WIN Job Center

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WIN JOB CENTER/WIOA SERVICES

91ÊÓƵ operates a full-time WIN Job Center at The Communiversity.


The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) by amending the law to strengthen the United States workforce development system through innovation in, and alignment and improvement of, employment, training, and education programs in the United States, and to promote individual and national economic growth, and for other purposes. The law provides the framework for a national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet both the needs of the nation’s businesses and the needs of job seekers and those who want to further their careers. WIOA reforms current federal laws governing programs of job training, adult education and literacy, vocational rehabilitation, and youth, making services more universally accessible and more flexible components of workforce development systems.


91ÊÓƵ serves as the One-Stop Career Center Operator and Provider of Career and Training Services. The One-Stop system offers access to services that encompasses assessments/skills needs, job search, job placement, labor market information, individual employment planning, educational and career counseling, occupational skills training, skill upgrading, internships and work experience and job readiness for adults and out-of-school youth free of charge.


For more information on any of the following programs and/or services contact Greta Miller, WIOA Director, via phone (662-243-2659) or the contact person listed for each program.


SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS:

  • Job search assistance and career advice and planning
  • Career Resources such as books, area newspapers, job listings and a variety of labor market information
  • Computers with internet access, telephones, fax machines and copiers for conducting a job search.
  • Information on interviewing
  • Information on training and education
  • Information on assistance for laid-off workers
  • Unemployment insurance and benefits
  • Information on NAFTA/TAA benefits for employees
  • Services for veterans
  • Information on rehabilitation services
  • Information on referral to child care, transportation and other supportive services
  • Clerical skill testing on a wide variety of subjects
  • Career assessments
  • Resume and cover letter development
  • Education and Training assistance
  • Internships
  • Apprenticeships

SERVICES TO BUSINESSES:

  • Basic labor exchange services
  • Database of qualified workers
  • Internet access to post job listings and review resumes
  • Recruiting and screening of job candidates
  • Work readiness assessments
  • On the Job Training (OJT)
  • Apprenticeship and Internship programs
  • Private rooms for interviews
  • Labor market and wage information
  • Information on Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC)
  • Information for Rapid Response services
  • Guidance for filing a North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or Trade Adjustment (TAA) petition
  • Information on NAFTA and TAA benefits for employees

CENTER INFORMATION:

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

OJT partners employers and job seekers in providing training for eligible companies and individuals. Companies of all sizes can benefit from this training. OJT reimburses the employer for up to 50% of the wage rate of the new employee to cover the extraordinary costs of providing training and supervision. The maximum time that an employer can be reimbursed for a new OJT employee is based on the skill level of the job and the content of the training. All employers qualify who:

  • Offer a full-time position (minimum of 35 hours)
  • Have an IRS identification number
  • Have a worker’s compensation or equivalent insurance in effect during the duration of the OJT contract
  • Maintain an adequate system of bookkeeping to track time, attendance, and invoicing for reimbursement
  • Meet other guidelines specified in the Local Workforce Development Board’s OJT Policy

To participate employers must provide:

  • The number of new employees
  • Job titles, descriptions, and skill levels
  • Minimum qualifications for each job title
  • Entry-level wage rate for each job title
  • The hiring decision and selection of the trainee
  • Total monthly hours worked for each enrolled employee
  • Training for the new employee according to the company’s specification
OJT Contacts

Serving: Lowndes, Clay, Oktibbeha, and Noxubee counties

Amanda Crawford, WIOA Program Manager

Phone: (662) 243-1784

Email: acrawford@eastms.edu

Address:
The Communiversity WIN Job Center
7003 South Frontage Road
Columbus, MS 39701

Individual Training Accounts (ITAs)

ITAs provide qualified individuals with funds to pay for tuition, books, and other associated costs to attend approved training courses that will assist them in finding employment or enable them to upgrade current employment.

For additional information regarding WIOA training services contact:

Serving: Lowndes, Clay, Oktibbeha, and Noxubee counties

Lacoiya Turner, WIOA Career Coach

Phone: (662) 243-2670

Email: lturner@eastms.edu

Address:
The Communiversity WIN Job Center
7003 South Frontage Road
Columbus, MS 39701

Gateway Out-of-School Youth Program

Gateway is designed to develop strong work ethics needed for today’s youth to be successful in the job market. To be eligible for the program, participants must be 16–24 years of age, out-of-school, meet Federal income guidelines, and reside in Lowndes, Clay, Oktibbeha, Noxubee, or Kemper counties.


Participants will receive essential job skills training designed to enhance a positive attitude toward work, create a professional image, and develop interpersonal communication, cognitive, and organizational skills. Participants will be given personalized attention in career counseling, educational achievement services, and assistance with post-secondary education, employment, work experience, and follow-up services.


Participants who successfully complete the program may qualify for up to 240 hours of paid work experience with a local business. Internships will potentially lead to permanent full- or part-time employment.


If you are interested in the Gateway Out-of-School Youth Program, please click the link below to fill out the interest form.


Interest Form | Gateway Out-of-School Youth Program (EMCC)

Contact Information
Gateway (Lowndes, Clay, Oktibbeha, Noxubee County)

Jasmine Turner, WIOA Gateway Youth Career Coach

Phone: (662) 243-1848

Email: jturner@eastms.edu

Address:
The Communiversity WIN Job Center
7003 South Frontage Road
Columbus, MS 39701
Kemper County Steps 2 Success Youth Program

Arianna Love, WIOA Program Manager

Phone: (662) 476-5039

Email: alove@eastms.edu

Address:
Hawkins Building, Room 17
EMCC Scooba Campus
1512 Kemper Street
Scooba, MS 39358

Career Skills Training Education Pathways (Career STEP)

Career Skills Training Education Pathways (Career STEP) is an innovative workforce program that connects individuals to coaching, training, and support services that will place them on a path to self-sufficiency. The Career STEP service approach is designed to help improve life and practical skills in the workplace for those with little or no workforce experience.


Who can apply for Career STEP Funding?
  • Low-income individuals ages 18–59 with children under 18 years of age who live in Lowndes, Clay, Oktibbeha, and Noxubee counties (residents of Kemper and Lauderdale counties are served by llampton@smpdd.com)
Career STEP funds may provide the following:
  • Tuition (one-time payment, up to $3,000)
  • Books
  • Program Fees
  • Paid Internships
  • Pre-vocational services
  • Employability Skills
  • Work Readiness Training
Contact

For class information or to schedule an appointment, email or call:


Latrice Triplett, Career STEP Navigator

Phone: (662) 243-1911

Email: ltriplett@eastms.edu

Address:
The Communiversity WIN Job Center
7003 South Frontage Road
Columbus, MS 39701

Career STEP Program is funded through the TANF Workforce Program from the MS Department of Human Services and the Mississippi Partnership (Three Rivers Planning and Development District).


Directory / Quick Reference of WIOA Staff

  • Greta Miller – WIOA Director / Communiversity – (662) 243-2659
  • Amanda Crawford – WIOA Program Manager / OJT / Communiversity – (662) 243-1784
  • Lacoiya Turner – WIOA Career Coach / ITA / Communiversity – (662) 243-2670
  • Tobie Fears – WIN Job Receptionist / WIOA Case Manager / Communiversity – (662) 243-1751
  • Jasmine Turner – WIOA Gateway Youth Career Coach / Communiversity – (662) 243-1848
  • Arianna Love – WIOA Program Manager / Kemper County S2S Youth Program / Scooba – (662) 476-5039
  • Latrice Triplett – Career STEP Navigator / Communiversity – (662) 243-1911