Understanding One-Stop Partners: Key Roles and Responsibilities in Workforce Development

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) emphasizes a comprehensive approach to workforce development, largely achieved through the establishment of one-stop delivery systems. These systems are designed to streamline access to a wide array of employment, education, and training services. At the heart of these one-stop systems are the Partners One, or rather, the one-stop partners. Understanding who these partners are and what they are responsible for is crucial for anyone involved in workforce development, from administrators to service providers and job seekers themselves. This article delves into the specifics of one-stop partners, clarifying their roles and responsibilities as defined under WIOA.

Who are the Required One-Stop Partners?

WIOA Section 121(b)(1)(B) clearly outlines the entities that must be partners in every local one-stop delivery system. These are not optional participants but are mandated to ensure a comprehensive service network. The required partners are those responsible for administering key programs and activities within a local area. These programs span a wide spectrum of services, designed to cater to diverse needs within the workforce.

The thirteen categories of required partners are as follows, encompassing a broad range of federal and state initiatives:

WIOA Title I Programs: These form the core of workforce development efforts and include programs for:
- Adults
- Dislocated Workers
- Youth
- Job Corps
- YouthBuild
- Native American Programs
- Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs
These programs are designed to provide job training, education, and support services to various demographic groups, ensuring that diverse segments of the population have access to opportunities for employment and career advancement.
Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service Program: Authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act, this program focuses on connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and providing labor exchange services. It is a cornerstone of the public workforce system, offering services to both individuals seeking work and employers looking for qualified candidates.
Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Program: This program, authorized under WIOA Title II, addresses the critical need for adult education, literacy, and family literacy services. It empowers individuals to improve their basic skills, attain a high school equivalency, and enhance their employability through education.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program: Authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and amended by WIOA Title IV, the VR program is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment. This program plays a vital role in ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity in the workforce.
Senior Community Service Employment Program: Under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965, this program focuses on providing community service and work-based training opportunities for older Americans with low incomes. It recognizes the value and experience of older workers and helps them remain active and engaged in the workforce.
Career and Technical Education Programs at the Postsecondary Level: Authorized by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, these programs are crucial for developing a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs. They provide postsecondary students with the technical skills and knowledge necessary for success in high-demand occupations.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Activities: Under Chapter 2 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974, these activities are designed to support workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign trade. This program offers training, reemployment services, and income support to help affected workers transition to new careers.
Jobs for Veterans State Grants Programs: Authorized under Chapter 41 of Title 38, U.S.C., these programs are specifically dedicated to serving veterans, providing them with job training, placement assistance, and support services to facilitate their successful transition to civilian employment.
Employment and Training Activities Carried Out Under the Community Services Block Grant: This block grant supports a wide range of community-based services, including employment and training activities aimed at reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.
Employment and Training Activities Carried Out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD programs often include employment and training components to support residents of public housing and low-income communities in achieving economic self-sufficiency.
Programs Authorized Under State Unemployment Compensation Laws: These programs provide crucial financial support to individuals who have lost their jobs, along with reemployment services to help them return to work as quickly as possible. The inclusion of these programs ensures a seamless link between unemployment benefits and reemployment assistance within the one-stop system.
Programs Authorized Under Sec. 212 of the Second Chance Act of 2007: This act supports programs that assist individuals re-entering society after incarceration, providing them with opportunities for education, training, and employment to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Unless exempted by the Governor, TANF, authorized under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, is a required partner. TANF provides temporary financial assistance to families with children, and often includes work requirements and employment-related services to promote self-sufficiency.

An image depicting a welcoming entrance to a One-Stop Career Center, emphasizing accessibility and community focus, in line with the partner-centric approach of workforce development.

Is TANF Always a Required Partner?

While Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is generally a required partners one, WIOA does provide a provision for gubernatorial flexibility. Yes, TANF is mandated under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act to be a partner. However, the Governor of a state has the authority to determine that TANF will not be a required partner, either statewide or within specific local areas.

If a Governor chooses to exercise this option, they must formally notify both the Secretaries of the U.S. Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services in writing. This notification ensures federal awareness and accountability regarding the state’s decision.

Even in areas where TANF is not a required partner due to gubernatorial decision, local TANF programs are still encouraged to collaborate and partner with local one-stop centers. This collaboration can enhance service delivery to TANF recipients, providing them with access to employment and training opportunities, unless such collaboration is explicitly inconsistent with the Governor’s direction. This flexibility ensures that local needs and state-level priorities can be effectively balanced.

