2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services Definition

Purpose

Job seekers who receive workforce development, support, and financial asset building services achieve increased economic self-sufficiency.

Definition

Workforce Development and Support Services are community-based services that provide information and referral; educational opportunities; job training, placement, and follow-up; and financial asset building services to facilitate personal job acquisition and economic mobility. Workforce development programs must adopt a dual-customer approach by providing services that address the needs of both employers and job seekers.

Examples: Job seekers receiving workforce development services can include, but are not limited to, any of the following populations:
  1. individuals receiving public assistance;
  2. adolescents and adults without a high school diploma;
  3. adolescents and adults involved with the justice system;
  4. migrant and seasonal workers;
  5. resettled immigrants and refugees;
  6. older adults returning to the workforce after retirement;
  7. dislocated or low-wage incumbent workers; and
  8. veterans of the military looking for civilian work.

Note:Please see the  PA-WDS Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.


Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the WDS Crosswalk.

2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model

The agency implements a program logic model that describes how resources and program activities will support the achievement of positive outcomes. 

Note: Please see the Logic Model Template for additional guidance on this standard.  

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 1.01

A program logic model, or equivalent framework, identifies: 

  1. needs the program will address; 
  2. available human, financial, organizational, and community resources (i.e. inputs); 
  3. program activities intended to bring about desired results; 
  4. program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered); 
  5. desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in persons served); and 
  6. expected long-term impact on the agency, community, and/or system. 

Examples: Please see the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide and COA Accreditation’s PQI Tool Kit for more information on developing and using program logic models. 

 

Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to: 

  1. needs assessments and periodic reassessments; and 
  2. the best available evidence of service effectiveness. 


 

 

PA-WDS 1.02

The logic model identifies at least two outcomes appropriate to the program or service population. 

Interpretation: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PA-PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes. 

2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 2: Personnel

Program personnel have the competency and support needed to provide services and meet the needs of job seekers.
Interpretation: Competency can be demonstrated through education, training, or experience. Support can be provided through supervision or other learning activities to improve understanding or skill development in specific areas.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 2.01

Supervisors qualified by a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent training and experience, are available to provide case consultation at all times services are provided.
 

PA-WDS 2.02

All direct service personnel are trained on, or demonstrate competency in:
  1. identifying support networks of family, friends, and community resources;
  2. screening topics relevant to the identified service population;
  3. adult learning principles and the diversity of workforce development approaches;
  4. working with youth to explore career opportunities, when applicable; and
  5. common barriers to employment.
 

PA-WDS 2.03

Direct service personnel who provide financial asset-building services are trained on, or demonstrate competency in:
  1. counseling individuals on any local or state asset limitation regulations and their implications for continued receipt of public assistance;
  2. identifying local programs that provide assistance and incentives for financial asset building; and
  3. overcoming obstacles to asset building for immigrants, refugees, and migrant or seasonal workers, including predatory lending.
NA The agency does not provide financial asset-building services.

Examples: Obstacles to asset building for immigrants, refugees, and migrant or seasonal workers can include a lack of appropriate documentation or identification; difficulty understanding local banking, mortgage, and business systems; and prejudice among employers, local businesses, and citizens.
 

PA-WDS 2.04

The agency minimizes the number of workers assigned to job seekers over the course of their contact with the agency by:
  1. assigning a worker at intake or early in the contact; and
  2. avoiding the arbitrary or indiscriminate reassignment of direct service personnel.
 

PA-WDS 2.05

Employee workloads support the achievement of client outcomes and are regularly reviewed.

Examples: Factors that may be considered when determining employee workloads include, but are not limited to:
  1. the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker including level of supervision needed;
  2. the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
  3. service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of persons served.
2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 3: Community Partnerships

The agency creates partnerships with local employers, community service providers, and educational institutions to provide workforce development services that are appropriate, accessible, coordinated, and comprehensive.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 3.01

Program managers and supervisors facilitate regular contact and collaboration with relevant systems and government agencies including, but not limited to:
  1. the criminal and juvenile justice systems;
  2. health and mental health care providers;
  3. educational institutions; and
  4. the local housing authority.

Examples: Methods that the agency may use to facilitate regular contact among its community partners include:
  1. virtual networking;
  2. email/phone; 
  3. co-location;
  4. satellite locations or roving vans; and
  5. referral or formal contracting.
 

PA-WDS 3.02

The agency develops and maintains a working relationship with employers in the community identified as being in need of trained workers and able to offer opportunities for career advancement.
 

PA-WDS 3.03

The agency maintains a comprehensive list of community service providers and potential employers that is accessible to direct service personnel.
2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 4: Assessment-Based Employment Planning and Monitoring

Each job seeker participates in the development and ongoing review of an assessment-based employment plan.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 4.01

Job seekers participate in an assessment that is:
  1. individualized;
  2. culturally and linguistically responsive; and
  3. completed within established timeframes.
 

PA-WDS 4.02

Assessments identify the job seeker’s:
  1. previous formal and informal work experience;
  2. relevant life experience;
  3. interests, aptitudes, and employment goals;
  4. training and educational needs;
  5. strengths and coping strategies;
  6. informal support networks; and
  7. barriers to employment and job retention.
 

PA-WDS 4.03

The agency works with the job seeker to develop and regularly review an assessment-based employment plan that includes: 
  1. agreed upon goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
  2. services and supports to be provided, and by whom;
  3. the individual’s signature; and
  4. revisions to service goals and plans when needed.
 

PA-WDS 4.04

The agency works in active partnership with job seekers to: 
  1. assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other agency has assumed that responsibility;
  2. ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
  3. assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
  4. mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.
2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 5: Training and Personal Development Services

The agency works with community employers to provide job seekers with training programs and other personal development opportunities that help individuals acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve gainful employment and job mobility.
NA The agency does not provide training and personal development services.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 5.01

The agency reviews its training courses every two years with input from local business, and makes modifications as necessary, to ensure that training programs:
  1. meet the needs of local employers; and
  2. are appropriate to the skill level of local job seekers.
 

PA-WDS 5.02

Job readiness training addresses:
  1. workplace practices;
  2. workforce diversity;
  3. anger management and conflict resolution;
  4. working effectively with others;
  5. stress and time management;
  6. computer literacy; and
  7. financial literacy.
 

PA-WDS 5.03

Each training course has a written course description including the curriculum, location, and meeting time of training sessions.
 

PA-WDS 5.04

Training schedules are flexible and include evening hours and, when possible, distance learning opportunities and individually paced instruction.

Examples: Individually paced instruction is typically offered through a computer-based program that allows students to skip quickly over material they are familiar with or move slowly through material that is more difficult. It is often more effective to provide this in a classroom-style setting where a teacher or trainer is available if the student has questions.
 

PA-WDS 5.05

Based on their assessed needs and individualized employment plan, job seekers have access to a combination of educational programs that include:
  1. degree or certificate programs;
  2. ESL courses; and
  3. GED or high school courses.
 

PA-WDS 5.06

Individuals with disabilities are offered professional skill-development training courses in integrated settings, either directly or by referral, as appropriate to their individualized employment objectives.
2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 6: Job Development and Placement Services

The agency provides the necessary job development and placement services to help the job seeker find and keep a job that is consistent with his or her employment plan.
NA The agency does not provide job development and placement services.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 6.01

The agency provides the job seeker with current labor market information, consistent with their employment objectives, including current job listings with salary levels and opportunities for advancement.
 

PA-WDS 6.02

The agency supports the job seeker’s search for employment by helping him or her develop a job search strategy and improve job search skills including:
  1. resume writing;
  2. interview and negotiation techniques; and
  3. accessing online resources.
 

PA-WDS 6.03

To promote job retention, the agency:
  1. offers varied placement opportunities;
  2. encourages job seekers to pursue living wage jobs;
  3. links job seekers to appropriate work supports; 
  4. provides job placements with potential for advancement; and
  5. provides job seekers, either directly or by referral, with needed support services designed to reduce barriers to job retention.

Examples: Work supports are federally and state funded programs that provide assistance to low-income families. Examples of work supports include the Earned Income Tax Credit, subsidized child care, food stamps, and cash assistance.

Examples: Common barriers to job retention include:
  1. family responsibilities;
  2. inaccessible or unreliable transportation;
  3. insufficient benefits or income;
  4. social isolation on the job;
  5. lack of dependable childcare;
  6. the continued use of alcohol or drugs; and
  7. a lack of affordable and dependable housing.
 

PA-WDS 6.04

Following a placement, the agency:
  1. follows up with both the employer and the employee to assess the appropriateness of the placement and address any emerging issues with placed workers; and
  2. continues follow-up and support services as appropriate to the identified needs of the individual and the employer.
2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 7: Financial Literacy

The agency promotes the achievement of identified financial goals by providing the individual with the knowledge necessary to effectively manage his or her finances.
NA The agency does not provide financial literacy education.

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VIEW THE STANDARDS

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 7.01

The agency provides basic financial literacy information in plain language with technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms clearly defined.
 

PA-WDS 7.02

Financial literacy topics are adjusted according to the identified needs of the group or individual receiving services and include information regarding:
  1. predatory lending;
  2. banking;
  3. the establishment and maintenance of good credit;
  4. debt management;
  5. paying bills;
  6. investing in the future;
  7. insurance;
  8. tax basics;
  9. budgeting; and
  10. buying a home.
 

PA-WDS 7.03

Direct service personnel provide individuals with contact information for specific resources in the community including places to receive financial advice and debt counseling services.
2024 Edition

Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 8: Financial Asset Building Services

The agency encourages asset accumulation by working with the individual to save, build assets, manage resources, and plan for crisis.
NA The agency does not provide financial asset building services.

1
Full Implementation, Outstanding Performance
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.  
  • All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance. 
2
Substantial Implementation, Good Performance
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
  • The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented. 
  • Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
3

Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.  

  • The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.  
  • Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.  
  • Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.  
  • Capacity is at a basic level.
4
Unsatisfactory Implementation or Performance
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.  
  • The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
 

PA-WDS 8.01

The agency helps the individual to identify and overcome barriers to asset building by accessing support services provided directly or by referral.

Examples: Barriers to asset building can include:
  1. insufficient income;
  2. inadequate training or education;
  3. lack of affordable and safe housing;
  4. family responsibilities;
  5. lack of affordable and quality child care; and
  6. transportation needs.
 

PA-WDS 8.02

The agency works with the individual to develop a plan for financial resource management including:
  1. goal setting;
  2. long- and short-term financial planning;
  3. record keeping; and
  4. controlled spending.
 

PA-WDS 8.03

The agency works with the individual to establish a crisis plan in case of unexpected financial hardship.

Example: Financial hardship may be brought on by life events such as unexpected job loss, natural disaster, or illness.
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