NAEPDC

TEXAS MOU

PAGE

 

 

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

for Implementation of the
Workforce Investment Act

by
Agencies of the State of Texas

                             

The following Memorandum of Understanding (the Agreement) sets forth the terms of agreement for cooperation and consultation concerning implementation of the Workforce Investment Act among the following agencies of the State of Texas (the Agencies):

Office of the Attorney General (OAG),
Texas Commission for the Blind (TCB),
Texas Council for Workforce and Economic Competitiveness (TCWEC)
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA),
Texas Education Agency (TEA),
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB),
Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC), and
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

 
I.      Purpose of Agreement

It is the purpose of this Agreement to establish a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship among the Agencies and to set forth the relative responsibilities of the Agencies insofar as they relate to planning and implementation of individual and mutual duties, obligations, and responsibilities under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. 

To ensure the utmost flexibility for all Agencies participating in this cooperative Agreement, it is understood and agreed that the Agencies may enter into agency-specific Supplemental Agreements among the Agencies that are part of this Agreement. Such Supplemental Agreements shall specify individual agreements and obligations that are applicable to two or more Agencies, and shall be subject to the limitations in Section VI of this Agreement.

 II.   Duration of Agreement

The Agreement will commence on the 1st day of July 1999, and shall remain in full force and effect until the 30th day of June 2004, or until the Agreement is canceled by the Agencies in accordance with the terms set forth herein.


III.   General Provisions

It is understood by the Agencies that each should be able to fulfill their responsibilities under this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of law and regulation which govern their activities. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to negate or otherwise render ineffective any such provisions or operating procedures. If at any time any Agency is unable to perform its functions under this Agreement consistent with such Agency’s statutory and regulatory mandates, the affected Agency shall immediately provide written notice to all other Agencies to establish a date for mutual resolution of the conflict.

IV.   Responsibilities of the Agencies under Agreement

 In consideration of the mutual aims and desires of the Agencies to this Agreement and in recognition of the public benefit to be derived from effective implementation of the programs involved, the Agencies agree that their respective duties and responsibilities under this agreement shall be as follows:

  1. provide staff to attend interagency meetings and related functions;

  2. promote information-sharing and the coordination of activities to improve the performance of all local Workforce Development Boards, Texas career centers, and local partners through the development and implementation of local Memorandums of Understanding

  3. promote joint planning at the state, regional and local levels;

  4. exchange information and coordinate programs for a more streamlined and efficient workforce development system;

  5. identify opportunities for coordination and elimination of barriers to cooperation;

  6. promote the development of compatible performance and accountability systems to document progress under the WIA and other legislation that includes common definitions and methodology;

  7. explore collaborative activities for the state’s unified plan for the Workforce Investment Act for the state agencies under applicable state and federal laws; and

  8. promote the development of additional linkages with other appropriate state agencies and work with Local Workforce Development Boards and Texas career center operators to promote the availability of the core services described in W.I.A.§ 134 (d) (2) to participants at all Texas career centers.

V.   Allocation of Costs

The participants in this project assume full responsibility for their respective costs associated with their performance of the terms of this Agreement. In no event, except as may be provided in a Supplemental Agreement, shall any Agency be obligated to pay or reimburse any expense incurred by another Agency under this Agreement.

VI.   Supplemental Agreements to Memorandum of Understanding

Each Agency that is a party to this Agreement agrees to explore Supplemental Agreements in furtherance of the purposes of this Agreement.

VII.  Amendment or Cancellation of Agreement

The Agreement may be amended at any time in writing and by mutual consent of the Agencies. Each Agency may cancel its participation in the Agreement upon sixty (60) day’s written notice to the other Agencies. Cancellation of the Agreement by one or more Agencies will not relieve the remaining agencies of their responsibilities under the Agreement.

APPROVED:

The undersigned Agencies bind themselves to the faithful performance of this Agreement. It is mutually understood that this Agreement shall not become effective until approved by all Agencies involved.

OFFICE 0F THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

 

By: ______________________
Name: Howard G. Baldwin, Jr.
Title:   Deputy Attorney General for Child Support
Date:   6/24/99

TEXAS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

By:________________________
Name:  Terrell I. Murphy
Title:   Executive Director
Date:   6/25/99 

TEXAS COUNCIL FOR WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS

By: _______________________
Name: Ron Curry
Title:  Director
Date: 6/25/99

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

By:  ______________________
Name:  Daisy A. Stiner
Title:  Executive Director  
Date:  6/29/99

TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

By:   ______________________
Name: Mike Moses
Title:   Commissioner of Education
Date:   6/30/99

TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD

By:   __________________
Name:  Don W. Brown
Title:  Commission of Higher Education
Date:  6/30/99

TEXAS REHABILITATION COMMISSION

By:   _________________________
Name: Vernon M. Arrell
Title:  Commissioner
Date: 6/28/99

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION

By:   _______________________
Name:  Mike Sheridan
Title:    Executive Director
Date:  6/30/99

COLLABORATION AND LINKAGE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
DEEP EAST TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE
DEEP EAST TEXAS LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
AND
REGION V ADULT EDUCATION

 

  1. PERIOD OF AGREEMENT

    The terms of this Collaboration and Linkage Agreement are effective June 1, 1999.   This non-financial agreement will be automatically renewed from year to year unless either party notifies the other of its intention to terminate.

    Either the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) or the Region V Adult Education may propose amendments to this Collaboration and Linkage Agreement at any time by providing written notice of such amendments.  To become effective, amendments shall require the approval of both parties to this Agreement.

    This Agreement assists DETCOG in serving applications and customers, including, but not limited to, those individuals applying for any workforce programs.  This agreement supplements any-other Collaboration Agreements presently in force and signed by both agencies.

  2. PURPOSE

    It is the purpose of this Collaboration and Linkage Agreement to enhance the ability of DETCOG to collaborate with the Region V Adult Education for the optimum delivery of needed services for the joint populations served by both agencies to include all programs available.

  3. COLLABORATION AND LINKAGE ACTIVITIES

    Under this Collaboration and Linkage Agreement, it is understood that provision of any of the services listed herein is dependent on the eligibility guidelines, selection procedure, and availability of funds and related criteria of the respective agency.   Information sharing and co-case management, when appropriate, between the agencies maximizes the potential for services to applicants and participants and reduces the possibility of duplication of services.  Furthermore, it is understood that:

     

    1. DETCOG may refer individuals to Region V Adult Education for the following consideration (s).
    1. Assessment and Testing of Adult Clients
    2. Literacy Information
    3. GED/Basic Skills Training
    4. Life Coping Skills
    5. English as a second Language (ESL)
    6. Computer Literacy
    7. Uniform standard assessment common to adult education programs in the state.
    1. Baseline Testing
    2. Progress Testing
    3. Post Testing
      The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is used for English speaking customers and the TEST is used for ESL.  Adult Learning Centers have the flexibility to use surveys or the complete battery of tests.
    1. Region V Adult Education may refer individuals to DETCOG for consideration for the following services:
    1. Orientation to DETCOG programs and skills assessment
    2. Eligibility certification, assessment, and, when appropriate, referral to services such as:
      1. Classroom or on-the-job employment
      2. Job search assistance
      3. Housing
      4. Aging
      5. Economic Development
      6. 911
      7. Criminal Justice
      8. Regional Services
      9. Retired Senior Volunteer Program

  4. ENHANCED SERVICES

    1. DETCOG will provide:
    1. Intensive case management to customers enrolled in any workforce program.
    2. Expand supportive services to customers receiving enhanced case management.
    3. Client confidentiality statements for client's signature to allow for the sharing and exchange of information between collaborating agencies.
    4. Participate in collaborative meetings with Region V Adult Education to maintain open communication about customer needs and availability services.
    5. Co-training opportunities for Workforce staff and staff of Region V Adult Education
    6. Pay the cost of GED, and TASP testing and retesting.
    7. Enhanced counseling and referral coordination.
    8. Provide sign-in sheets for participant tracking on the workforce weekly attendance and progress verification.

       

  1. Region V Adult Education will, to the extent that funding and space allow:
  1. Provide appropriate workspace for customers and case managers involved in these efforts to receive or deliver enhanced services.
  2. Adequate administration for program services.
  3. When available, allow access to standardized records.
  4. Provide skilled and qualified instructional staff.
  5. Provide learning aids:
  1. Books
  2. Supplies
  3. Materials

  1. Coordinate completion or sign-in sheets to allow for adequate participant tracking and to support documentation of match to be submitted to DETCOG monthly.

  2. Calculate an average cost per customer for services available through the Region V Adult Education.

 
  1. CONTACT PERSONS

    Each agency will appoint a contact person to serve as that agency's point of contact for the other agency in each country of the Deep East Texas Region.  These individuals may communicate as needed and/or call meetings between the agencies for any purpose.   Additionally, they may propose amendments to this Agreement as appropriate.
  2. CERTIFICATION

    The signatures below acknowledge the existence of this Collaboration and Linkage Agreement between the following two agencies as each agency cooperates in the WORKFORCE CENTERS cooperation collaboration efforts.

REGION V ADULT EDUCATION
By:  __________________
Brenda Schofield, Director

DEEP TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
By:______________________
Walter G. Diggles, Executive Director

 

 

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Central Texas Workforce System
and Partner (s)

Part I: INTRODUCTION

Section 1:  Parties to and Purpose of this Agreement:

  1. This document serves as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Texas Workforce Development Board, herein after referred to as Board, Central Texas Council of Governments, herein after referred to as Contractor, and Central Texas College, herein after refereed to as Partner.  The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the responsibilities and commitments of each organization to serve Central Texas residents during the term of this agreement.  Agreement is made and entered into by and between the following:

    Central Texas Workforce Development Board
    Contact Person:  Susan Kamas, Executive Director
    Address:  P.O. Box 450, Belton, Texas, 76513
    Telephone Number:  (254) 939-3771, ext. 214
    Fax Number:  (254)939-3207

    Central Texas Council of Governments, Contractor
    Contact Person:  Jerry Haisler, Workforce Division Director
    Address:  207 E. Avenue D, Killeen, Texas 76541
    Telephone Number:  (254) 526-4448
    Fax Number:  (254) 526-4985

    Central Texas College
    Contact Person (s):
    Don Mikles - Non-Certificate Post Secondary Career and Technical Training and Post Secondary Vocational Education Activities,

     

    Anna Belle Smith -

    		  

    Director of Financial Aid  
     

     

    Doretha King --

    		  

     

    Adult Education and National Literacy Act
     

    Address:

    		 PO Box 1800, Killeen, TX  76540-9990
     

    Telephone Number:

    		  

    254-526-7161
    Fax Number: 254-526-1481
  2. The parties hereto, severally and collectively, agree by the executive of this Memorandum of Understanding to the obligations, performances and accomplishments of the tasks hereinafter described.  Specifically, the parties hereto agree to coordinate resources to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services as described in Part II of this Agreement.

Section 2:  Period of Agreement

This Agreement shall commence on July 1, 1999 and shall be effective until such parties give each other 30 days notice to terminate the agreement.

Part II:  DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A.  Joint Vision/Purpose

  1. To establish a delivery system for cross-program, cross-agency planning that will enable the local services agencies to integrate services, thereby, providing a seamless system of comprehensive education, social service, workforce development, and employment services to unemployed and underemployed Central Texas residents.

  2. The parties shall coordinate and perform the activities and services described herein within the scope of this Memorandum of Understanding as may be required and permitted by Federal and State laws and policies governing the parties' respective programs, services, and agencies.

B.  Joint Responsibilities

  1. All parties will actively secure and share confidential participant information and records according to applicable state and federal law, rules, regulations and waivers, including, but not limited to:

  1. Utilization of a service needs assessment;

  2. Information and referral for needed services;

  3. Common application and eligibility;

  4. Common assessment;

  5. Joint case management;

  6. Tracking performance based outcomes;

  7. Active workgroup, advisory and/or planning participation; and

  8. Fulfill individual roles as identified by this agreement.

  1. All parties will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336), and all amendments to each, and all requirements imposed by the regulations issued pursuant to these acts.  In addition, the contractor agrees to comply with Title 40, chapter 73, of the Texas Administrative Code. These provide in part that no persons in the United States shall, on grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political beliefs, or religion be excluded form participation in, or denied, any aid, care, service, or other benefits provided by federal and/or state funding, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination.

C.  Coordinated Activities

  1. Coordinate with all applicable partners in scheduling orientation or group activities involving shared customers.
  2. Actively participate in designated activities including providing front-line staff for workgroup representation.
  3. Assist in the development of an integrated case management system for customers, and after such development, actively participate in joint case management activities if applicable.
  4. Jointly develop and present information that ensures clear and effective communication of each agency's services to the public and shared customers.
  5. Jointly develop and present replication information to appropriate audiences thereby providing technical assistance to emerging partnerships.
  6. Actively participate in all project activities to ensure that project goals are attained including joint staff capacity building activities.
  7. Report budgetary information in accordance with Section IV and Attachment A of this agreement.

D.  Individual Responsibilities:

  1. Central Texas Workforce Development Board

    1. Workforce System Grant Administration including grant management, fiscal activities, oversight, evaluation, and overall coordination activities.
    2. Support Central Texas Workforce Centers' continued development.
    3. Assist in activities necessary for individual agency implantation, including, for example, coordination activities related to joint staff training and information sharing, and researching and securing common technology for centralized information  and referral centers.
    4. Actively participate in pilot activities identified at State and local levels as methods which may improve services to Central Texas workforce customers.
    5. Provide information and referral services which encourage the effective and efficient exchange of information between training providers, businesses, and job seekers.
    6. Evaluate and report activities and services herein described.
    7. Mediate concerns identified by partners and customers which stand as barriers to providing customer-driven service delivery opportunities.
    8. Ensure resources are available to provide space, resource material, equipment, and personnel, as necessary, to ensure the efficient development of the local Workforce Centers.
    9. Make an effort to coordinate activities and avoid potential duplicated efforts regarding employer initiatives and customized training.
    10. Fiscally support jointly developed Pell Grant and supportive services procedures.
    11. Provide Contractor and Partners with appropriate forms for reporting program and expenditure levels for computer lab facilities to the Board.
    12. Coordinate participation in common activities.
    13. Ensure on-site access to Child Care enrollment during Partner registration periods.

  2. Central Texas Council of Governments, Contractor

    1. Support Central Texas Workforce Center's continued development.
    2. Assist in activities necessary for individual agency implementation, including, for example, coordination activities related to joint staff training and information sharing, and researching and securing common technology for centralized information and referral centers.
    3. Actively participate in pilot activities identified at State and local levels as methods which may improve services to Central Texas workforce customers.
    4. Provide information and referral services which encourage the effective and efficient exchange of information between training providers, businesses, job seekers, Board and Partner.
    5. Provide training and workshops related to career exploration and development, job seeking/keeping, and life skills for all customers seeking employment assistance.
    6. Maintain space, resource material, equipment, and personnel, as necessary, to ensure the quality development of the local Workforce Centers.
    7. Make an effort to coordinate activities and avoid potential duplicated efforts regarding employer initiatives and customized training.
    8. Support jointly developed Pell Grant procedures including
    • securing a release of information form from workforce customers who will be receiving a Pell Grant for Partner Financial Aid office, and
    • ensure that Pell applications are available in Central Texas Workforce Centers.

    1. Provide support to Partner-managed computer lab facilities including:

      • referral of appropriate workforce system customer,
      • development of customer applications, eligibility determination, etc.,
      • coordination of assessment activities including the use of the TABE locator and/or oral interview, full battery and surveys, and the prescriptive study methodology,
      • support use of short-term and job skills training with skills certification to the extent possible while maintaining majority low income user levels,
      • encourage and support enrollment of workforce system customers from all appropriate programs based on customer need and eligibility as well as specific workforce program allowable activities,
      • refer workforce system customs not otherwise eligible for services funded by Partner Adult Education program.

  1. Coordinate service opportunities and participation in common activities.

  2. Support on-site access to Child Care enrollment during Partner registration periods.

3.  Central Texas College, Partner

  1. Support Central Texas Workforce Centers' continued development.

  2. Assist in activities necessary for individual agency implementation, including, for example, coordination activities related to joint staff training and information sharing, and researching and securing common technology for centralized information and referral centers.

  3. Assignment of staff to support services provided at Workforce Centers as appropriate.

  4. Make an effort to coordinate activities and avoid potential duplicated efforts regarding employer initiatives and customized training.

  5. Support jointly developed Pell Grant procedures including

  • Partner Financial Aid Office accepting a release of information form from workforce customers who will be receiving a Pell Grant,
  • Assign a unique code to Workforce System customers who are attending through an Individual Training Account and who are receiving a Pell Grant,
  • Provide a student budget of all expenses based on student's demographic categories as required by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,
  • Ensure that Pell applications are available in Central Texas Workforce Centers, and
  • Provide training to Workforce Center staff on completion of Pell applications.

  1. Provide support to computer lab facilities including:

  • referral of customers as appropriate for workforce system services,
  • tracking of workforce students' progress,
  • coordination of assessment activities including the use of the TABE locator and/or oral interview, full battery and surveys, and the prescriptive study methodology,
  • development and implementation of short-term and job skills training with skills certification to the extent possible while maintaining majority low-income user levels,
  • support of workforce system customers refereed from Central Texas Workforce Centers based on customer need based on workforce program eligibility or supported by Adult Education funding,

  1. Coordinate service opportunities and participation in common activities.

Part III:  PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS/STANDARDS

  1. Actively participate in performance measurements as relevant to each program's requirements and customers.

  2. Track and report number of customers, social security number, and services received to Board for use in aggregate reporting.

  3. Assist in development and dissemination of common customer satisfaction surveys, customer focus groups, and needs assessment.

  4. Utilize common customer needs assessment and return documentation to Board for tracking purposes.

  5. Track, as appropriate, State defined outcome measures.

  6. Incrementally participate in pilot efforts of the workforce system including use of technology for: formal information and referral services, tracking, and information sharing.

Part IV:  BUDGET AND METHOD OF PAYMENT

A.   Budget --

Services rendered under this agreement will be "in-kind' between all reciprocating parties.  With the exception of the quarterly computer lab expenditure report from Partner to Board, no budget requirements are anticipated.

AGREED BETWEEN:

 

___________________________________________________
Susan Kams                                                             Date
Central Texas Workforce Board

____________________________________________________
Jerry Haisler                                                             Date
Central Texas Council of Governments, Workforce Development Division

____________________________________________________
James R. Anderson, Ph.D.                                          Date
Chancellor, Central Texas College, Post-Secondary Career and Technical Training and Vocational Education

____________________________________________________
Doretha King                                                             Date
Central Texas College, Adult Education and National Literacy Act