Automated System for Accessing Services for Job Seekers, Employers, Training Providers, and Benefit Applicants

Abstract

A computerized information system of workforce development services having a server having services for job seekers, staff, employers, and training providers; a database of stored procedures coupled to the server; and input/output clients also coupled to the server for accessing information from a standardized database as well as additional information from other providers.

Claims

1. An automated computer-implemented system for providing access to workforce development services, comprising: a server, comprising at least one hardware processor configured to run, in an integrated manner: a plurality of job seeker services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from a job seeker and configured to provide, to the job seeker, access, via an output device, to at least one selected from the group consisting of: online orientation and help; labor market services; preparation services; skills matching services; community services; benefits eligibility information; links to jobs at job banks; financial services; consumer reports; resource tracking; and an appointment calendar; a plurality of staff-intensive and staff-assisted services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from at least one staff member and configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via an output device, to staff-intensive and staff-assisted services; a plurality of employer services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from an employer and configured to provide, to the employer, access, via an output device, to employer services; and a plurality of training provider services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the job seeker and configured to provide, to the job seeker, access, via an output device, to training provider services; a computer-implemented database, communicatively coupled to the server and configured to transmit data elements to the server in response to requests received from the server, the database comprising data formatted according to an America's Labor Market Information System (ALMIS) format; and a client device, communicatively coupled to the server and configured to receive signals from the server representing data elements retrieved from the computer-implemented database, the client device comprising: at least one input device configured to receive input from at least one of the job seeker, the at least one staff member, and the employer; at least one hardware processor communicatively coupled to the at least one input device and configured to process the received signals representing data elements for output to at least one of the job seeker, the at least one staff member, and the employer; and at least one output device, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and configured to display output, based on the processed received signals, for viewing by at least one of the job seeker, the at least one staff member, and the employer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor of the server is further configured to run a plurality of reporting services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the at least one staff member, and configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via an output device, to reporting functionality that provides at least one selected from the group consisting of: a job seeker report, comprising a system tracking report, a core service usage report, and a history report; an employer report, comprising a job order report, an open referral report, and a workforce investment act performance monitor; and a training provider report.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the employer services software components are configured to provide, to the employer, access, via at least one of an input device and an output device, to at least one selected from the group consisting of: online job order management functionality; online resume review functionality; criteria-based resume search functionality; employment incentives functionality; references and resources; regional economic information; and industry and labor profiles.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the staff-assisted services software components are configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via at least one of an input device and an output device, access to at least one selected from the group consisting of: case management functionality; job seeker employment planning functionality; enrollment tracking functionality; program outcome tracking functionality; follow-up tracking functionality; welfare-to-work management functionality; self-directed core service tracking functionality; finance and grant tracking functionality; and job seeker online file folder management functionality.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the training proeider services software components are configured to provide, to the job seeker, access, via at least one of an input device and an output device, to at least one selected from the group consisting of: registration functionality; program information management functionality; program completer details management functionality; program approval request submission functionality; and individual training account status review functionality.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein: the system is configured to be compliant with the Workforce Investment Act of 1988; the system is configured to be compliant with at least one Welfare-to-Work Program; and the system is configured to be compliant with the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is further configured to run a plurality of reporting services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the at least one staff member, and further configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via an output device, to reporting functionality that provides at least one selected from the group consisting of: a job seeker report, comprising a system tracking report, a core service usage report, and a history report; an employer report, comprising a job order report, an open referral report, and a workforce investment act performance monitor; and a training provider report; and wherein the employer services software components are configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the employer to provide, to the employer, access, via an output device, to at least one selected from the group consisting of: online job order management functionality; online resume review functionality; criteria-based resume search functionality; employment incentives functionality; references and resources; regional economic information; and industry and labor profiles; and wherein the staff-assisted services software components are configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the at least one staff member to provide access, via an output device, to at least one selected from the group consisting of: case management functionality; job seeker employment planning functionality; enrollment tracking functionality; program outcome tracking functionality; follow-up tracking functionality; welfare-to-work management functionality; self-directed core service tracking functionality; finance and grant tracking functionality; and job seeker online file folder management functionality; and wherein the training provider services software components are configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the job seeker to provide access, via an output device, to at least one selected from the group consisting of: registration functionality; program information management functionality; program completer details management functionality; program approval request submission functionality; and individual training account status review functionality.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: the system is configured to be compliant with the Workforce Investment Act of 1988; the system is configured to be compliant with at least one Welfare-to-Work Program; and the system is configured to be compliant with the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933.

