HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-20-1996 - X-C ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No.
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 20, 1996
SUBJECT: Programming In Skill Development Center
DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING (Y/1): NO
BUDGET AMENDMENT (Y/1): NO
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
• Excerpt from Skill Development Program
Board Final Report TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
• Skill Development Center Services Hillsborough -732-8181
• Flow Chart of Services Chapel Hill -968-4501
• Floor Plan Durham -688-7331
Mebane -227-2031
PURPOSE: To receive information regarding programming for the Skill Development Center.
BACKGROUND: At the March 19, 1996 Commissioners meeting, the Board reviewed the
programming that agencies will provide at the Skill Development Center at 503 West Franklin Street.
The Manager's Office has convened several meetings with agencies scheduled to co-locate in the
building (Department of Social Services-Work First, Durham Technical Community College, Joint
Orange Chatham Community Action Agency, Orange County Literacy Council; and Employment
Security Commission) to: (1)Ensure that the mission of the Skill Development Center is consistent
with the goals and recommendations in the Orange County Skill Development Program Board's Final
Report submitted to the Commissioners on December 4, 1995; (2) Reconfirm collaborative agencies;
(3) Identify services; (4) Develop flow chart of services; (5) Establish staffing and space allocation
plan; (6) Identify possible grants and projected cost contribution from each agency. Each agency and
and proposed services for the Skill Development Center are elaborated in the following pages.
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(1) The Mission of The Skill Development Center(see attachment I)
Mission: To provide adequate training and services to allow all Orange County citizens to be
self-sufficient and free of all public and private assistance.
Objectives: The mission will be accomplished by: supporting a holistic approach to coordinating
skill development and job search services to citizens; creating a"one stop" information center for
skill development and employment services; establishing formal linkages between existing
supportive services and skill development opportunities; co-locating agencies offering training
and employment services; designing training to better match emerging jobs and include but go
beyond the basic"3 R's", providing world of work skill training; and incentives to employers.
(2) Collaborative Agencies in Skill Development Center
A. Department of Social Services (DSS)
Work First which represents North Carolina's welfare reform initiative, is an employment and
training program designed to enable Aid to Families with Dependent Children recipients to
become self-sufficient and self-supporting. The program revamps the welfare system by
emphasizing full-time employment(paid or unpaid)within a designated time period or short-
term training of at least 30 hours per week. The program strives to improve the employability
of AFDC recipients through training enhancement of job seeking and keeping skills and the
provision of supportive services such as child care. The success of the Work First program is
contingent on coordination and collaboration with numerous agencies and employers.
B. Durham Technical Community College(DTCC)
DTCC is a comprehensive two-year college offering associate degrees, certificates, and
diplomas in technical and vocational career programs and in college transfer. Programs in
adult basic education, adult high school, GED preparation, English as a second language, and
continuing education in occupational and avocational subjects are also offered. DTCC serves
Orange and Durham Counties from the main campus on Lawson Street between downtown
Durham and Research Triangle Park,the Northern Durham Center in northern Durham
County and at satellite centers currently located at Chapel Hill High School and at Orange
High School in Hillsborough. More than 6,000 Orange County residents participated in
DTCC programming at all sites in 1995-96.
C. Joint Orange Chatham Community Action(JOCCA)
JOCCA is a private non-profit organization founded in 1966 for the express purpose of
correcting and eliminating issues and concerns related to poverty and low income citizens in
Orange and Chatham Counties. JOCCA mobilizes resources from federal, state, local and
private sources to improve career opportunities through training,education and counseling as
well as such support services as housing,community health, nutrition,water and sewer
assistance to rural communities; emergency assistance on an individual basis for economically
disadvantaged, and/or victims of natural catastrophes.
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D. Orange County Literacy o i (OCLQ
The purpose of the OCLC is to increase overall adult literacy levels in Orange County. The
Council offers free, one-to-one tutoring for adult non-readers or those with low literacy skills.
Other programs include family literacy classes, small group classes on various subjects, and a
student support group for adult new readers. The Council provides an intensive 12-hour
initial training for new volunteer tutors, with continuing training in the form of quarterly
inservice workshops.
