HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201603.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE GRANT APPLICATION FOR IMPROVED PAYMENTS AND CHILD
SUCCESS (IMPACS) PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN AND
ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with a Grant Application for the Improved
Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) Program from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by
and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of
Human Services, to the Colorado Department of Human Services, commencing upon full
execution of signatures, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, that the Grant Application for the Improved Payments and Child Success
(IMPACS) Program from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, to the
Colorado Department of Human Services, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said application, and that Karina Amaya, Department of Human Services, be, and hereby
is, authorized to submit said application electronically.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 1st day of June, A.D., 2020.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: GC `1,40;
Weld County Clerk to the Board
BY:
Deputy Clerk to the Board
APPD AS T
ty Attorney
Date of signature:
6/5/2.
Mike Freeman, Chair
Steve M
o, Pro -Tern
Scots k: James
Kevin D. Ross
-I A -
cc :HS D,PtcTCBc/cD)
07/2.0
2020-1603
HR0092
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 19, 2020
TO: Board of County Commissioners — Pass -Around
FR: Jaime Ulrich, Director, Human Services
RE: Improved Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) Program
Funding Application
Please review and indicate if you would like a work session prior to placing this item on the Board's agenda.
Request Board Approval of the Submission of the Department's Improved Payments and Child Success
(IMPACS) Program Funding Application. The Department, through Employment Services of Weld County
(ESWC), is requesting to submit a funding application for the Improved Payments and Child Success
(IMPACS) Program. The program is intended to assist eligible parents paying child support and their families to
overcome and minimize their barriers to employment through supportive services and individualized case
management. The anticipated result is an increase in the number of child support payments received, improved
parent -child relationships, and increased wages and earning potential.
The total amount of funding available to apply for is $1,800,000. ESWC will submit for $550,000.00 and plans
to serve 375 participants during the period of performance, which Colorado Department of Human Services
(CDHS) expects to begin on the effective date of a resulting State contract and end on June 30, 2023.
This application is due June 1, 2020 and requires the Chair's signature.
1 do not recommend a Work Session. I recommend approval and submission of this application and authorize
the Chair to sign.
Mike Freeman, Chair
Scott James
Barbara Kirkmeyer
Steve Moreno, Pro= I'em
Kevin Ross
Approve Schedule
Recommendation Work Session
Other/Comments:
Pass -Around Memorandum; May 19, 2020 — Not in CMS
2020-1603
Employment Services of Weld County
Weld County Department of Human Services
Application for RFA IHGA 2020000240
Improved Payments and Child Success
(IMPACS) Program
June 1, 2020
Employment Services of Weld County
Attachment B
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC), housed within the Weld County
Department of Human Services, has two locations to best serve the residents of Weld County;
one in Greeley and the other in Fort Lupton. ESWC has a proven track record in implementing a
variety of projects and is, and historically has been, a leader and innovator in the state of
Colorado regarding its governance structure and the development and operation of employment
and training programs. Weld County was the first (September 9, 1975) and currently one of only
two Colorado counties to adopt a Home Rule Charter. In 1979, federal and state funded
employment and training programs were merged administratively, and this resulted in the Job
Service (Wagner Peyser) and Work Incentive Programs being contracted by the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to the Weld County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) providing local control of the programs and allowing County personnel
to operate the Job Service (Wagner Peyser) allowing for the coordination of all federal, state, and
local resources and joint policy making decisions regarding employment and training initiatives
and programs.
Weld County Government, the Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB),
and ESWC the American Job Center (AJC) and One Stop Operator for the Weld County
(Greeley Metropolitan Statistical Area or MSA) Region, delivers services under: the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act's (WIOA) Title I and III; work components under the
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Employment First (SNAP) programs;
Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) funds targeted to employment and training; the Weld
County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) which includes an AmeriCorps Crew Based
program and the Training Innovation Growth Hope and Training (TIGHT) youth corps serving
adjudicated youth; services under the Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Program (MSFW); the
Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP); the Colorado Child Care Assistance
Program (CCCAP) to provide eligibility and the caregiver recruitment program Realizing
Economic Advancement through Caring Homes (REACH); and has developed strong
collaborative working partnerships with WIOA Title II and Title IV and other required partners
under WIOA.
ESWC abides by the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
guidelines for all customers. Each customer who receives services through ESWC, is provided
the following statement:
It is against the law for this recipient of Federal financial assistance to discriminate on
the following bases: against any individual in the United States, on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sex
stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin (including limited
English proficiency), age, disability, or political affiliation or belief or, against any
beneficiary of applicant to, or participant in programs financially assisted under Title I of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, on the basis of the individual's citizenship
status or participation in any WIOA Title I —financially assisted program or activity.