9. An automated computer-implemented system for providing access to workforce development services, comprising: a server, comprising at least one hardware processor configured to run, in an integrated manner: a plurality of job seeker services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from a job seeker and configured to provide, to the job seeker, access, via an output device, to: online orientation and help; labor market services; preparation services; skills matching services; community services; benefits eligibility information; links to jobs at job banks; financial services; consumer reports; resource tracking; and an appointment calendar; a plurality of staff-intensive and staff-assisted services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from at least one staff member and configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via an output device, to staff-intensive and staff-assisted services; a plurality of employer services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from an employer and configured to provide, to the employer, access, via an output device, to employer services; and a plurality of training provider services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the job seeker and configured to provide, to the job seeker, access, via an output device, to training provider services; a computer-implemented database, communicatively coupled to the server and configured to transmit data elements to the server in response to requests received from the server, the database comprising data formatted according to an America's Labor Market Information System (ALMIS) format; and a client device, communicatively coupled to the server and configured to receive signals from the server representing data elements retrieved from the computer-implemented database, the client device comprising: at least one input device configured to receive input from at least one of the job seeker, the at least one staff member, and the employer; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one input device and configured to process the received signals representing data elements for output to at least one of the job seeker, the at least one staff member, and the employer; and at least one output device, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and configured to display output, based on the processed received signals, for viewing by at least one of the job seeker, the at least one staff member, and the employer.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one hardware processor of the server is further configured to run a plurality of reporting services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the at least one staff member, and configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via an output device, to reporting functionality that provides at least one selected from the group consisting of: a job seeker report, comprising a system tracking report, a core service usage report, and a history report; an employer report, comprising a job order report, an open referral report, and a workforce investment act performance monitor; and a training provider report.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the employer services software components are configured to provide, to the employer, access, via at least one of an input device and an output device, to: online job order management functionality; online resume review functionality; criteria-based resume search functionality; employment incentives functionality; references and resources; regional economic information; and industry and labor profiles.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the staff-assisted services software components are configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via at least one of an input device and an output device, access to: case management functionality; job seeker employment planning functionality; enrollment tracking functionality; program outcome tracking functionality; follow-up tracking functionality; welfare-to-work management functionality; self-directed core service tracking functionality; finance and grant tracking functionality; and job seeker online file folder management functionality.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the training proeider services software components are configured to provide, to the job seeker, access, via at least one of an input device and an output device, to: registration functionality; program information management functionality; program completer details management functionality; program approval request submission functionality; and individual training account status review functionality.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein: the system is configured to be compliant with the Workforce Investment Act of 1988; the system is configured to be compliant with at least one Welfare-to-Work Program; and the system is configured to be compliant with the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the server is further configured to run a plurality of reporting services software components configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the at least one staff member, and further configured to provide, to the at least one staff member, access, via an output device, to reporting functionality that provides: a job seeker report, comprising a system tracking report, a core service usage report, and a history report; an employer report, comprising a job order report, an open referral report, and a workforce investment act performance monitor; and a training provider report; and wherein the employer services software components are configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the employer to provide, to the employer, access, via an output device, to: online job order management functionality; online resume review functionality; criteria-based resume search functionality; employment incentives functionality; references and resources; regional economic information; and industry and labor profiles; and wherein the staff-assisted services software components are configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the at least one staff member to provide access, via an output device, to: case management functionality; job seeker employment planning functionality; enrollment tracking functionality; program outcome tracking functionality; follow-up tracking functionality; welfare-to-work management functionality; self-directed core service tracking functionality; finance and grant tracking functionality; and job seeker online file folder management functionality; and wherein the training provider services software components are configured to operate under the direction of input received via an input device from the job seeker to provide access, via an output device, to: registration functionality; program information management functionality; program completer details management functionality; program approval request submission functionality; and individual training account status review functionality.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: the system is configured to be compliant with the Workforce Investment Act of 1988; the system is configured to be compliant with at least one Welfare-to-Work Program; and the system is configured to be compliant with the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 is the system architecture of the computerized information system for accessing workforce development services.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of the system architecture showing the client, server, and database.

[0027] FIG. 3 is the server software comprising core services and a plurality of components including job seeker services and employer services.

[0028] FIG. 4 is the server software comprising intensive and staff-assisted services and a plurality of components.

[0029] FIG. 5 is the server software comprising additional services and a plurality of components including training provider services and reporting services.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a computer system on which the present invention operates.

[0031] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved computerized information system for accessing workforce development services embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0033] The present invention, a computerized information system for accessing workforce development services 10 is comprised of a client 15 operatively couple to a server 19 operatively coupled to a database 26 running a plurality of software components. Such components in their broadest context include core services 30 comprising: a plurality of job seeker services software components 21, a plurality of intensive and staff assisted services software components 22, a plurality of employer services software components 23, and additional services 80 comprising a plurality of training provider services software components 24, and a plurality or reporting services software components 25. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

[0034] A computerized information system for accessing workforce development services by job seekers 11, employers 13, training providers 14, benefit applicants, students, and the like. The system allows staff 12 to manage and maintain 68 the system, providing job seekers 11 with one-stop universal access to self-service and staff-assisted job seeker services 21.