Who Else Can Be a One-Stop Partner?

Beyond the mandated partners, the one-stop system is designed to be inclusive and responsive to local workforce development needs. Therefore, WIOA allows for the inclusion of additional partners. Any entity that administers a workforce development program, whether federal, state, local, or even private sector programs, can potentially become an additional partner.

However, the participation of these additional partners is not automatic. It requires the approval of both the Local Workforce Development Board (WDB) and the chief elected official(s) in the area. This ensures local control and relevance in the selection of partners, aligning the one-stop system with specific community needs and resources.

Examples of entities that may serve as additional partners include a diverse range of programs and organizations:

Social Security Administration Employment and Training Programs: Including the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program, these programs offer pathways to employment for individuals receiving Social Security benefits, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on benefits.
Small Business Administration Employment and Training Programs: The SBA provides resources and support for small businesses, and their employment and training programs can be valuable additions to the one-stop system, particularly in fostering entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training Programs: SNAP E&T programs aim to help SNAP recipients gain skills and find employment, reducing food insecurity and promoting economic stability.
Client Assistance Program: Authorized under the Rehabilitation Act, CAP provides advocacy and assistance to individuals with disabilities who are receiving or seeking vocational rehabilitation services. This program ensures that individuals with disabilities have a voice and can access the services they need.
Programs Authorized Under the National and Community Service Act of 1990: These programs, such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, engage volunteers in community service activities, often including workforce development and job training components.
Other Federal, State, or Local Programs: This broad category allows for the inclusion of various other relevant programs, such as employment, education, and training initiatives offered by public libraries or private sector organizations. This flexibility ensures that the one-stop system can adapt to the unique landscape of local resources and needs.

A photograph capturing a diverse group of professionals engaged in a collaborative meeting, symbolizing the partnership and shared effort inherent in the one-stop service delivery model.

Identifying the One-Stop Partner for Each Program

To ensure accountability and clarity, it’s essential to pinpoint which entity serves as the one-stop partner for each specific program within a local area. The general rule is that the entity responsible for administering the funds of a program in the local area is the one-stop partner. This “entity” is typically the grant recipient, administrative entity, or organization directly managing the program’s funding. Importantly, this definition excludes service providers who contract with or are subrecipients of the local administrative entity. For programs without local administrative entities, the responsible state agency assumes the role of the partner.

If a required program is not operational within a specific local area, then the requirements related to that program’s participation as a one-stop partner are not applicable in that particular one-stop delivery system. This acknowledges that service availability may vary geographically.

Specific examples of entities that serve as partners for particular programs include:

WIOA Title II (AEFLA): The designated state entity or agency responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities. This agency may delegate responsibilities to eligible providers or consortia.
Vocational Rehabilitation Program: The designated state agency or unit primarily focused on vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities.
WIOA Title I National Programs (Job Corps, Native American Program, YouthBuild, Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs): For Native American, YouthBuild, and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker programs, the partner is the grantee of each program. For Job Corps, the partner is the Job Corps center itself.
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act: The eligible recipient(s) at the postsecondary level, or a consortium of postsecondary recipients in the local area. These recipients can also seek assistance from the state eligible agency in fulfilling their partner responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of One-Stop Partners

Being a partners one, or rather, a one-stop partner, is not merely a title; it comes with significant roles and responsibilities aimed at ensuring the effective functioning of the one-stop delivery system. Each required partner is obligated to actively contribute to and participate in the system.

The core responsibilities of each required partner are:

Program Accessibility: Partners must provide access to their programs and activities through the one-stop delivery system, in addition to any other locations where they typically operate. This ensures that individuals can conveniently access a wide range of services in one central location.
Financial Contribution and Collaborative Funding: Partners are required to use a portion of their program funds to support the one-stop system. This contribution must be consistent with federal law, cost principles (2 CFR parts 200 and 2900), and must be used for:
- Providing applicable career services.
- Collaborating with State and Local WDBs to establish and maintain the one-stop system, including jointly funding infrastructure costs.
Infrastructure cost contributions are based on a reasonable cost allocation methodology, proportionate use, relative benefit, federal cost principles, and any local administrative cost requirements associated with the partner’s program.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Each partner must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Local WDB. This MOU outlines the operational details of the partnership and how the partner will contribute to the one-stop system, adhering to the requirements of § 678.500(b).
Active Participation: Partners are expected to actively participate in the operation of the one-stop delivery system, consistent with the terms of the MOU, authorizing laws, federal cost principles, and all other applicable legal requirements. This active engagement is crucial for the system’s success.
Workforce Development Board Representation: Partners are required to be represented on both State and Local WDBs, as mandated. They are also expected to participate in board committees as needed, contributing their expertise and perspectives to the governance and strategic direction of workforce development efforts.

A photo of hands shaking over a signed document, representing the formal agreement and commitment between partners in the one-stop system, highlighting trust and collaboration.

Career Services Provided by One-Stop Partners

A key function of one-stop partners is the delivery of career services. The specific career services that must be provided by each required partner are those listed in § 678.430 that are authorized under their respective program. This ensures that the services offered are aligned with the partner’s mission and funding.

One-stop centers are designed to provide services tailored to individual customer needs, offering a seamless and integrated delivery of multiple services. There is no mandatory sequence of services; instead, the focus is on providing the right services at the right time to help individuals achieve their employment goals.

Career services are broadly categorized into three types:

Basic Career Services: These foundational services must be readily available to all individuals and include eligibility determinations, outreach, intake, orientation, initial skills assessments, labor exchange services (job search and placement assistance, career counseling, employer services), referrals to other programs, labor market information, performance and program cost information, local area performance data, supportive services information and referrals, unemployment compensation claim assistance, and financial aid assistance information.
Individualized Career Services: These more intensive services are provided when deemed necessary for an individual to obtain or retain employment. They include comprehensive assessments, individual employment plan development, group and individual counseling, career planning, short-term pre-vocational services, internships and work experiences, workforce preparation activities, financial literacy services, out-of-area job search and relocation assistance, and English language acquisition and integrated education and training programs.
Follow-up Services: These services are provided as appropriate to participants in adult or dislocated worker programs who are placed in unsubsidized employment, for up to 12 months after their first day of employment. Follow-up services often include workplace counseling to support job retention and career advancement.

TANF agencies have a specific responsibility to identify their employment services and related support that qualify as career services and ensure access to them through the local one-stop delivery system. This integration is vital for TANF recipients seeking to transition to self-sufficiency through employment.

Business Services and Employer Engagement

One-stop systems are not only for job seekers; they also play a crucial role in serving the needs of local businesses. Certain career services are specifically directed towards employers, particularly labor exchange activities and labor market information. Local areas are required to build strong relationships and networks with both large and small employers and their intermediaries, and to develop industry or sector partnerships.

In addition to these foundational services, customized business services may be provided to employers, employer associations, or similar organizations. These tailored services can include:

Customized screening and referral of qualified training participants.
Consultations on employment-related issues.
Customized recruitment events and job fairs.
Human resource consultation services (job descriptions, employee handbooks, performance evaluations, interviewing techniques, turnover analysis, job accommodations, labor law explanations).
Customized labor market information.
Other similar tailored services to meet specific employer needs.

Local areas can also offer a wider range of business services and strategies to meet the workforce investment needs of area employers. These may include developing industry sector strategies, apprenticeship program assistance, innovative workforce investment services (career pathways, skills upgrading), layoff aversion strategies, marketing of business services, and assistance with accessing tax credits. These broader business services are often delivered through effective business intermediaries in collaboration with the Local WDB.

All business services and strategies offered in a local area must be clearly outlined in the local plan, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment with workforce development goals.

Fees for Business Services

While one-stop centers are designed to provide many services at no cost, there is some flexibility regarding fees for certain business services. There is no mandate to charge employers for services. However, fees cannot be charged for the basic labor exchange and labor market information services.

Fees may be charged for the customized business services and the broader range of business services and strategies that are tailored to specific employer needs. When fees are charged, they are considered program income and must be used by the partner in accordance with their program’s authorizing statute, regulations, and federal cost principles. The Local WDB plays a role in examining the services offered and the available resources to determine an appropriate cost structure for fee-based services, if any. This flexibility allows one-stop systems to generate revenue to support enhanced services and partnerships, while ensuring that core services remain accessible to all employers.

Conclusion: Strengthening Workforce Development Through Partnership

The one-stop system, with its network of mandated and optional partners one, is a cornerstone of effective workforce development. By clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of these partners, WIOA ensures a coordinated and comprehensive approach to serving both job seekers and employers. Understanding the intricacies of these partnerships is essential for building a robust and responsive workforce development ecosystem that drives economic growth and individual prosperity. The emphasis on collaboration, shared funding, and clearly defined responsibilities creates a strong foundation for impactful workforce services across the nation.