![](https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/plugins/coa-wp/media/COA_logo_bw_print.png)
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
- individuals receiving public assistance;
- adolescents and adults without a high school diploma;
- adolescents and adults involved with the justice system;
- migrant and seasonal workers;
- resettled immigrants and refugees;
- older adults returning to the workforce after retirement;
- dislocated or low-wage incumbent workers; and
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- needs the program will address;
- available human, financial, organizational, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
- program activities intended to bring about desired results;
- program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
- desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in persons served); and
- 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:
- needs assessments and periodic reassessments; and
- 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.
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 2: Personnel
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.
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.
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.
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
PA-WDS 2.02
- identifying support networks of family, friends, and community resources;
- screening topics relevant to the identified service population;
- adult learning principles and the diversity of workforce development approaches;
- working with youth to explore career opportunities, when applicable; and
- common barriers to employment.
PA-WDS 2.03
- counseling individuals on any local or state asset limitation regulations and their implications for continued receipt of public assistance;
- identifying local programs that provide assistance and incentives for financial asset building; and
- overcoming obstacles to asset building for immigrants, refugees, and migrant or seasonal workers, including predatory lending.
PA-WDS 2.04
- assigning a worker at intake or early in the contact; and
- avoiding the arbitrary or indiscriminate reassignment of direct service personnel.
PA-WDS 2.05
- the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker including level of supervision needed;
- the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
- service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of persons served.
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 3: Community Partnerships
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.
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.
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.
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
- the criminal and juvenile justice systems;
- health and mental health care providers;
- educational institutions; and
- the local housing authority.
- virtual networking;
- email/phone;
- co-location;
- satellite locations or roving vans; and
- referral or formal contracting.
PA-WDS 3.02
PA-WDS 3.03
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 4: Assessment-Based Employment Planning and Monitoring
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.
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.
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.
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
- individualized;
- culturally and linguistically responsive; and
- completed within established timeframes.
PA-WDS 4.02
- previous formal and informal work experience;
- relevant life experience;
- interests, aptitudes, and employment goals;
- training and educational needs;
- strengths and coping strategies;
- informal support networks; and
- barriers to employment and job retention.
PA-WDS 4.03
- agreed upon goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
- services and supports to be provided, and by whom;
- the individual’s signature; and
- revisions to service goals and plans when needed.
PA-WDS 4.04
- assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other agency has assumed that responsibility;
- ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
- assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
- mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 5: Training and Personal Development Services
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.
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.
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.
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
- meet the needs of local employers; and
- are appropriate to the skill level of local job seekers.
PA-WDS 5.02
- workplace practices;
- workforce diversity;
- anger management and conflict resolution;
- working effectively with others;
- stress and time management;
- computer literacy; and
- financial literacy.
PA-WDS 5.03
PA-WDS 5.04
PA-WDS 5.05
- degree or certificate programs;
- ESL courses; and
- GED or high school courses.
PA-WDS 5.06
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 6: Job Development and Placement Services
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.
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.
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.
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
PA-WDS 6.02
- resume writing;
- interview and negotiation techniques; and
- accessing online resources.
PA-WDS 6.03
- offers varied placement opportunities;
- encourages job seekers to pursue living wage jobs;
- links job seekers to appropriate work supports;
- provides job placements with potential for advancement; and
- provides job seekers, either directly or by referral, with needed support services designed to reduce barriers to job retention.
Examples: Common barriers to job retention include:
- family responsibilities;
- inaccessible or unreliable transportation;
- insufficient benefits or income;
- social isolation on the job;
- lack of dependable childcare;
- the continued use of alcohol or drugs; and
- a lack of affordable and dependable housing.
PA-WDS 6.04
- 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
- continues follow-up and support services as appropriate to the identified needs of the individual and the employer.
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 7: Financial Literacy
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.
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.
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.
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
PA-WDS 7.02
- predatory lending;
- banking;
- the establishment and maintenance of good credit;
- debt management;
- paying bills;
- investing in the future;
- insurance;
- tax basics;
- budgeting; and
- buying a home.
PA-WDS 7.03
Workforce Development and Support Services (PA-WDS) 8: Financial Asset Building Services
Currently viewing: FINANCIAL ASSET BUILDING SERVICES
VIEW THE STANDARDS
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.
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.
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.
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
- insufficient income;
- inadequate training or education;
- lack of affordable and safe housing;
- family responsibilities;
- lack of affordable and quality child care; and
- transportation needs.
PA-WDS 8.02
- goal setting;
- long- and short-term financial planning;
- record keeping; and
- controlled spending.