For Release 8 a.m. CST, October 28, 2002

For more information:
Marc Lowe, (785) 296-5056, mlowe@awts.org
http://www.kansasjoblink.com/

America's Job Link Alliance Recognized for Exemplary State Program and Policies by Council of State Governments
Job Link and Service Link

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Council of State Governments recently recognized the Kansas Department of Human Resources (KDHR), in its lead role as part of the America's Job Link Alliance as a semi-finalist for its 2002 Innovations Awards. The Innovation Awards spotlight exemplary state programs and policies and facilitates the transfer of these successful experiences to other states.

KDHR was honored as a semi-finalist for its Job Link and Service Link systems, part of the America's Job Link Alliance suite of products. These systems are designed to serve as the backbone of states' networks of One-Stop Career Centers, assisting jobseekers and employers alike. The systems are also capable of linking multiple state agencies and 70 federally funded workforce programs.

Job Link is a job matching and workplace information service for employers and jobseekers that allows jobseekers to establish a self-service Internet account to manage their job search or receive assistance from professional staff in finding a job that matches their experience, interest and education. It also offers State Civil Service Job Listings, State Labor Market and Career Information and determines jobseekers eligibility for state-funded assistance programs.

ServiceLink is a web-based One-Stop client management application that tracks caseload and report information required under WIA, Welfare-to-Work, NAFTA-TAA and other federal programs for case managers. It eases the load for case managers by providing a tool to manage and monitor caseloads, assess employment barriers, establish training and employment plans, search for service providers, WIA certified training providers and programs, and track job placements. This information is then used to generate the required reports for these federal programs. Future enhancements to Service Link include a full spectrum of labor exchange tools needed to effectively manage workforce development activities and meet the needs of employers, jobseekers and service providers.

The Council of State Governments provides a network for identifying and sharing ideas with state leaders. KDHR was presented a certificate of recognition, which is on display at the America's Job Link Alliance facility in Topeka.

America's Job Link Alliance

The Job Link and Service Link products are two of the premier products shared with member states in the America's Job Link Alliance. The America's Job Link Alliance builds technology solutions while allowing members to maximize a return on their investments in workforce development strategies. This innovative concept driving the Alliance creates a framework for states to accept, modify and implement technology solutions built and tested by others. In return, states share their modules, programs and enhancements to the system with the other members, reducing the development risk and cost for all members of the Alliance.

Currently 27 states use AJLA products.

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