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Employment Services of Weld County
The recipient must not discriminate in any of the following areas: deciding who will be
admitted, or have access, to any WIOA Title I —financially assisted program or activity;
providing opportunities in, or treating any person with regard to, such a program or
activity; or making employment decisions in the administration of or in connection with,
such a program or activity.
Recipients offederal financial assistance must take reasonable steps to ensure that
communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications
with others. This means that, upon request and at no cost to the individual, recipients are
required to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services to qualified individuals with
disabilities.
Through Connecting Colorado, the state data management system, various reports are
run to identify outcome requirements for the numerous programs provided. Reports are run on a
monthly basis which assist in the facilitation of program monitoring and evaluation. The
Department of Human Services Fiscal division provides monthly financial reports for each
program which allow leadership to utilize funds in a fiscally responsible manner. ESWC is
prepared to provide quarterly financial reports, narrative and performance progress utilizing the
Youth and Adult Employment and Training Programs Manager as the administrative support for
the Improved Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) program.
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Employment Services of Weld County
Attachment C
Employment Services of Weld County's (ESWC) mission is: "To keep the workforce
system responsive to employers, employees and job seekers". ESWC has a long history of
staffing and administering Employment and Training programs made available through the U.S.
Department of Labor. ESWC consistently meets or exceeds prescribed performance outcomes
for each of the related programs to include the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and currently
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). In the mid 1990's ESWC responded to
the state's initiative to determine how best to structure and create a One -Stop Workforce system.
To determine how the state could best develop a One -Stop environment, representatives from the
Governor Romer administration visited numerous areas across the state to view and assess how
programs and services were structured and provided. After visiting Weld County and viewing the
numerous programs operated by Employment Services, as well as our organizational structure,
the Governor determined that all workforce areas across the state should have the flexibility to
structure employment programs in a way that best met local needs, while providing local
structure and control similar to the Weld County model.
Overseeing various programs, grants, and initiatives through ESWC, staff have worked
with a wide variety of populations including those that face specific barriers to employment
and/or education. Through the WIOA program, participants are categorized as priority of service
which includes: Statutory Priority of Service (recipients of public assistance, other low-income
individuals including underemployed, individuals who are basic skills deficient) or Governors
Priority of Service (displaced homemakers; eligible migrant and seasonal farmworkers; ex -
offenders; Indians, Alaskan natives, and native Hawaiians; individuals with disabilities;
individuals who face substantial cultural barriers; long-term unemployed individuals (27 or more
consecutive weeks); older individuals (age 55 and older); within 2 years of exhausting
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also known as Colorado Works (CW); and
single parents (including single pregnant women). While working with these individuals, specific
needs are determined which may include training or education. Additionally, supportive services
are provided to minimize barriers to successful employment and program completion such as
referrals to workshops, transportation, childcare, etc.
The Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB) and ESWC have a long-
standing policy to assure supportive services are provided on a consistent and equitable basis.
Case managers evaluate the participant's budget and resources to determine need as well as
assess the participant's ability to pay for, or contribute to, their supportive service needs. Staff is
familiar with the availability of supportive services offered by community agencies, co -
enrollments with partner programs, other grants received by ESWC, and Memorandums of
Understanding (MOU) executed with local partners so that alternative resources can be accessed
first or leveraged with funding.
In 2008, an innovative 2Gen program was developed by ESWC staff to initiate a Summer
Employment Program called Weld Works 4 Youth (WW4Y). The program intentionally and
primarily serves 14 to 15 -year -olds who are currently receiving basic cash assistance,
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, placed in Foster Care, have an
open case with Youth Services, or are participating with the Prevention team in accordance with
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Employment Services of Weld County
section 6.008.4 of the County plan. Analysis of the program design has shown it to be successful.
The goals of the Summer Youth Employment Program are to: prevent youth and families from
entering the child welfare system through a 2Gen approach, promote a continuum of educational
and community experiences through established work experience and educational programs in
the summer, promote work ethics through a work experience program for youth age fourteen
through fifteen that can benefit from those services to be delivered through WCDHS, and
support County Certified Foster Care Parents and Adoptive Parents with summer activities for
foster and adoptive children. This program continues to thrive; in 2019 a total of 65 youth
became employed through WW4Y.
Youth throughout Weld County who are enrolled in WW4Y receive a work experience
opportunity for the summer working 20 hours per week earning minimum wage. Throughout the
summer, the youth can attend weekly life skills workshops to enhance their learning
opportunities. The topics of the workshops include financial literacy, soft skills, healthy
relationships, resume preparation, mental health awareness, resiliency and community resources
for young adults. These workshops are presented by community agencies and skilled veteran
ESWC staff.