E. Employment Security Commission (ESC)
The ESC is a public placement service which assists workers in finding appropriate
employment. Employers list their available positions with ESC, which then selects and refers
qualified workers from their applicant pool. Other programs include the-compilation and
dissemination of labor market statistics and information, administration of the Unemployment
Insurance Program, services for special applicant groups such as veterans, and other ancillary
services to meet the needs of the labor force.
(3) Services (see attachment II)
The collaborative agencies in the Skill Development Center offer an array of services. The
services range from client assessments to college credit classes.
(4) Flow Chart(see attachment III)
A network of training and employment services will be available at the Skill Development Center
for all county residents. Potential clients include the unemployed, underemployed, Work First
Family Assistance individuals, High School Graduates, functionally illiterate persons and
downsized professionals with years of work experience.
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(5) Staffing and Space Allocation Plan (see attachment IV)
DSS Staff: 4 Common Areas:
Offices: 4 Conference Rooms
Square footage: 600 Breakroom
Resource Center/Library
DTCC Staff: 3/Permanent/instructors rotating Reception/Waiting
Storage
Offices: 3 Visiting Office
Classroom(s) 6 Hallways
Square Footage: 6,050 Children's Waiting Room
Restrooms
JOCCA/1TPA Staff. 2 Mechanical Room
Offices: 3
Square Footage: 450
OCLC Staff: 2/permanent/interviewers,
volunteers
Offices 4
Square Footage: 600
Fac Staff. 4
Offices: 3
Square Footage: 450
17 offices(150 square feet per office) 2,550
6 class rooms 5,600
4 at 800 square feet/2 at 1,200 square feet
Common Areas 4,850
Total Square Footage 13,000
(6) Possible grants and projected cost contribution by Agency
Two sources of grant funds will be pursued by the county for the Skill Development Center. (1)
The Workforce Development Board(WDB), formerly named the Private Industry Council (PIC),
has received a$25,000 planning grant from the State Commission on Workforce Preparedness to
develop an implementation grant proposal for a one-stop employment information center. The
implementation grant will be submitted to the State in the fall 1996 with grant award in January
1997. The WDB anticipates requesting $140,000 for the three county service delivery area of
Orange, Alamance and Randolph. (2) Orange County Schools with the assistance of the county
will submit, in the fall 1996, to the State Commission on Workforce Preparedness a county-wide
Job Ready School-To-Work grant proposal. Grant award is scheduled for early spring 1997 and
the amount to be requested for the school system is $150,000. Funds will be used to develop a
comprehensive program that will include academics, vocational education, employability training,
life-coping skills, and other activities directed toward students and youth. A portion of the grant
funds would be available for the Skill Development Center.
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A. 12��
County can claim the percentage of the total cost for the space occupied by staff as
part of its indirect cost plan.
B. DTCC
State money will be used by DTCC to hire instructors and support instruction offered
at the Skill Development Center.
C. JOCCAUTPA
Staff resources and computers.
D. OCLC
OCLC currently pays $575 per month in rent, for an annual total of$6,900.
E. FIK
ESC will pay for the space occupied by their agency. Their specific contribution will
be negotiated.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The manager recommends the Board receive the programming plan for
the Skill Development Center as information.
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ATTACHMENT I
EXCERPT FROM SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BOARD FINAL REPORT
Skill Development Program Goal: to provide adequate training and services to allow all
Orange County citizens to be self-sufficient and free of all public and private assistance.
SECTION 3 -RECOMMENDATIONS
The Skill Development Program Board recommends the following:
A holistic approach to coordinating skill development and job search services to the citizens of
Orange County
The individual who needs, or seeks, skill development and job search services should be counseled as
to the options available for dealing with his/her current situation, realizing there are factors outside of
the availability of training that influence an individual's ability to seek that training and employment.
Services such as interest and aptitude testing, child care referral, transportation,public assistance,
financial aid for training, career counseling, assistance in dealing with lack of physical access to
facilities, etc., should be focused on the individual seeking to increase their capacity to be self-
sufficient by building their skills for the workplace. The County should make every effort to break
down the barriers citizens face in seeking skill development and integrate these services to assist
everyone in finding a job.