[0035] The server has a plurality of core services 30 including job seeker services 21, intensive and staff-assisted services 22, and employer services 23. The job seeker services 21 include a plurality of software components. The job seeker 11 can complete registration 31 independently via virtual access 8, with staff assistance via virtual access 8, or with staff assistance at the physical location 9. The job seeker 11 can access online orientation and help 32 to guide them through the job seeker services 21. The job seeker 11 can create required documents using a resume and cover letter builder 41 in a step-by-step process and store the documents in an online file folder 46. The job seeker 21 can view labor market services 33, access preparation services 34, and analyze their abilities through skills matching 35. The job seeker can view community (or social) services and benefits information 36 and can determine eligibility through a self-service method or with staff assistance. The job seeker 11 can use self directed services 37 to help find jobs and develop job skills and follow links to job banks 38 including America's Job Bank. The job seeker 11 has access to financial services 39 and consumer reports 42. The job seeker 11 can access resource tracking 43 to monitor their use of the system. The job seeker 11 has access to an appointment calendar 44 for interviews, important dates, and other meetings, and a staff and employer messaging 45 facility that for sending, storing and displaying messages on demand.

[0036] The intensive and staff assisted services 22 include a plurality of software components. Staff 12 members use these services to provide staff-assisted registration 51 both online via virtual access 8 and at the physical location 9. Staff 12 use common intake 52 to enter new job seekers into the system and accept full eligibility application 54 for any of a range of community services and benefits 36. Staff have access to case management 53 including the ability to assign multiple case managers and write case notes 55. Staff can complete a job seeker employment plan 56. Staff can further view enrollment tracking 57, program outcome tracking 58, follow-up tracking 59, welfare-to-work 61 status, and self directed core service tracking 62. Staff 12 can also view finance and grant tracking 63 for their program. Staff 12 manage job seekers 11 and employers 13 through an automated appointment calendar 64 of interviews, meetings, and other important dates, and have access to user messaging 65 for communicating with job seekers 11, employers 13, and training providers 14, and job seeker online file folder management 66 to view and assist job seekers in managing their resumes, cover letters, and other job-related documents. Staff 12 manage the system through user maintenance 67 for creating and approving user system access, and system management and maintenance 68.

[0037] The employer services 23 including a plurality of software components. Employers 12 can complete registration 71, use online job order management 72, online resume review and resume search by specific criteria 74. Employers can communicate with other users and job seeker messaging 75. Employers 12 can view employment incentives 76, references and resources 77, regional economic information 78, and industry and labor profiles 79.

[0038] The server also provides a plurality of additional services 80 including training provider services 24 and reporting services 25. The training provider services 24 have a plurality of software components. Training providers 14 can complete registration 81 with staff 12 assistance via virtual access or at a physical location. Training providers 14 can complete program information management 82, and use program completer details management 83 to note job seekers who have successfully completed a program. Training providers 14 can use the program approval request submission 84 to apply for new programs to be included in the system. Training providers can also access individual training account status review 85 to post and view job seeker 11 program completion status.

[0039] The reporting services 25 have a plurality of software components for staff 12 use including comprehensive reporting 91 comprising a plurality of job seeker 11, employer 13, and training provider 14 reports. Job seeker 11 reports include system tracking, core service usage, and history reports. Employer 13 reports include job order reports and open referral reports. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) performance monitoring 92 tracks compliance with the WIA program guidelines. The usage tracking 93 summarizes all user access and system activity.

[0040] The present invention includes a database 26 of standard format data 29 including America's Labor Market Information System (ALMIS) format and other standard formats, and proprietary format data 39 running stored procedures 27 to manage data. The database 26 is operatively coupled with the server 19 for the two-way communication of information.

[0041] The present invention further includes a plurality of input/output client devices 15 such as personal computers operatively coupled with the server 19 for the two-way communication of information. The plurality of client devices allows access from job seekers 11, staff 12, employers 13, and training providers 14 allowing job seekers 11 universal access to self-service and staff-assisted job seeker services 21. The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art by providing universal access to a broad range of employment, training, and education services. The system ensures that access to, specific services is available to all customers throughout the one-stop system. Anyone with access to the Internet will be able to access the system. The system can provide services to clients who might find it inconvenient to use a physical one-stop due to barriers such as lack of transportation, disability, or other barriers.