Staff and leadership within ESWC are members of the National Association of
Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). The majority of staff have completed the
Certification for Workforce Development Professionals (CWDP) which consisted of Business
Economic Development Intelligence; Career Development Principles; Collaboration, Problem
Solving and Teamwork; Customer Service Methodology; Diversity in Workforce; Labor Market
Information; Principles of Communication; Program Implementation Principles and Strategies;
and Workforce Development Structure, Policies and Programs. In addition, staff are required to
complete a minimum of 20 hours professional development annually to enhance and reinforce
existing knowledge.
ESWC has a long history of demonstrated and effective partnerships dating back to the
Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). During the JTPA era, ESWC was a pioneer in Colorado,
and perhaps in the Nation, by implementing a true One Stop approach in the Workforce arena.
This model included establishing a solid foundation of partnerships which remain strong today.
ESWC has successfully administered the CW program through case management to those
receiving basic cash assistance who are job ready. During the preparation for the IMPACS
program, ESWC met with the Child Support Services (CSS) division of the Weld County
Department of Human Services (WCDHS) which is critical to the long-term success of this
initiative. In 2017, CSS partnered with ESWC in connecting noncustodial parents with various
barriers to employment. The focus has been largely on parents who have a serious delinquency
balance on their child support obligation and are facing court action for nonpayment of support.
ESWC has a longstanding relationship with North Range Behavioral Health (NRBH) which will
specifically assist with the goal of improving parent -child relationships through the Family
Connects program and other programs or services offered by NRBH.
The WCWDB recognized the lack of quality child care options to be a direct workforce
initiative. As a result, in 2018 the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
transitioned to ESWC from the Assistance Payments (AP) division. In addition to managing the
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Employment Services of Weld County
traditional CCCAP program, ESWC implemented the innovative REACH (Realizing Economic
Advancement through Caring Homes) program. REACH directly supports the recruitment,
retention and engagement of child care providers to include licensed as well as qualified exempt
providers, also known as friend, family and neighbor (FFN). To support providers with
professional development, safety and quality as well as Early Childhood Mental Health services,
ESWC negotiated contracts with United Way of Weld County, North Range Behavioral Health
and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. This aligned collaborative
approach is known as Weld Child Care and serves providers and parents alike.
The Family Resource (FR) division within WCDHS has a variety of programs to provide
support to families. FR is comprised of three areas of focus: Outreach, Post -Adoption Support
(Family Forever), and Prevention Services (Compass). The Outreach team helps individuals and
families to overcome immediate situations of crisis to include securing food, basic cash
assistance and medical benefits. When appropriate, the Community Services Block Grant
(CSBG), managed by WCDHS provides resources for additional emergency related needs. The
Prevention Services Program provides support through case management services to families to
identify strengths and needs. Program staff research and connect families to programs and
services within the community, which help in the achievement of their individual goals.
Although there are many internal and external existing partnerships, this grant
opportunity will allow the partnerships to be leveraged and utilized to maximum capacity. For
example, NRBH and ESWC have a long-standing relationship but this will be a first-time
partnership with the Family Connects program. This new venture will allow ESWC to utilize the
parenting courses for the individuals to foster and improve parent -child relationships. Including
the internal resources listed above, community partners may include: United Way of Weld
County, Lutheran Family Services, Jobs of Hope, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR),
Weld Food Bank, Housing Navigation Center, Sunrise Community Health, the Northern
Colorado Veterans Resource Center (NCVRC), Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), l9th
Judicial District, and Intervention Community Corrections System (ICCS). Additionally, ESWC
actively participates in three Sector Partnerships; the NoCo Manufacturing Partnership, the
Northern Colorado Health Sector Partnership, and the Northern Colorado Construction and
Trades Sector Partnership. These sector partnerships show in -demand occupations and career
initiatives within Northern Colorado to connect employers and ESWC staff which may result in
career pathway opportunities for participants.
As an individual enters ESWC, they are directed to the Resource Room to register with
Connecting Colorado which is the state data management system. Registration with the
assistance of a staff member will determine demographic information, work history and skills,
education level, as well as to identify barriers the individual may have. Depending on the barrier,
an individual may be referred to the WIOA program or various community resources. Upon
referral to the WIOA program by the Resource Room, or a community partner, an initial
assessment is completed. The WIOA program intake identifies demographic, eligibility
information and supportive service needs. Upon initial assessment, various computer
assessments are administered through the Assessment and Learning Center within ESWC to
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Employment Services of Weld County
determine information about the participants' interests, aptitudes, essential workplace skills and
abilities. The Adult Basic Education assessment is administered if a participant has less than a
bachelor's degree which will determine their basic skill levels in reading and math. The
Workplace Readiness Credential (WRC) is given to participants to ensure their aptitude of soft
skills are adequate as they are highly desired in the workplace. If an individual does not receive
the score that is required to obtain the WRC, the individual will have the option to remediate in
specific areas to increase their knowledge allowing them to re -test and obtain the credential
proving to employers they are proficient with soft skills. The Personal Responsibility and
Success Profiler assessments measure a participant's level of personal investment and the
feasibility of retaining success once employment is obtained. If a participant has shown an
inconsistent work history, the Job Readiness Training, consisting of Job Keeping or Job Seeking,
will be offered to improve their skills to maintain a consistent work history in the future. The
CareerScope assessment is given to participants to identify a variety of interests and aptitudes
they have which will assist in forming a realistic employment goal.
After intake and the initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment is completed which
identifies employment and training goals and available services to assist the participant in
gaining and retaining employment. Computer assessments are reviewed/interpreted with the
participant prior to making a Comprehensive Assessment and Individual Employment Plan
(CA/IEP). The information identified in the CA/IEP helps map a feasible employment and
training plan that encompasses a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely
(SMART) employment goal, work history, education, services needed to obtain their
employment goal (job search, workshops, occupational training, work based learning activities,
etc.), supportive service needs, pre -vocational needs, financial budget, challenges to
employment, transportation, housing, little to no job skills, mental health challenges, criminal
background, child care, outside resource referral(s), and a contract outlining the program
guidelines, expectations and willingness to participate. Labor Market Information (LMI) is
heavily considered when creating an employment goal to ensure in -demand occupations are
present in the area and the employment goal is realistically attainable. Through the WCWDB,
five industry sectors have been identified: Transportation, Manufacturing, Healthcare,
Information Technology, and Construction. Identifying these sectors have assisted with talent
development and partnerships with local industry specific employers. Individuals have the option
to attend workshops, or can work one-on-one with the given workshop facilitator, to assist with
resume preparation, interviewing skills, job searching, and transferrable skills. In response to the
increasing population of ex -offenders, ESWC created a workshop called HOPE (Helping
Offenders Pursue Employment). Participants can also use Virtual Job Shadow through
Connecting Colorado to explore potential desired careers based on interests and aptitudes.
ESWC will utilize veteran staff who have worked in various programs and initiatives
throughout the years for this program. Case managers have earned CWDP status which shows
the knowledge, dedication, and awareness of working with individuals to overcome barriers and
be successful in their goals.
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Service Delivery Sites
315 N 11th Ave Bldg. B Greeley, CO 80631
2950 9th St Fort Lupton, CO 80621 *
Employment First & MIS Consultant
Dora Lara
Workforce Director
Lora Lawrence
Employment Services of Weld County
ESWC Support Specialist
Heather Roberts
Client Data System
Unit
Assessment &
Learning Center
Business
Services
Child Care
Veterans
Employment and Training
Programs
EF/TANF Programs
Manager
Briana Davies
Manager
CeCe Moreno
Manager
CeCe Moreno
REACH Supervisor'
Anna Korthuis
Eligibility
Supervisor
Maria Herrera
Disabled
Veterans
Outreach
Program
Manager
Karina Amaya
Employment and Training
Supervisor
Tracey Brookover
WCYCC Supervisor
Holly Bernhardt
YT Program Specialist
Greg Cordova
Manager
John Kruse
TANF Supervisor
Julie Atkinson
Ari Macias
Claudia Cabral
Lupita Guadarrama*
Josefina Marquez
Lidia Gonzalez
Margii Crackel
Nancy Hunnicutt
Pat Curts
Patti Wolff
(1) Work Experience
Kris Armstrong
Anne Wolney
Ivan Contreras*
Elvira Gonzalez
Amber Duchaine
Efrain Cano
Juanita Segura
Judith Bush+
Shanna Pratt
Norma Sotelo
Sylvia Flores
Shawnda Kozanecki
Judith Baptiste
Tim Marquartt
Sharon Lindellt
YOUTH:
TANF:
Jasmin Dominguez
Leslie Galindo -Salazar
Nereyda Williams*
Nora Myers
David Woolman
Terry Williams
Erik Acosta
ADULT:
Brittiny Vasquez
Karla Masters
Maria Chavez*
Misty Falk
Tracy Jacks
Tabitha Locke
Francinette Holokahi
Margarita Marquez
Employment First:
Charlotte DeBrock
Christina Arnold*
Helen Freese
Shelby Clark
Tammy Winter
Jazmine Gonzalez
Vacant
Nancy Sanchez
Theresa Joseph
(1) Work Experience
Special Projects MIS
Wagner-Peyser
MSFW
RESEA
FLC
The lab operates on a
fee for service basis
and is self-sustaining
Special Projects
Wagner-Peyser
WIOA
MSFW
CCCAP
State Positions
WIOA Youth/Adult
Chafee
AmeriCorps
TIGHT Corps
TANF
Special Initiatives / Grants
TAA
Employment First
TANF
STEP
*South County Staff
tCo-location with CDLE +REACH Team Blue — WCYCC Green - Bilingual Team Revised 4/2020
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Employment Services of Weld County
This program will have a tiered approach throughout the performance period. ESWC is
projecting to serve 375 individuals through June 30, 2023. Each year there will be a 3 tiered
approach as follows: Tier 1 will serve 60 individuals with job search and job readiness
workshops; Tier 2 will serve 40 individuals with supportive services and case management
which may be co -enrolled with WIOA; Tier 3 will serve 25 individuals with work based learning
activities or occupational training which may be co -enrolled with WIOA.
Eligible non -custodial parents must be a resident of Weld County, eligible to receive CW
benefits, have established paternity for at least one child, have one or more cases receiving IV -D
services, and have difficulty paying or expected difficulty paying child support due to lack of
regular employment. Additionally, the four main barriers that will be targeted include:
individuals with a criminal background, individuals with limited education or training,
individuals with cultural barriers or who are English language learners, or individuals with
transportation issues. Due to Weld County being the second largest county in Colorado,
transportation and access to services creates a challenge. To address those challenges, individuals
will be served throughout Weld County and can receive services in the Greeley or Ft Lupton
offices. When necessary, staff have the option to conduct services at the Human Services
location in Del Camino.
ESWC will collaborate with CSS in recruiting eligible individuals. CSS staff will
determine if the individual is eligible for TANF (Colorado Works) before making a referral to
ESWC. The existing CSS Family Resource Assessment (FRA) will be utilized to assist in
identifying initial employment barriers and job readiness/training needs. CSS will actively recruit
noncustodial parents at strategic contact points in parent interactions, including: at the time of
new order establishment, at the time a noncustodial parent experiences a loss of income, at the
time a noncustodial parent is released from incarceration, at any point in time a noncustodial
parent self -identifies the need for employment services.
From the recruitment completed by CSS, a referral is made to the Resource Specialist
where the individual will complete their registration with Connecting Colorado and the Initial
Assessment (IA) to be enrolled in the IMPACS program. The IA identifies demographic,
eligibility information and supportive service needs. If the IA shows a need for supportive
services, or training and case management, the Resource Specialist will refer the participant to
the Employment and Training Programs main contact.
When referred to the Employment and Training Programs, the case manager will
schedule a time for the participant to complete assessments in the Assessment and Learning
Center. As mentioned above, this program will follow the same process as the Employment and
Training programs. Participants will complete the assessments to measure interests, aptitudes,
essential workplace skills, basic education, soft skills, the ability to maintain employment, setting
realistic goals, and measure the feasibility of success once employment is obtained. Computer
assessments are reviewed/interpreted with the participant prior to making a Comprehensive
Assessment and Individual Employment Plan (CA/IEP). SMART goals will be created, available
services and supportive service needs will be discussed to provide support throughout a
participant's time in the IMPACS program.
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Employment Services of Weld County
Work -based learning activities will be provided to eligible participants by braiding
IMPACS funding with WIOA and/or CW funds. The activities can include a work
experience/internship, On -the -Job Training (OJT) and Registered Apprenticeship (RA). A work
experience is a temporary work opportunity where a participant is placed with an employer in the
community allowing them to gain valuable job readiness skills and subsidized income. The
length of the work experience will last a total of 500 hours; an exception can be requested if an
additional need is identified such as the participant needs to further develop job readiness. The
participant will receive the prevailing wage and will be covered by Weld County Government
workers compensation. An OJT takes place when a business hires the participant and provides
training per an OJT contract and plan of training. The business will be reimbursed 50-75% of the
participants wages for the time spent training the participant. RA's are employed and may
participate in a related training instruction (RTI) , OJT, or a combination of the two. The intent
of a RA is to provide the necessary training and work experience to be successful in a given
industry.
When a participant is interested in training, the training will need to be short-term
(generally less than one-year). If funded through WIOA, the training provider must be listed on
the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) which is managed by the Colorado Department of
Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The ETPL
is a list of training providers that have gone through a verification process to be added to the list
to receive federal funding. Under the IMPACS program, if the participant finds a training
provider that is not on the ETPL, the provider will be encouraged to submit a provider
application; however, not required if solely using IMPACS funds. A cap of $3,000 per
participant has been identified in ESWC's IMPACS budget. If the services require additional
funding, the participant may be co -enrolled in WIOA.
