DWS PROGRAMS

DWS Programs

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services contains several programs that are specialized for meeting the needs of job seekers, employers, and the general public. These programs are: Career Readiness Certification, Governor’s Dislocated Workers Task Force, Migrant Farm Labor Center, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Unemployment Services, and Veteran Services.

Career Readiness Certification

The Arkansas Career Readiness Certification program provides a portable credential based upon the WorkKeys® assessments that demonstrates to employers that an individual possesses the basic workplace skills required for 21st century jobs.

Discretionary Grant Programs

DWS is currently receiving U.S. Department of Labor funds for three grants to promote Registered Apprenticeship in Arkansas:

• The Arkansas Apprenticeship Pathways Initiative (AAPI) Grant–$4 million award through September 30, 2020 to train 600 apprentices in high-demand occupations.
• The Arkansas Expands Apprenticeship (AREA) Grant–$900,000 base award through April 30, 2019 to train 100 apprentices and 100 pre-apprentices in historically non-apprenticed occupations.
• Apprenticeship USA State Accelerator Grant–$200,000 through November 30, 2018 for the coordination of planning and promotion activities to advance registered apprenticeship.

Governor’s Dislocated Worker Task Force

The Governor’s Dislocated Worker Task Force engages the resources of the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, area Health Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the Workforce Investment Areas (WIA) and other agencies as appropriate to meet the needs of dislocated workers and employers.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

The TANF program was created to help families stay together by empowering family leaders with job skills, resources, and assistance. With that in mind, TANF serves four functions:

• Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
• End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.
• Reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
• Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a benefit for those workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. TAA includes a variety of benefits and reemployment services to help unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may receive assistance in skill assessment, job search workshops, job development/referral and job placement. In addition, workers may be eligible for training, job search allowance, a relocation allowance, and other reemployment services.

Unemployment Services

The Unemployment Services division provides financial assistance and employment services to jobless workers.

Veteran Services

The Veteran Services DVOP and LVER staff develops increased hiring opportunities within the local work force by raising the awareness of employers of the availability and the benefit of hiring veterans.

To meet the specific needs of veterans, particularly veterans with barriers to employment the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services utilizes DVOP and LVER staff who, are thoroughly familiar with the full range of job development services and training programs available at the State Workforce Agency One-Stop Career Centers, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program locations.

Workforce Development Board

Arkansas Workforce Centers provide locally developed and operated services linking employers and jobseekers through a statewide delivery system. Convenient “one-stop” centers are designed to eliminate the need to visit different locations.

The Centers integrate multiple workforce development programs into a single system, making the resources much more accessible and user friendly to jobseekers as well as expanding services to employers.

Arkansas Workforce Centers are designed “by employers for employers” to find and train qualified workers and help jobseekers find new opportunities. When it all comes together, it’s a winning partnership for Arkansas!

Arkansas Workforce Centers are a proud member of America’s Workforce Network.