Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
 


Workforce Connect

Workforce Connect is a software suite that helps states implement WIOA by connecting partners and providing a seamless experience for job seekers. By acting as the “common front door” for workforce agencies’ programs and systems – including UI, employment services and workforce/training - states can transform how they deliver services under WIOA.

​​Workforce Connect was designed by UI ITSC and three pilot states – New York, Mississippi and Oregon – through a grant from the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The end result is a customizable software suite available to all states that enhances the overall user experience while providing agencies with the necessary information.

Download Fact Sheet (PDF)


How it works

​​​​Workforce Connect is a three-module software suite. The modules can operate on their own, or work together as one application. Workforce Connect does not replace the existing systems in place at the state level, but augments the system with a single view for the job seeker.

The modules are:

  • Single Sign On

    • Single sign on provides the first level of access and authorization to the state’s ancillary applications. It eliminates the need for the user to have multiple user IDs and passwords, streamlining the login process. This also assists states with a single location to manage and maintain user access and privileges.
  • Integrated Registration

    • This module was created so job seekers do not need to enter their personal information multiple times for different services. Data such as demographics, work history and profile information is entered by the job seeker at the beginning of the process, eliminating redundant activity.
    • The need for nightly batch processing is eliminated because Workforce Connect enables real-time data transfer between systems using various Web services.
  • Workforce Profile Dashboard

    • The Profile Dashboard connects various systems and information to display job matches, training opportunities, job fairs and workshops, unemployment insurance claim information, even social media feeds, for a personalized experience for the job seeker.
      This information, presented in a user friendly way, can help the job-seeker receive multiple services, ask questions, check the status of inquiries and payments all online, eliminating calls to the agency while ensuring he or she has the important information they need.

Features and Benefits

​​​​Workforce Connect provides benefits to both the job seeker and the state agency. Some of the key features include:

For the State:

WIOA

​​​​Workforce Connect helps you implement WIOA by integrating UI, ES and workforce IT systems so they “speak” to each other. Workforce Connect also allows for easy expansion of the modules to new partners in your workforce system, such as adult basic education and vocational rehabilitation. It also interfaces with your state’s job postings and other resources, such as labor market information, career fairs, workshops, and social media links, which results in real-time personalized information for the job seeker.

Totally Customizable

​​​​Workforce Connect is totally customizable by the state agency, allowing you to align it with your state brand. You can name it/rename it, place your logo on it, select a color palette and even write the questions/fields to ensure it integrates with your backend data systems.

​​​​Plus, Workforce Connect comes with a translator, so you can present questions in multiple languages.

Automated Password Recovery

​​​​If a user forgets or loses his or her password, recovery is done through an automated, self-service password reset. No human interaction is required, no phone calls for look up or reset!

Streamlined Customer Service

​​​​Because Workforce Connect is personalized to the job seeker’s needs and information and the functions are automated, the job seeker has easy access to information that in the past required a call or even a visit into your offices. This means potentially fewer customer service phone calls that your staff has to field.


For the Job Seeker:

Easy Registration

​​​​Job seekers can register for multiple programs at once thanks to the Integrated Registration module, which was created to eliminate the need for job seekers to enter and re-enter information multiple times. This easy registration process collects the information and data that is common across partners and passes it along to relevant workforce systems.

Access Personalized Information

​​​​Once the job seeker registers, the Integrated Profile Page provides information that is tailored to that job seeker’s needs, including job fairs, workshops, job matches, labor market information (LMI) and other important information, all in real time.

Secure Messaging

​​​​Rarely can a job seeker ask questions and receive answers from the state systems without having to pick up the phone. With the secure messaging function in the Profile Page, job seekers now can query the workforce agency and receive answers, notices and updates from the states.

Track Status

​​​​Another great feature of the Profile Page is that the job seeker can track the status of UI claims as well as other paperwork. This not only makes life easier for the job seeker, but may eliminate some incoming calls to your agency.

Download Fact Sheet (PDF)


Getting Started

​​​​Workforce Connect is an open source technology solution. No software licenses are required and your state owns all intellectual property. To facilitate the onboarding process and assist your technology teams, UI ITSC provides technology and integration support for implementation and upgrading.

​​​​Additionally, ITSC has a security architect that works with your technology team to ensure security and protection of all user data. And of course, because it is an open source, the full application source code is available for your team to customize.

​​​​For specific technology requirements, please see FAQs


WorkforceConnect@itsc.org


FAQs

Who developed Workforce Connect?

​​​​Workforce Connect was developed by NASWA’s (National Association of State Workforce Agencies) ITSC (Information Technology Support Center) with a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration using Dislocated Workers Funds.

​​​​ITSC worked with three states to develop Workforce Connect, piloting the program to ensure the modules would provide the integration and data needs for state agencies.

How much does it cost?

​​​​Workforce Connect was developed using an open source software, therefore there are no licensing fees. However, your state will incur some costs associated with hardware needs, integration and interfaces, customization and future support, based on your own system.

How do I learn more?

​​​​To request a demo or get started, contact:

WorkforceConnect@itsc.org

What technology do I need?(PDF)

 

NASWA UI Information Technology Support Center
In Partnership with USDOL
444 North Capitol Street, NW | Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001
webmastersupport@itsc.org