Supportive Services will be provided to enable parents to participate in their required
activities as related to the IMPACS program. This may include transportation assistance, books
and supplies for education or training, specialized tools or safety equipment necessary for
employment, and childcare. WCDHS has a Funds Distribution Group that confirms all other
outside resources have been accessed prior to distributing any in-house supportive service funds.
This process ensures no duplication of services and maintains a high-level of fiduciary
responsibility.
ESWC agrees to utilize the specific data and information sharing agreement which will
be provided by the state. In addition, each participant file will include a detailed account of job
placement, job readiness and training activities which includes employer information, job title,
description, projected and actual length of activity, and all relevant outcomes including the wage
at placement. Through Connecting Colorado, participants are given a service in their registration
profile each time they receive a basic career service, individualized career service, training
service, supportive service, or administrative service. A detailed record of each service can be
found by viewing the service screen under the participants Connecting Colorado registration.
When a participant enters into an individualized career service, training service, or supportive
service, detailed information can be found in the stored service as well as being documented in
the case notes. Once a participant exits the program, employment information will be stored in
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Employment Services of Weld County
the exit screen which will include the employer, job title, and wage. Detailed case notes will
provide more information regarding their exit from the program.
Participants will be made aware of the availability of follow-up services when they are
ready to exit from the IMPACS program and should understand that there will be a certain
number of contacts that will occur. Follow-up contact will be based upon individual need and
structured to best serve the individual. The case manager will contact participants at minimum
monthly to provide any on -going assistance identified during those contacts. Some assistance
that may be needed could include, but is not limited to, vocational guidance on adjusting to work
schedules and new environments, working well with peers and supervisors, how to enhance
customer service skills, working through troublesome situations, and conflict resolution and/or
problem solving. Participants who exit the program will be provided follow-up services, as
appropriate, for a minimum of twelve months unless the participant declines further contact. In
addition to providing valuable customer service, follow-up services can also be used to ensure
that performance standards are met. Through systematic follow up with clients, case managers
can assure that the participant is aware of the services available to them.
As the local American Job Center, ESWC provides employment services to individuals
seeking assistance with job readiness. These services include registration with Connecting
Colorado; workshops that cover topics such as resume writing, interview preparation,
transferrable skills, felon -friendly workshops, and soft skills; job search assistance; and referrals
to internal programs and community agencies. Specific programs within ESWC do provide
intensive case management and services for training and work -based learning activities. They
include occupational training; High School Equivalency (HSE) remediation and testing; work
experience placement; On -The -Job training; and Registered Apprenticeships. Along with
providing training services, ESWC also provides supportive services to include transportation;
supplies or tools needed for work or training; books; uniforms; clothing for interviewing;
childcare; rental assistance; vehicle repairs etc. Referrals are made to community agencies to
assist with needs that aren't available in-house. These include legal clinics/support; relationship
education; parenting classes; early childhood; mental health and substance abuse; help with
domestic violence; and additional financial education that goes above what is taught at ESWC.
With the knowledge and history of providing everything listed above, ESWC would be able to
provide all of the above -mentioned services while braiding funding received through the
IMPACS grant. As mentioned previously, this program will have a tiered approach. The average
cost per participant is $1,080; however, with the three tiers some participants may not utilize
IMPACS funding as demonstrated in the budget narrative. A total of 75 participants are
anticipated to use a maximum of $3,000. As a fiscally responsible agent, Weld County has a
history of utilizing 10% or less for administrative costs. Additional details of the budget can be
found in Attachment D.
ESWC will use the reporting form and/or a database prescribed by the state.
Documentation will include participant name, IV -D case number, hours worked per week, hourly
wage, total monthly income, job readiness services receiving, training services received,
supportive services provided, completion of classes and/or workshops, the FRA, and the overall
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Employment Services of Weld County
progress and outcome of each activity that takes place. Reporting will be submitted as needed by
the requirements of the grant.
In 2017, a pilot program was initiated to connect Non -Custodial Parents (NCP's) with
ESWC through collaboration with CSS. ESWC and CSS worked together to help the NCP's
overcome barriers to meet their child support obligation through self-sufficiency. One legal
technician was co -located in ESWC to be exclusive to the pilot program. The Magistrate
assigned to IV -D worked with WCDHS to order NCP's into the program. ESWC had a case
manager assigned to NCP's to assess and identify strengths and weaknesses, develop a plan of
action to follow, and provide information to CSS of progress and outcomes to be shared with the
courts. Whether the NCP's were working with Enforcement or Establishment, they were referred
to the pilot program.
Due to funding constraints, this pilot program did not continue. Since this is an
innovative design, ESWC proposes the creation of a new program through IMPACS. ESWC is
located on the same campus as CSS which will allow for a warm handoff of the individual to the
Resource Specialist. This will ensure the individual does make the connection to the IMPACS
program and resources needed for employment success. The IMPACS program will have two
dedicated 0.50 FTE's to increase the number of participants receiving services at ESWC. Having
dedicated staff devoted to this program will ensure appropriate services are provided, assist with
navigation through the program requirements specific to the participant needs, and monitor
steady participation and long-term employment retention through follow up services. With
participant success, this will increase the percent of child support cases receiving payment.
Improving employment outcomes correlates with the success of goal one. ESWC is
dedicated to successful job search methods for employment attainment, wages and retention. By
having dedicated staff devoted to the IMPACS program, participants will receive individualized
services. Determining the labor market information for the participants career goals ensures they
will receive an in -demand employment opportunity that is geared towards their interests and
aptitudes. This will increase longevity and overall satisfaction with their career choice.
Through the IMPACS program, improving parent -child relationships is an important
piece of this initiative. By establishing a relationship with the Family Connects program at
NRBH, referrals will be made for participants to attend parenting classes which will in -turn
strengthen the parent -child relationship. Additional referrals will be made to Lutheran Family
Services who provide family support and education through workshops such as: Nurturing Skills
for Teen Parents or Expectant Parents, Nurturing Program for Families of 0-12 Years Old, Co -
Parenting After Divorce, Parenting Your Teenager, and RETHINK: Anger Management for
Parents.
When ESWC is notified of receiving funding for the IMPACS program, the first quarter
will be used to finalize necessary logistics to implement the program. Collaborative meetings and
conversations will take place between CSS staff, ESWC staff, and community partners to
solidify program goals, reporting, and schedule monthly reoccurring meetings to discuss
progress, participation, areas of opportunity, and successes. The outcome standards that will
measure the effectiveness of the above proposed activities will be mirrored after WIOA
performance standards. After a participant has exited the IMPACS program, Connecting
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Employment Services of Weld County
Colorado will track the second quarter and fourth quarter employment rate, and median earnings;
a report for program participants will be run to determine program effectiveness. The reports
from Connecting Colorado and reports of increased child support payments from CSS will be
discussed at the monthly reoccurring meetings to view an all -encompassing report of proposed
activity progress.
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Employment Services of Weld County
Attachment D
Budget Narrative
Employment Services of Weld County provides the following budget and match narrative for use
in conjunction with the Improved Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) Program Application.
The total of IMPACS funds requested is $715,862.00 for the three-year life of the grant.
Matching in -kind funding from ESWC covers indirect costs associated with the cost allocation
for the program.
Administrative Cost: $71,586.20
Administrative Costs include general administration and program coordination. Collectively, the
Business Services Manager, Youth -Adult Employment and Training Manager, and the
Employment and Training Supervisor provide program and operational oversight and evaluate
and monitor program performance.
Accounting, purchasing, and payroll functions will be completed by the Weld County
Department of Human Services Business Office.
Personnel (including fringe benefits): $236,275.50
Personnel costs are directly related to the program. The Resource Specialist will work directly
with the Weld County Department of Human Services Child Support agency, accepting referrals,
registering participants into Connecting Colorado, and triaging eligibility for the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. The WIOA Case Manager will work directly
with the participant in the delivery of services and coordinate activities for job search, job
readiness, supportive services, and occupational training or work -based learning opportunities.
Fringe benefits average 26.5% of base salaries to include healthcare, FICA, worker's
compensation, short term disability, and retirement benefits. Additional personnel and resources
will be leveraged with funds not related to IMPACS. The total personnel and fringe benefit costs
are based on the three-year life of the grant and include a 3% cost of living increase in years two
and three.
FTE
Requested
Position Title
3 -Year Wages
IMPACS
Amount based
on FTE
.50
Resource Specialist
$ 276,634.21
$ 138,317.11
.50
Case Manager
$ 195,917.38
$97,958.69
Total Salaries requested from IMPACS for 3 -year period of
performance:
$236,275.80
Personnel Travel: $3,000.00
Local travel may be necessary when enrolling a participant at a work -based learning work site.
Additionally, the Department of Human Services has three service locations (Greeley, Ft.
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Employment Services of Weld County
Lupton, and Del Camino) to best service Weld County citizens. On occasion, ESWC staff may
travel to Fort Lupton or Del Camino.
Equipment: $0.00
No equipment will be necessary to implement this grant. ESWC staff will have access to
technology to support this initiative through existing resources.