[0042] To enable broader access to one-stop services, the system can be equipped with interfaces specifically designed for blind or low vision users, Spanish-speaking users, and additional languages as required by the user community.

[0043] The present invention is the only system that meets the core and intensive services required under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and associated programs such as Welfare to Work and Wagner-Peyser. Services for adults, dislocated workers, youth, and employers are organized and administered as core services and intensive/staff-assisted services.

[0044] Labor market information is stored in the ALMIS database structure defined by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. As such the system is able to share labor and economic data available from federal, state, and local agencies throughout the United States.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, a schematic block diagram of a computer-based system of the present invention is shown. In this, a processor 210 is provided to execute stored programs that are generally stored within a memory 220. The processor 210 can be any processor, perhaps an Intel Pentium-4 CPU or the like. The memory 220 is connected to the processor and can be any memory suitable for connection with the selected processor 210, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The firmware 225 is possibly a read-only memory that is connected to the processor 210 and may contain initialization software, sometimes known as BIOS. This initialization software usually operates when power is applied to the system or when the system is reset. Sometimes, the software is read and executed directly from the firmware 225. Alternately, the initialization software may be copied into the memory 220 and executed from the memory 220 to improve performance.

[0046] Also connected to the processor 210 is a system bus 230 for connecting to peripheral subsystems such as a hard disk 240, a CDROM 250, a graphics adapter 260, and a keyboard/mouse 270. The graphics adapter 260 receives commands and display information from the system bus 230 and generates a display image that is displayed on the display 265.

[0047] In general, the hard disk 240 may be used to store programs, executable code and data persistently, while the CDROM 250 may be used to load said programs, executable code and data from removable media onto the hard disk 240. These peripherals are meant to be examples of input/output devices, persistent storage and removable media storage. Other examples of persistent storage include core memory, FRAM, flash memory, etc. Other examples of removable media storage include CDRW, DVD, DVD writeable, compact flash, other removable flash media, floppy disk, ZIP, laser disk, etc. Other devices may be connected to the system through the system bus 230 or with other input-output functions. Examples of these devices include printers; mice; graphics tablets; joysticks; and communications adapters such as modems and Ethernet adapters.

[0048] The present invention provides a comprehensive central workforce development system using the latest three-tier system architecture. This structure eliminates the need for field deployment of applications to the user. The only access requirement is an Internet browser. All operations will be performed on the server side.

[0049] The present invention establishes an integrated workforce development strategy using a state-of-the-art delivery system providing one-stop functions via the Internet. It provides a total integration of the workforce development services in a way that allows staff and users of different skills and educational levels to use the system. Under current one-stop initiatives, local one-stop systems are envisioned as components of a larger regional, state, and national system. The present invention provides this function in one system since it will be based on a standard structure and integrates directly into systems such as America's Job Bank and America's Labor Market Information System (ALMIS) at the state and federal levels.

[0050] The present invention provides a performance-driven outcome-based system that incorporates the performance indicators outlined in the Workforce Investment Act. The system includes the capability to generate sophisticated reports and graphs to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the workforce system. This includes performance cost and the ability to view user and service tracking data and to generate usage and performance reports and graphs.

[0051] The present invention implements an adaptable workforce development solution built from a software component library, permitting the system to be customized to the exact needs of state, regional, and local boards and agencies. The system can also be easily modified to meet changes in business rules and regulations and incorporate enhancements.

[0052] The present invention significantly improves one-stop performance and user satisfaction by providing a common core of information and easy access to key services, the system will dramatically increase the quality of service provided by the boards and agencies. The result will be a significant increase in placement opportunities along with more positive placements. The system's easy and effective mechanisms will connect a larger pool of job seekers, employers, providers, and students; and deliver overall improved one-stop performance.

[0053] The present invention significantly improves one-stop service and use by serving a significant number of users via an easy-to-use interface. The system allows case managers and counselors to spend more time with clients and deliver improved service to users requiring more intensive services. The system effectively bridges the gap between job opportunities and the pool of workers qualified to fill them.

[0054] The present invention provides unlimited use as an Internet/intranet solution. There is no limit to the number of users who can access the system. Any authorized users, provided they have Internet access, can access the system from any location, or from a computer at the physical location of the one-stop center.

[0055] The present invention establishes an open and non-proprietary database where possible using existing state and federal database standards. The system accesses data stored in the America's Labor Market Information System (ALMIS) database structure defined by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. Any organization using the system can share the wealth of labor and economic data available from federal, state, and local agencies throughout the United States.

[0056] The present invention improves user choice by giving users options critical to a one-stop operating system. Employers and job seekers will have choices in how and where they can obtain information and services and will have access to the information needed to make informed choices about education and training.

[0057] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0058] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to been encompassed by the present invention.

[0059] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.