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• Coordination of services of TANF/Work First with Workforce Development partners through a formalized appraisal/referral process. • Coordinate co-location of Work First staff in the NCWorks Career Centers to more directly connect Work First participants to employment activities. WIOA includes six core programs: Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Formula Grants under Title I; Adult Education State Grants under Title II; Wagner-Peyser Employment Services under Title III; and Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants under Title IV.

Priority of Service Requirements

WIOA includes enhanced “priority of service” requirements to ensure recipients of public assistance and other hard-to-serve populations may access critical employment and training services through the NCWorks system. TANF programs should work with workforce development boards and NCWorks Career Centers’ staff to develop and implement new priority of service policies; ensure that TANF participants are prioritized under such policies; and are offered services to meet their needs.

Work-Based Training

WIOA strengthens the workforce system’s focus on work-based learning strategies for adults and youth with barriers to employment with on-the-job training, subsidized employment, and work experience. Some TANF agencies have recent experience with such programs for disadvantaged workers and can assist WIOA agencies in implementing them. State and local planning efforts should identify areas where WIOA and TANF resources can be aligned to support and expand these efforts.

Employer Engagement

Local workforce boards must engage employers to ensure that workforce investment activities meet the needs of businesses. Importantly, WIOA emphasizes the creation and use of industry or sector partnerships, which bring together stakeholders connected to local industries to develop short- and long-term workforce strategies in those industries. TANF programs should be included in local and regional sector partnerships to engage employers and ensure that TANF participants can access emerging job and training opportunities. TANF programs connect to the NC Works Business Services Representatives (BSR) to coordinate contact and activities with businesses, streamlining services and providing employers with access to a skilled workforce and potential financial incentives.

SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

In response to growing demands for additional resources to meet the needs of individuals affected by substance use and mental health diagnoses, North Carolina has implemented a Behavioral Health Strategic Plan (BHSP), and an Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan. The BHSP2 identifies two focus areas for strengthening the behavioral health system: