My signature below confirms agreement with and understanding of the following:

I certify that the information contained in this application is true to the best of my knowledge. I am aware that this information is subject to review and verification and that I may be required to provide documentation in its support.  I authorize the release of information contained in the application for use in verifying my eligibility for Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD) programs; however, I understand that the information will not be released for other purposes.

Equal Opportunity Is the Law

Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD) is prohibited from discriminating on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and against any beneficiary of programs financially assisted under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) on the basis of the beneficiary’s citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or his or her participation in any WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity; providing opportunities in, or treating any person with regard to, such a program or activity; or making employment decisions in the administration of, or in connection with, such a program or activity.

Retention & Follow-Up Services

I am aware that I may be contacted by phone, mail or email after exiting Career Transition and Training services and asked questions about my employment status and earnings. I am aware that my answers to these questions are used to measure the success of LCEWD services, will remain strictly confidential, and will not affect any other benefits which I may be receiving.

Follow up and retention services are available to Career Transition and Training program participants. These services are intended to provide support to customers through their first 12 months of employment and may include: assistance with work related or job retention concerns, career counseling and planning services in the event of a job loss, job search guidance and assistance, and information and referrals to additional community resources.

Complaint & Grievance Process

I have received a copy of Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD Complaint & Grievance Procedure. It can also be found online at: https://www.larimer.org/ewd/programs/career-transition-and-training-services

Veteran’s Priority of Service

Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD), including all Career Transition and Training programs, offers priority of service to Veterans and “eligible” spouses of Veterans for the receipt of employment, training, and placement services in accordance with the Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288).

“Eligible" spouse as defined at section 2(a) of the JVA (38 U.S.C. 4215[a]) means the spouse of any of the following:

1. Any veteran who died of a service-connected disability;
2. Any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who, at the time of application for the priority, is listed in one or more of the following categories and has been so listed for a total of more than 90 days:
a. Missing in action;
b. Captured in line of duty by a hostile force; or
c. Forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government;
3. Any veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service connected disability, as evaluated by the Department of Veterans Affairs
4. Any veteran who died while a service-connected disability was in existence (whether or not that disability was the cause of death). A spouse whose eligibility is derived from a living veteran or service member (i.e., categories 2. or 3. above) would lose his or her eligibility if the veteran or service member were to lose the status that is the basis for the eligibility (e.g. if a veteran with a total service-connected disability were to receive a revised disability rating at a lower level). Similarly, for a spouse whose eligibility is derived from a living veteran or service member, that eligibility would be lost upon divorce from the veteran or service member.

The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program administered by the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD). The WIOA program focuses on meeting the employment, training, and educational needs of eligible individuals who will benefit from services in addition to helping employers gain skilled workers.

In the event that you have a problem with any aspect of the LCEWD Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Program, informal resolution with the staff member you are working with and the Program Manager is encouraged. If your complaint is not resolved, the following formal complaint provisions are available.

PART I  GENERAL PROVISIONS
(1)   This complaint procedure is available to any individual or organization including but not limited to applicants for participation, program participants, labor unions, and community-based organizations.

(2)  The procedure provides for resolution of your complaint within 60 calendar days of filing. If your complaint has not been resolved within the 60-day limit, you may appeal to the Colorado Department of Labor within 10 days after the expiration of the 60-day limit.

(3)  All complaints will be handled by an impartial member of the LCEWD staff or by the Larimer County hearing officer.

(4)  Complaints must be filed with the LCEWD within one year of the act that caused the complaint, and within 180 days of the act which caused a complaint to be filed alleging discrimination against handicapped individuals. Complaints which allege discrimination other than handicap-based discrimination must be filed with the Director of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-4123, Washington, D.C. 20210. Complaints which allege fraud or criminal activity should be filed immediately and directly at the above address.

(5)   Additionally, a binding arbitration procedure, and/or collective bargaining agreement through an objective third party may be sought in situations where an individual alleging labor standard violation seeks remedy to their grievance beyond the WIOA formal complaint procedure

PART II  COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Step 1 - File a written complaint. A member of the LCEWD staff is available to help you file your complaint. The complaint should be signed and dated and should contain the following information:

(1)  Your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if available).

(2)  The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the person, employer or agency responsible for the act which led to your complaint.

(3)  The substance of your complaint including a clear statement of the facts and date(s) of the act.

(4)  The names of any witnesses to the act or names of other parties who can substantiate your complaint.

(5)  Whatever remedy you are seeking as a result of your complaint Submit to: LCEWD Director, 200 West Oak Street, Suite 5000, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521

Step 2 - The LCEWD Director, or designee, will contact you to discuss the problem and attempt resolution. If the problem is not resolved you may request a formal hearing with a hearing officer designated by Larimer County.

Step 3 - If you are requesting a formal hearing on your complaint, the LCEWD Director, or designee, will provide you with information about the hearing process. LCEWD will provide written notice of the hearing at least five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. The hearing process will include:

• A hearing officer designated by Larimer County.
• An opportunity to be represented by an attorney or the representative of your choice.     
• An opportunity to bring witnesses and documentary evidence.

The hearing officer's decision will be given in writing to both parties within 15 days of the hearing and within 60 calendar days of filing the complaint, although the decision period may be extended if all parties agree in writing. The hearing officer's decision will include instructions for corrective action if any is necessary.

Step 4 - If you are dissatisfied with the hearing officer's decision, you may appeal that decision to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), ATTN: State Grievance Administrator, 633 17th Street, Room 700, Denver, Colorado 80202-3627. All appeals must be filed no later than 10 days after receiving the hearing officer's decision. LCEWD will provide technical assistance to anyone filing an appeal. The State Grievance Administrator will provide an opportunity for an informal resolution and a hearing to be completed within 60 calendar days of filing of the grievance or complaint. The State Administrator will make a final decision within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the appeal; the decision is final unless the Secretary of Labor exercises the authority for Federal- level review.

Larimer County is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment  for all who visit our facilities. The expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct reflect  the same high standards our employees uphold in serving the community. By working  together with courtesy and integrity, we can ensure that Larimer County buildings remain welcoming spaces for everyone. 

Larimer County expects all clients, vendors, and visitors to: 

• Be kind, respectful, and courteous to employees and others.

• Work cooperatively with staff to receive assistance. 

• Follow privacy rules in designated areas. 

Larimer County has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for: 

• Disruptive or violent behavior 

• Offensive comments 

• Yelling or swearing 

• Verbalizing intent to cause harm. 

• Physical threats. 

• Words, actions, or behaviors with sexual meaning or intent. 

• Open possession, or use of, the following: 

▷ Illegal drugs 

▷ Alcohol 

▷ Marijuana 

▷ Indoor use of tobacco and e-cigarettes 

▷ Weapons, including firearms, knives, or other implements of harm. 

If any of these safety concerns are violated: 

• Law enforcement and security will be contacted immediately.

• You may be asked to leave the premises. 

• Future access to Larimer County buildings may be restricted.

Your participation will be most successful if you understand the expectations of the WIOA Career Transition and Training program. As it is a federally funded program there are specific performance standards and outcomes that are expected to be met. Please read the following and ask questions if you do not understand.

WIOA uses public tax dollars to provide services, so it is important that this money be used responsibly and according to federal WIOA policy and rules.

WIOA is not an entitlement program. That means that even if you are eligible, you are not guaranteed training funds. 

LCEWD strives to provide equitable services to program participants when deemed appropriate. This requires us to look at each individual and their unique situation to determine the amount of funding we provide. This process may result in participants receiving different amounts of funding based on their unique support needs.

You and your WIOA counselor will work together by researching options, applying for additional funding that may be available to pay for services and goods (grants, community resources, etc.), and locating vendors and prices for items and services.

Please note that your participation and service goals will be reviewed annually on your enrollment date to determine that progress towards your goals are being made.

You may be exited from services if progress towards goals are not being made or if meeting monthly regarding your program participation is not occurring.

What you can expect of your Career Transition and Training program counselor:

• Work in partnership with you to clarify your occupational objectives
• Assist you in developing a customized and achievable Individual Employment Plan (IEP) for your success
• Coordinate services with other organizations and/or training providers as needed
• Assist you with accessing WIOA funded scholarship assistance and supportive services (if applicable)
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of job search strategies that can assist you in securing employment.
• Share information that may be helpful to you in your career development process such as workshops, hiring events, special Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development programming, etc.
• Keep your information confidential. Information will only be shared when your counselor is given explicit permission to do so via your signature.
• Return your phone calls/emails as soon as possible, and within 3 to 5 business days of receiving them.
• Review your services on an annual basis to determine active participation towards your goals are being made.

Our expectations of Career Transition and Training program participants:

• Employment is the primary outcome by which the success of Career Transition program is measured. It is expected that Career Transition program participants share this outcome as their goal. 
• Maintain monthly appointments and communication with your counselor.
  • Not attending regularly scheduled meetings every 30 days may result in "service provision" gaps.
  • Any service provision gaps exceeding 90 days are not allowable and will result in an automatic exit from the Connecting Colorado platform and the Career Transition and Training program.
  • A pattern of No Call / No Show (NC/NS) and/or a pattern of missed or rescheduled appointments -- 3 or more -- will be reviewed by management and can result in an exit from the Career Transition and Training program.
• Provide your counselor with documentation such as registration, billing, grades, certificates, degree, license, credential, etc. (If applicable)
• Report any changes that occur during your participation such as changes in phone/address/email, health, family status, etc.
• Be on time for appointments. Contact your counselor if you will be late or need to cancel your appointment. Please provide a 24-hour notice, if possible. 

Program Exit, Follow Up and Retention Services

Follow up and retention services are available to Career Transition and Training program participants.

The LCEWD's WIOA Career Transition and Training program is able to offer up to 6 months of job search support from the date after this initial appointment.

If you are in engaged in approved training, the LCEWD's WIOA Career Transition and Training program is able to offer up to 6 months of job search support upon completion of training. 

Customers will be exited and moved into the follow up and retention phase of services after these 6 months of job search support.

Follow up services should be requested by the customer on an as needed basis, and for a specific job search or job retention need, within one year from exit date.

Follow up and retention services may additionally provide support to customers through their first 12 months of employment and may include: assistance with work related or job retention concerns, career counseling and planning services in the event of a job loss, job search guidance and assistance, and information and referrals to additional community resources. 

• Provide your counselor with your employment information once employment is obtained.
  • Employment information includes the name of the employer, location of the employer, job title, start date, wage and part time or full time status, and if you completed training, is the employment related to the training you completed.
  • You may be contacted for up to 24 months after your exit from the Career Transition and Training program regarding your employment status and verification of employment.

Program Funding

The Career Transition and Training Program is funded on an annual basis.  As such, individual funding and scholarship amounts are always subject to change, even if funding has been approved.

We utilize this information to identify potential service area needs, referrals and resources to community partners that may benefit you moving forward towards your career and employment goals.

Where do you feel you (and your family, if applicable) currently are in the following Life Areas noted below.

I understand my counselor may release and/or share information internally with LCEWD program(s) or staff that may be deemed appropriate based on my goals and I authorize the release and/or sharing of this information.

This Release of / Request for Information will Remain in Effect Until:
one year from date of signature

CONSENT:

This authorization is voluntary and remains in effect until the above date, unless specifically revoked by written notice to the agency or person. I understand the revocation will not apply to information that has already been released in response to my authorization. Unless otherwise specified, this authorization will automatically expire upon closure of my services with Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development or until above date. A photocopy of this release is as effective as the original.