • School programs associated with occupation • USDOL Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) • Education and training required for occupation • School/Training facility website • Information about training course or program

33. Reasonable Employment Opportunities • Reasonable opportunities in the claimant’s occupational goal are expected in the immediate future • Use statewide and/or regional labor market information. • Be cognizant of employment opportunities in the area not reflected in regional/statewide LMI.*

34. Reasonable Employment Opportunities Available Resources: • NYS Workforce & Industry Data, Employment Prospects 2004-2014 • Statewide or by Region • Occupations rated FAVORABLE or VERY FAVORABLE meet this criterion. http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workforceindustrydata/apps.asp?reg=nys&app=descriptor • Recent trends, hiring patterns, events in the local area • Regional Labor Market Analysts http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workforceindustrydata/lmas.asp

36. Claimant resides in Utica. Her occupational goal is Computer Support Specialist. Employment prospects in Mohawk Valley Region are Favorable. Criterion is met

37. Claimant lives in Rochester. His goal is Librarian. Employment prospects in Finger Lakes are Least Favorable and Favorable Statewide. Criterion is met

38. Claimant lives in Capital Region. Job prospects for Machinists are considered least favorable for Region and Statewide. However, General Electric in Schenectady needs Machinists and is continuously recruiting. Criteria is met.

39. Claimant has Required Qualifications and Aptitudes Claimant has the required qualifications and aptitudes to complete the course or training successfully. This may be evidenced by: • Acceptance into training program • Grades • Completion of previous training courses/programs • Work history This criterion especially important if claimant applying for 599 when part way through training program (i.e. 2 years remaining of 4 year program). Should make sure that grades/progress to date in program indicates reasonable chance of successful completion in time remaining.

40. Automatic Approval under 599 • TAA approved training • WIA approved training, provided:* • The training requires attendance of at least 12 hours per week, or leads to 12 credits; and • The training or remaining training period does not require more than 24 months to complete. Difference between TAA and WIA approved: • No separate 599 Application required if TAA • 599 Application required even if WIA approved

41. Other Approval Considerations • ESL/Basic Skills/GED may be approved as stand-alone training • Prerequisite ESL/Basic Skills/GED can also be approved in Combination with Occupational Skills Training as a training package • Must meet other criteria (ie. 24 months to complete full training package and must lead to occupational goal) • If the claimant fails to satisfactorily complete the Basic Skills/ESL prerequisite and therefore can not continue with the Occupational component of the training, then the 599 approval would be terminated for unsatisfactory progress.

42. Other Approval Considerations • Distance Learning If not listed on SED list, the following elements must be present for Distance Learning to be approved • Course duration is the same for all students. • Completion time for assignments is the same for all students. • There is an instructor teaching the course, who is available to answer questions. • Student participation and progress are monitored regularly. • Minimum grade is required for successful completion. • Credential issued is accepted by industry and certifying/licensing agency (when applicable) Self-Paced Training - cannot be approved

43. Other Terms needed for Completion of 599 Approval Recommendation • Most Recent Occupation – may or may not be related to past/current skills and training • Regular Job/Occupation – suited for by training or skills • Occupational Goal – expected outcome obtained from training • O*Net Code (of occupational goal) – same as SOC

44. Other Terms needed for Completion of 599 Approval Recommendation Issue w/ Availability • Claimant not approved for 599 must meet the UI work search criteria • Demonstrate ready willing and able to accept work in regular occupation while in school • Actively seeking work, keep record • If recommending disapproval of training, One Stop staff must: • Give Availability Advisory and document in OSOS Comment • Specific advisory language provided in OSOS activity chart under Recommend Disapproval activity • SPU makes final Availability Determination in conjunction with 599 Determination

45. Other Terms needed for Completion of 599 Approval Recommendation Supporting Documents: Official School documents that illustrate: • For Approval • Training acceptance date • Training start and end date • 12 classroom hours or 12 credit hours • Transcript/Grades (only if already attending training) • For Disapproval • training schedule illustrating days and times in class

46. Acceptance Date Start and End Date Class Schedule

47. Documentation for 12 credit hours must show course title and corresponding credit hours. Disapproval – must submit document illustrating days/times in class Official College Stamp

48. 599 Terms: “Timely” Under Section 599 of the Labor Law, the UI claimant has the responsibility for “Timely” Disclosure of the fact that they are in training. The Department’s interpretation of this section of the law has been changed so that claimants may be eligible for a greater amount of 599.2 benefits, provided that: • the training is disclosed “timely”, and • the claimant submits a completed training 599 application including all supporting documentation “timely” SPU is responsible for calculating the number of weeks of 599.2 benefits that each claimant may be eligible for. In order for SPU to make this 599.2 benefit calculation, certain dates must be documented:

49. 599 Terms: “Timely” Is the training disclosed “timely”: • Claimants are asked during the UI Original Claim (OC) application if they are currently in training or have been accepted into training • if they fail to disclose training at that time, subsequent application for 599 is considered untimely • Claimants that are accepted into training after OC are advised in the UI claimant handbook that they must immediately disclose training to the One Stop.

50. 599 Terms: “Timely” If the claimant is accepted into training after the date of OC and date that the claimant first discloses training to the One Stop: • Is prior to the training start date, then the disclosure of training is considered timely and there is no reason to document the Training Disclosure Date • Is after the training start date, then the One Stop staff must document the Training Disclosure Date • the claimant must be advised that they have 14 calendar days to submit a completed 599 application to the One Stop • In OSOS One Stop staff must record: • the Training Disclosure Date as an activity and a comment confirming claimant was advised of 14 day due date for submittal and potential impact on 599.2 • The date that the 599 training application was subsequently received • an OSOS comment indicating whether One Stop staff consider the receipt of the 599 application as “timely”