A "one-stop"information center for skill development and employment services
A communication service to function as a clearing house for information and a network of training,
education and job placement providers should be established as a location, a telephone service, and/or
an on-line computer service to ensure citizens of Orange County can easily access and take advantage
of job search and skill development services. Such an information service should be able to answer
questions about specific training options as well as recommend other services where clients might
obtain counseling or assistance in pursuit of their own skill development. Personnel should be
dedicated to this endeavor to ensure citizens have access to knowledgeable individuals who
understand the needs of the citizens and who can be liaisons to the service providers. The one-stop
information center can be the entering point for citizens seeking to access the various services
available to prepare them for and help them find a job.
•
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Establishment of formal linkages between currently existing transportation and other services and
skill development opportunities
Formal agreements and linkages should be established between agencies to ensure those seeking
work have access to vital support services such as transportation, child care, assessment, financial aid,
etc. .Skill development for individuals is dependent upon their ability to take advantage of training
while fulfilling other obligations. Every effort should be made to ensure Orange County citizens
have access to services to support their need for skill development and employment.
Permanent, consistently available spaces for training
Space needs to be allocated to offer job development opportunities at convenient locations in the
County, during both day and evening hours. Durham Technical Community College, JTPA, JOCCA,
and others currently offer skill development opportunities for adults at various locations throughout
the county, but often find a need to recommend that potential students seek educational sites outside
the county where specialized laboratories and training facilities are available. Designated spaces for
training would allow for the expansion of existing services and the addition of educational
opportunities to meet the specific needs of business and industry in Orange County.
Information and communications technology should be incorporated into training spaces to reach
further into the community to offer convenient skill development opportunities. Extension
technologies -telecourses via public broadcast and local access cable channels - and emerging
technologies such as wireless broadcasts and courses via computer networks offer additional
opportunities for offering skill development to the citizens of Orange County.
Training developed to better match emerging jobs and include but go beyond the basic 3 R's
Entrants in the workforce in the nineties and beyond will be faced with the challenge of utilizing
fundamental skills and advanced understanding of service delivery and technology. Most will agree
that basic skill levels in math and reading are absolute requirements and are, in fact, the building
blocks for future learning. These two skills are accompanied by the requirement to be able to
communicate in written and oral forms. While there may be some debate about the proficiency level
that one may require in order to be employed, there is no debate that the fundamentals must be taught
and retained. A program that reinforces the basic skills is a certain requirement.
Potential employees must be able to demonstrate the application of these skills in such a manner that
employers will be able to provide job-specific training that will directly benefit both the employee
and the employer. Job training programs that are skill-based and that are general enough to develop a
wide variety of skills may be necessary. Any course-work that delivers the three basic skills
referenced above must also be applicable in a complex and competitive environment. Trainees will
be expected to handle both entry level tasks as well as gradually more complex tasks. Training
programs should focus not only on the basic skill being taught, but should also focus on methods of
learning and proficiency development.
Certainly,the employer base of Orange County has needs for trainees who are capable of being
trained and retrained to a skill level that matches emerging jobs and services. The impact of
technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation will make such skills as critical thinking, use of
judgment and independence,and multi-modal communication very likely requirements for the
successful training program. Employees will be expected to master an array of skills and be able to
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fill in as needed throughout an organization. Most employers will establish minimal levels of
proficiency for every employee. The use of technical manuals, data, and computerized tools will be
an expectation. Computer-aided devices and equipment will be found at nearly every workplace;
therefore, emerging job skills that enhance troubleshooting, tool selection, and technical skills will be
essential.
Employers who deliver human services and customer services will expect good oral communication
and verbal skills. Potential employees will be expected to ascertain customer needs, determine the
best approaches to meet these needs and communicate these needs to team members and customers.
Emerging job skills that encompass assessing human needs, determining safety limits, performing
critical thinking, and managing priorities will be useful.
Coping - world of work skill training
The workplace requires skills that are based in social and behavioral realms. Employees are expected
to understand the values and norms of others and to respect diversity and difference. Tasks are
generally accomplished by teams and workgroups. Such an environment requires that employees
understand the value of dialogue, conflict management and resolution, and tolerance for ambiguity.
Coping skills are important components of the work ethic, and as such, should be used to prepare
potential employees for workplace challenges. Basic skills that advance team work include
understanding supervision, acceptance of responsibility, and cooperative assistance with others.