Supplies: $0.00
No supplies will be necessary to implement this grant. ESWC staff will have access to supplies
through existing resources.
Contractual: $0.00
Employment Services does not propose to award a sub -recipient.
Participant Support Costs: $405,000
Matching in -kind funds
Throughout all tiers, job readiness workshops such as life skills and money management,
resume writing, and transferable skills, will be provided through matching in -kind funds.
A minimum of 60 participants per year (a minimum of 180 total) will reserve one or
multiple matching in -kind services.
Supportive Services - $180,000
ESWC plans to provide Supportive Services to 120 participants (40 per year). Supportive
Services are issued when the need is determined and reasonable. This may include
transportation assistance, books and supplies for education or training, specialized tools
or safety equipment necessary for employment, and childcare.
Occupational Training and Work -Based Learning - $225,000
ESWC plans to serve 75 participants in occupational training or a work -based learning
opportunity (25 per year). As participants in an ESWC program, work experience
(internship) opportunities are under the Weld County Workers Compensation (Weld is a
self -insured County).
Indirect Costs: $0.00
Matching in -kind funds associated with indirect costs will be allocated in accordance with the
Weld County Division of Human Services Cost Allocation Plan. For one FTE, general overhead
and operation costs are $10,689.45 per year.
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LITTLER
Prevention Campus
May 21, 2020
To Whom It May Concern:
RE: RFA-IHGA 2020000240 — Improved Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) Program
On behalf of North Range Behavioral Health (NBRH) I am pleased to support the grant application in
response to RFA IHGA 2020000240 — Improved Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) Program which
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) is submitting.
Employment Services of Weld County and the Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS)
have an excellent track record of demonstrating their ability to coordinate with other agencies to use local,
state, and federal resources effectively. They have the longstanding partnerships in place in order to serve
parents paying child support and their families and would continue their efforts through this grant funding.
It is my pleasure to support ESWC in their endeavor to work collaboratively to improve parent -child
relationships, assisting parents with job readiness and reentering the labor force, and to address the
needs of this vulnerable population. NRBH Family Connects has a long history of collective impactive with
various program at WCDHS and have found the organization to be effective in meeting outcomes that benefit
families, individuals and community members.
Thank you for the opportunity to write a letter of support for the Employment Services of Weld County,
and the Weld County Department of Human Services request for funding. If you have any additional
questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Janis Pottorff LCSW, IMH-E III
Family Connects Program Director
North Range Behavioral Health
A program of
NORTH RANGE BEHAVIORAL
Where hope begins.
2350 3rd Street Road • Greeley, CO 80631 970 347 2120 • NorthRange org
STATE OF COLORADO
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION SIGNATURE PAGE
DATE:
RFA NO:
DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:
PHONE:
E -Mail:
May 1, 2020
2020000240
Austin Maynard
303-866-3334
austin.maynard@state.co.us
RETURN RFA TO:
austin.ma nard@state.co.us
DATE DUE: June 1, 2020 AT 3:00 PM (Local)
Applications properly marked as to RFA NO., DATE and HOUR of opening, subject to the conditions herein
stipulated and in accordance with the specifications set forth and/or attached hereto, will be accepted at the address
listed above, prior to the date and time listed for the RFA opening. All Applications shall be quoted F.O.B.
destination, unless otherwise specified, to the delivery location or jobsite listed herein.
TITLE
AGENCY
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION # 2020000240
Improved Payments and Child Success (IMPACS) Program
Colorado Department of Human Services
SEE ATTACHED PAGES FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
IMPORTANT: Applications submitted in response to this RFA MUST be accompanied by this "REQUEST
FOR APPLICATION" sheet.
Offerors should read the entire RFA document before submitting a Application.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SIGNED IN INK
TERMS: 30 Calendar Days
Mike Freeman
1 YPED OR PR1N 1ED SIUNAURE
Payment Terms of less than 30 calendar days
will not be considered.
Pricing shall be effective for 180 days after award.
VENDOR
NAME: Weld County Government
Handwritten Signature by Authorized Officer or
Agent of Vendor
TITLE Chair, Board of County Commissioners
DATE JUN 0 1 2020
X Confirm that you are aware that the award
notice will be published on Colorado CORE-VSS.
My Company is registered on Colorado CORE-VSS
Include your VSS Vendor Code (VC#) ifknown:
ADDRESS: 1150 0 Street, Greeley, CO. 80631
PHONE: 970-400-6556
E -Mail: BOCC-Contracts@weldgov.com
FAX: 970-353-5215
FEIN or SSN: 84-6000813
Yes XNo A Enter your FEIN or SSN as registered on CORE-VSS
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