The North Florida Workforce Development Board works to help families in North Florida attain economic self-sufficiency. By working with various businesses, education agencies, community -based organizations and social service agencies, the North Florida Workforce Development Board builds on the communities’ ability to pull together and solve problems for those who are in need.
CHALLENGE
Federal welfare reform legislation enacted in 1996 altered the nation's welfare
program for families by imposing time limits on the receipt of cash assistance and stipulating work requirements. Moving people from welfare to work is a primary goal of the North Florida Workforce Development Board. Although the Board’s programs have dramatically reduced the number of welfare recipients in North Florida, individuals remaining on the rolls are reportedly even less skilled than those who have already left welfare and present unique and greater challenges. Aggressive outreach and recruitment, specialized testing and placement, comprehensive assessments and career planning, group support and frequent follow-up are all integral and promising elements of the intensive service strategy employed by
NFWDB. Analysis of employability needs of recipients indicate access to technology is a major obstacle to finding employment for many individuals.
SOLUTION
The North Florida Workforce Development Board is using CounterPoint counter top kiosk systems to bring computer technology to North Floridians who may not otherwise have access to the broad range of programming and electronic resources that are available.
The NFWDB transports the small, lightweight kiosks to remote locations in North Florida to interface with individuals who do not have access to the Board’s development centers and to conduct the aggressive outreach and recruitment that is necessary to further reduce the state’s welfare rolls. Each of the kiosks has its own durable travel case with recessed wheels and pull-out handle to make transportation of the systems even easier.
From the kiosks, individuals may access testing, placement and assessment opportunities that will assist them in finding employment. Additionally, the Internet connectivity of the kiosk systems enables users to long on to
myflorida.com, the state’s comprehensive online databank of private and public employment opportunities, forms, applications, publications and related services. Each of the kiosks is attached to a 600 sheet capacity laser printer, providing users with hard copies of the information accessed from the kiosks. The printers are enclosed in a specially designed metal printer enclosure that secures and protects the printers without compromising functionality.
RESULTS
The portability of the SeePoint kiosks enables the NFWDB to overcome what has been identified as a primary barrier to finding employment for many individuals – access to technology. By bringing the technology to their customers, the Board maximizes opportunities for participants to experience success in their pursuit of economic independence.
