Plan would close six DET offices

DET TO CONSOLIDATE OFFICES AND PROVIDE A NEW DELIVERY SYSTEM
Montpelier.... Patricia A. McDonald, Commissioner of the Department of
Employment and Training (DET) has announced that the Department is
proposing to implement a new delivery system that would allow DET to be
more responsive to the changing business climate and labor market while
continuing to operate within the constraints of declining federal funds.
DET's new strategy will make full use of its field staff by deploying them
strategically around the state, making them more available to employers
seeking skilled workers and able to offer services to more Vermonters
seeking employment.
The plan includes the consolidation of 12 offices into 6 regional offices
located in Bennington, Rutland, Springfield, Barre, St. Johnsbury, and
Burlington.
It is important to note that the remaining 6 communities - Brattleboro,
Middlebury, Newport, St. Albans, Morrisville and White River - will still
receive employment and training services but in new facilities with a
modified schedule.
Reach Up services will continue to be offered on a full-time basis in the
twelve districts currently served. Reach Up staffing levels will be
unchanged, but staff will be relocated to partner agencies such as
Community Action, Vocational Rehabilitation, or Getting Ready to Work.
In addition to these 12 locations, this new delivery system will permit
skilled DET personnel to offer services in 6 presently under-served
communitiessimilar to the Department of Motor Vehicles model. Those
communities are Enosburg, Vergennes, Manchester, Randolph, Bradford and
Island Pond. The Department is working with community partners to identify
meeting locations that are affordable and convenient for the public.
This new delivery system will also utilize new technology. For example,
DET
has launched Vermont Job Link, an Internet-based job matching and
information system. Vermont Job Link allows Vermonters to post resumes,
brows job openings and learn about other options and programs from home,
the local library or anywhere where there is Internet access. Job Link
also
allows employers to list job openings and review resumes on-line. When an
employer lists a job the system will automatically search the resume file
and email the qualified applicants or send a copy of the resume directly
to
the employer.
As indicated, the new service model envisions an expansion of access. The
staff will continue to work directly with both job seekers and employers.
This model should expedite the speed with which we are able to match job
seekers and employers.
Commissioner McDonald notes that "By consolidating staff in support of
regionally-focused "hub" offices and dispatching personnel to outposts on
a
scheduled basis, we will be able to provide more direct services to
customers rather than expended an unacceptable share of limited resources
on facilities. We will be working closely with our field staff, various
constituents and community members to ensure a successful and smooth
transition." The plan is expected to be fully implemented by June 30,
2005.
-30-