There are three (3) categories of career services: basic career services, individualized career services, and follow-up services. Basic services are made available to each individual who accesses an Illinois workNet Center, while individualized career services are tailored to each participant to meet his or her needs.
Basic career services are universally accessible and must be made available to all individuals seeking employment and training services in at least one comprehensive Illinois workNet Center per local area. Generally, these services involve less staff time and involvement and include eligibility determinations, initial skill assessments, labor exchange services, provision of information on programs and services, and program referrals. These services may be provided by both the Adult and Dislocated Worker programs and the Employment Service.
Individualized career services must be provided to participants after Illinois workNet Center staff determine that such services are required to retain or obtain employment, consistent with applicable statutory priorities. Generally, these services involve significant staff time and customization to everyone’s needs. Individualized career services include specialized assessments, developing an individual employment plan, counseling, work experiences (including transitional jobs), etc.
The Required Career Services section of the policy manual outlines all the career services available to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adults and Dislocated Workers.
There is no requirement to provide basic career services before providing individualized career services; however, basic career services will naturally occur as part of the process before an individualized career service is provided. Some individuals may only need basic career services, while others may require individualized career services to obtain or retain employment.