The recognition of cultural diversity and the influence of culture on individuals is a prime
requirement for this region of North Carolina. Orange County employers will serve a wide variety of
customers, and an understanding of tolerance and respect for diversity are skills that even entry-level
employees will require. Employees must also understand limits of acceptable behavior, expectations
for job attendance, dependability, and timeliness. Basic skills in following instructions, giving
directions, and communicating issues and data will be a benefit to employers. Listening skills are
often the basis for customer service;they are essential in team work. The ability to follow simple and
often complex instructions should be present. All of these coping skills may be assumed to be in
place for the successful employee,but the absence of any or a combination of these skills will surely
affect the employee's success.
Incentives for employers
Employers are being expected to assume greater risks when they employ unskilled or untrained
employees. The expense of training and developing skills adds economic pressure and costs to
products and services. Therefore, it is practical to provide employers with incentives that reward a
willingness to participate in training programs and skill development. Employers should be given the
opportunity and encouragement to develop reward systems that facilitate skill development and also
assure a sharing of costs and risks. Money directed to human services and training programs should
be made available to employers who participate in skill development. Subsidies that can offset
additional training costs will motivate employers to participate in non-traditional training and
mentoring opportunities.
A direct outcome will be the acceptance of these potential employees and a recognition of partnership
between human service agencies and employers as they move toward the mutual goal of beneficial
employment. Partnerships that produce successful programs can be highlighted and replicated in
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other settings. Employers will be challenged to monitor employment outcomes and they will be able
to control their levels of participation as needs and resources fluctuate.
A marketing plan for making citizens and employers aware of skill development opportunities
Citizens of the County will have to be made aware of new and existing opportunities available to
them. In addition, employers will have to interact with any system that is created to ensure that they
have input into the type of development being offered, and access to a new group of potential
employees. A plan for outreach to citizens and establishing partnerships with businesses for the
purpose of sharing information will ensure the successful implementation of the recommendations of
the Skill Development Program Board.
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ATTACI;IMENT II
SERVICES IN THE SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Assessment--individualized process designed to identify and define the individuals' strengths and
major obstacles to employment. The assessment process represents an outreach, orientation, and
information collection that leads to the development of a plan that meets the individuals' needs.
Categories of Assessment:
• personal situation
• family situation
• physical and mental health
• academic achievements
• aptitudes
• vocational interest
• employment history
Career Counseling--a process of utilizing an individual's skills and abilities in career decision
making, exposing an individual to the vast career options available and requirements of career
choices.
Categories of career counseling:
• understanding self
• vocational and educational assessment
• career exploration
• labor market trend data
• resumes
Training/>♦�ducation Program--Educational opportunities that meet the workplace demands of the
twenty-first century will be available at the center. A vast array of services will be offered, all aimed
at enhancing an individual's ability to compete in today's technologically advanced labor market.
Categories of training:
• human resources development
• computer classes (microcomputers, Microsoft Word, and others)
• nursing assistant I
• small business seminars
• college credit courses from DTCC's 34 curriculum programs
• continuing education and community service classes
• one-to-one literacy training
• small group literacy training
• other as defined by community
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Job Preparation --activities that strengthen an individuals ability to compete successfully in the
labor market. Job preparation enables individuals to become familiar with general workplace
expectations and to exhibit work behavior and attitudes necessary to maintain employment.
Categories of job preparation:
• self-development
• communication
• home management(budgeting and nutrition)
• conflict management
• career awareness
• problem-solving
• skills and abilities assessment
Job Search--a structured and supportive environment that enables individuals to seek employment.
Job search can be self-directed or with the aid of a counselor.
Categories of job search:
• resume writing
• interviewing techniques
• completing job applications
• contacting employers
• publishing vacancy notices
• accessing resource library
Job Development and Referral--activities completed on behalf of citizens for the purpose of
developing job opportunities.
Categories of job development:
• promote the center
• develop positive employer relations
• research labor market
• solicit job slots
• monitor employer feedback
• develop referral process
Supportive Services--provided to support participants in their effort to obtain and maintain
employment.
Categories of supportive services:
• child care
• transportation
• case management
c
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Work Experience--unsalaried job training used to improve the employability of an individual by
providing an opportunity to perform a job in a controlled work situation. This experience is aimed at
enhancing basic work habits and job skills. Training is obtained in a non-profit organization.
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