Non-Financial Cooperative Agreement Between Nh Works and the Workforce Investment Act

NON-FINANCIAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN NH EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AND THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT, TITLE I (SECTION 167) GRANTEE, NEW ENGLAND FARM WORKERS’ COUNCIL

NH Employment Security and the New England Farm Workers’ Council (NEFWC), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title I (section 167) Grantee renew this non- financial agreement on this 14 day of October, 2015, to integrate and improve the quality of employment and training services provided by each agency. This document provides a cooperative working relationship between these agencies to assure that Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers (MSFWs) in the state are served in the most efficient possible manner.

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this agreement is:

A. To state our willingness to work cooperatively and expeditiously to assure maximum services to migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFWs);

B. To improve existing employment and training programs to emphasize quality of service and customer satisfaction, and

C. To combine the resources and knowledge of NH Employment Security and the New England Farm Workers’ Council for a more competent service delivery model.

II. RESPONSIBILITY

It will be the responsibility of NH Employment Security and the New England Farm Workers’ Council (NEFWC) to contact and make employment and training services available to farm workers in New Hampshire. Both parties agree to the following responsibilities, which will enhance and facilitate the cooperative working relationship:

A. It will be the responsibility of NH Employment Security and NEFWC management staff to ensure that data gathered regarding MSFW outreach activities and Labor Market information is shared for planning purposes;

B. It will be the responsibility of NH Employment Security and NEFWC managements to develop cooperative efforts, which are mutually beneficial in serving MSFWs, and to pursue avenues on how to avoid duplication of services and maximize each others’ effectiveness in meeting MSFW needs; C. It will be the responsibility of NH Employment Security and NEFWC management staff to ensure that the staffs of both agencies are provided the opportunity to participate in workshops each organization may sponsor on topics including: outreach activities, employment and training services under WIA 167, job search, etc.

D. Outreach workers will meet on a quarterly basis for the purpose of coordinating their outreach activities. Through better communication and coordination, duplication of services can be minimized and the number of MSFWs contacted can be maximized.

1. The NH Employment Security outreach staff will distribute NEFWC information on training and support services.

2. The NEFWC outreach staff will distribute informational pamphlets on NH Employment Security services, unemployment insurance, and training programs.

E. NH Employment Security and the NEFWC operator will develop referral- tracking systems designed to provide mutual feedback.

1. NH Employment Security will provide, on request, information on services provided to customers referred by the NEFWC. This will include: counseling, employment and training, job referral, placement, job development, and unemployment insurance. In support of this information exchange, the NH Works Release of Information form will be used by both partners

2. The NEFWC will provide, on request, information on services provided to referrals from NH Employment Security. This will include: enter job, enter training, ESL, number of outreach contacts, and supportive services.

III. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Each organization recognizes that certain information may be confidential according to law or policy. Each agency will respect the laws and/or regulations governing confidentiality.

Approved by:

Heriberto Flores George N. Copadis Executive Director Commissioner New England Farm Workers’ Council NH Employment Security Worforce Investment Act, Title I (Section 167) Grantee