The Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 05-24, accompanied by Veterans Program Letter (VPL) 05-24, which jointly clarify the roles, responsibilities, and statutory duties of Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) staff. This comprehensive guidance, developed by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), aims to ensure that state workforce professionals and American Job Center (AJC) staff are aligned with the requirements of JVSG while promoting effective integration and collaboration within the workforce development system.
Key Highlights of TEGL 05-24
1. JVSG Staff Responsibilities: VPL 05-24 outlines the specific statutory duties that JVSG staff, including Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER), must perform. The guidance emphasizes that these staff members are to focus on providing individualized career services to eligible veterans, especially those with significant employment barriers, and to assist employers in fulfilling their workforce needs with job-seeking veterans.
2. Integration with Workforce Programs: The guidance stresses the importance of collaboration between JVSG staff and other workforce program staff within AJCs. Since JVSG is a required partner under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), AJC staff play a crucial role in screening, referring, and providing services to veterans. This collaborative approach ensures that veterans receive the most appropriate combination of services, maximizing their employment opportunities.
3. Staffing Flexibilities and Coordination: To meet their responsibilities effectively, states are encouraged to utilize staffing flexibilities, such as integrated case management and cross-program collaboration. The guidance provides several best practices, including case conferencing, inclusion of LVERs in business service team meetings, and maintaining shared local resource directories. These practices are designed to enhance service delivery and ensure that veterans receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
Actionable Steps for State Workforce Professionals
State workforce professionals and AJC staff are requested to take the following actions to align with the new guidance:
- Review and Update Policies:
- Ensure that policies and standard operating procedures are updated to reflect the roles and responsibilities outlined in VPL 05-24.
- Consultation and Technical Assistance:
- Reach out to the appropriate DOL regional office if technical assistance is required to implement the guidance effectively.
- Prioritize Collaboration:
- Encourage continuous collaboration between JVSG staff and other workforce programs to provide veterans with seamless, high-quality services.
Ensuring Priority of Service for Veterans
JVSG plays a critical role in this effort by ensuring that veterans with significant employment barriers receive the individualized support they need to succeed in the job market.
By implementing the guidance provided in TEGL 05-24 and VPL 05-24, state workforce professionals and AJC staff can better serve veterans, fulfilling our national obligation to those who have served our country. This guidance not only clarifies the roles and responsibilities of JVSG staff but also strengthens the integration of services within the workforce development system, ultimately leading to better employment outcomes for veterans.