Among its many activities, the Suffolk County Department of Labor administers Federal and State-funded employment & training programs for the benefit of area residents. The following are some of those programs.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-220) was passed by Congress and signed into law on August 7, 1998, and is the successor to the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). WIA represents the first major restructuring of job training programs at the national level in 15 years. The intent of the legislation is to reform and standardize workforce programs by providing a unified training system. The goal of this revamped system is to increase the employment opportunities, job retention, and earning potential of "customers", which will ultimately reduce welfare dependency, improve workforce quality, and position the nation to compete in a global economic environment.
Partnership is the watchword of the cooperation between the Suffolk County Workforce Investment Board and the Suffolk County Department of Labor One-Stop Center, and the WIA One-Stop Partners. Keeping businesses growing and productive and area residents employed is the partnership’s most basic mission.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program.
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) (Pub.L. 104-193), as amended, is welfare reform law that established the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF is a block grant program designed to make dramatic reforms to the nation's welfare system by moving recipients into work and turning welfare into a program of temporary assistance. The Suffolk Works Employment Program (SWEP) is the local welfare program operated according to the TANF final regulations.
SCDOL'S Public Assistance Unit works cooperatively with the Suffolk County Department of Social Services (SCDSS) to administer several programs designed to serve employable public assistance recipients. Through these programs, SCDOL is committed to educate, train, and place public assistance and food stamp recipients in jobs that will enable them to become self-sufficient, thereby lessening the financial burden on Suffolk County.
Disability Navigator Program.
The NYSDOL has made available funds to enable the SuffolkCountyOne-StopEmploymentCenterto provide a comprehensive, seamless, welcoming and user-friendly environment for individuals with disabilities. These individuals will have access to a full range of core, intensive and training services, including placement assistance. Under this initiative, DPNs serve as disability resource specialists to assist individuals with disabilities “navigate” through available programs and services in the local One-Stop system. The DPNs work to increase employment opportunities and the self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities by linking them to employers to achieve successful entry or re-entry into the workforce. All of the program elements will be completed by June 30, 2006.
Displaced Homemaker Program.
Women who have lost their primary source of income due to divorce, separation, or the death, disability, or long term unemployment of a spouse are offered opportunities to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Often, re-entry into the workplace after years of working in the home can be a trying experience. The Center is structured to deal with the problems faced by these job seekers.
Center participants can access training in assertiveness, awareness, communication skills and stress management, helping develop self-esteem and self-confidence. Legal and financial problems are discussed and referrals to appropriate County and community agencies are made. Introductory classes in computers and technology help Displaced Homemakers make a successful transition into today’s workplace.
SUPPLEMENTAL YOUTH PROGRAMS
Town of Brookhaven.
The Town of Brookhaven provides SCDOL with funds for two (2) Summer Youth Conservation Crews which work on environmental conservation and community improvement projects in Brookhaven while providing a valuable job experience for Brookhaven youths.
Summer TANF
This grant is funded by surplus funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, for the express purpose of providing a full wage subsidy paid summer youth employment program. The allowable activities under this TANF Grant included work subsidies to employers; education and training; supportive services; transportation for employed persons for the purpose of attending work or training; counseling and employment related services; and the purchase of tools, uniforms, or clothing necessary to look for/accept work.
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