DOVER – More than 200 representatives from state and community agencies focused on assisting Delawareans navigate the challenging and sometimes harrowing experience of becoming gainfully employed will come together this week to further strategize on enhancing their collaborative efforts to serve their customers.

The One-Stop Partner Convening provides an opportunity for front-line staff to continue to learn about the resources currently available to job seekers and employers. This One-Stop Partner system brings together workforce development, education and other human resource services in order to improve long-term employment outcomes for Delaware citizens and ensures employers have a skilled workforce.

“This one-stop system has gone a long way toward helping the Delaware Department of Labor provide our residents with the kind of support that goes beyond just landing a job,” said Secretary Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson. “Often times people looking for work are faced with other challenges that presents the need for access to other services such as finance management, temporary public assistance, adult education and the like.”

“It is important we ensure this cross collaboration remains strong,” she added, “which is why the annual convening is critical.”

The One-Stop Partner Convening is in its second year is and part of a larger effort by the Delaware Workforce Development Board to realign services with the changing workforce requirements.

“This event is another example of how Delaware agencies are working together to make a difference in the lives of Delawareans across our state. We are all committed to helping all Delawareans build the skills necessary to compete and succeed in today’s economy,” said Governor John Carney. “This one-stop concept helps take our delivery of these services to the next level.”

Most of the participants at the May 17^th event will be state employees from a variety of agencies that provide career or supportive services to Delawareans to assist them to reach their career goals, said Bill Potter, Executive Director of the Delaware Workforce Development Board.

“The one-stop system brings together workforce development, educational, and other human resource services in a seamless customer-focused service delivery network that enhances access to the programs’ services and improves long-term employment outcomes for individuals receiving assistance,” he said. “One-stop partners administer separately funded programs as a set of integrated streamlined services to customers.”

Employment and financial empowerment are closely linked said Mary Dupont, Director of Financial Empowerment at $tand By Me.

“$tand By Me is pleased to be a One Stop partner because our goal is to ensure that everyone in Delaware has access to personal financial coaching, especially when they are going through life transitions,” said Dupont. “Having someone in your corner who you can trust and who will support you as you wrestle with financial changes can reduce stress and help people dealing with job changes to feel more in control of their finances.”

Since lifelong learning is a 21^st century requirement for all those in the workplace, Adult Education, as part of this One Stop System, will teach the information and skills necessary to get and keep good paying jobs that support Delaware’s economy.

“Simultaneously, Adult Ed will help parents to support their children’s success in school because we live for the moment but must also grow the future,” said Maureen Whelan, Director of the Delaware Department of Education’s division of Adult and Prison Education Resources. “This convening brings front line staff from all of the partners together to learn, to discuss, to make the system better because it is a meeting of the minds, the spirits and the energies of many focused on the common goal of meeting Delaware’s employment needs.”

Included in the one-stop system is the DOL Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, which also works to support people with disabilities who experience barriers to employment. Individualized plans for employment are crafted between counselors and customers using services such as:

• Assessment
• Post-secondary training
• Pre-employment career counseling services for students and sheltered workshop employees
• Assistive technology
• Counseling, coaching and guidance support
• Placement, resume writing and interviewing care
• Benefits counseling
• Pardon and expungement provisions
• Transportation support

For a list of One-Stop Partners visit https://det.delawareworks.com/one-stop-system/System%20Partners.php

What: Delaware Workforce Development Board One-Stop Convening

When: Wednesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m

Where: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

ABOUT THE DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The Delaware Workforce Development Board is the Governor’s appointed board established by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.  The majority of its members represent local employers.  They are responsible for many tasks but overall provide guidance and accountability for the state’s workforce system.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice and a strong economy.

Leon Tucker, Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor

302.761.8002 office

302.530.5770 Cell

Leon.Tucker@delaware.gov

http://dol.delaware.gov/

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