LOUISIANA WORKFORCE COMMISSION – Reemployment Model Initiative

Building on its existing program and systems integration framework, Louisiana piloted and then implemented a state-wide initiative to actively engage claimants in reemployment services and activities early in their claim sequence.

Design. Within two weeks after receiving their first benefit payment, UI job seekers are required to 1) complete a resume, 2) create a “virtual recruiter” (job alert) in state job bank system, 3) participate in an orientation of job center services and 4) receive labor market information.

Within two weeks after receiving their 8th week of UI benefits, claimants who remain unemployed and claiming benefits are required to 1) create or update their WIA core application, 2) enroll or modify a WIA core activity and 3) receive referrals to workshops, skills building and/or training, and supportive services, if needed. Failure to complete the requirements in a timely fashion results in suspension of benefits until the requirements are met. Tasks may be completed online or, for those who cannot access the online system, in person.

Results. Initial goals of the reemployment model were to reduce UI claim duration, help job seekers return to work more quickly and emphasize the shared responsibility between the state and the job seeker for positive results.

• Pilot. The pilot operated in one county from August 2011 to February 2012 and job seekers received services at the first and tenth weeks of the claim. The pilot reduced job seeker duration by 35%, exhaustion rate by 28% and improved reemployment rates by 23%. In doing so, it saved the Louisiana UI Trust Fund $2.6 million.
• Statewide. The full program was implemented in April 2012 and changed the second required service point from the job seeker’s 10th to 8th week. In 2013, 66% of all claimants were scheduled to report. Of those 44,258 claimants, 71% (31,795) complied. Claim duration decreased by 15%. Estimated UI Trust Fund Savings totaled $106 million in 2012 and are projected to be $98 million for 2013.