DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 16-90
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	DONALD J. KULICK Administrator for Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	Technical Assistance Guide: The Identification and Referral of Dislocated Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claimants 'to Reemployment Services based on the New Jersey UI Reemployment Demonstration Project (NJUIRDP)

1. Purpose. To transmit the subject technical assistance guide TAG for consideration by the States in administering Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance (EDWAA) provisions which require the States to coordinate their worker readjustment and dislocated worker programs with the UI system.

2. References. EDWAA Sections 302(c)(1)(D), 311(b)(5) (C), 314(e) and (f), and 20 CFR 631.37 and 631.30(a)(6); Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 6-90.

3. Background. The NJUIRDP, which began in July 1986 and ended in September 1987, offered reemployment services to more than 8,500 UI claimants in 10 New Jersey local offices. The Final Evaluation Report of the NJUIRDP found that dislocated UI claimants who are likely to face prolonged spells of unemployment could be identified, offered reemployment services and provided services early in their unemployment spell. The NJUIRDP employed procedures to: (1) identify displaced workers who are eligible for UI early in their unemployment spells, (2) refer displaced workers to reemployment services, (3) monitor displaced workers' receipt of services, and (4) promote interagency coordination between UI and the-reemployment service delivery network (ES and JTPA). The New Jersey evaluation determined that this early intervention approach significantly accelerated these claimants'early return to productive employment.

   The attached TAG describes the procedures and components developed and tested in the NJUIRDP and discussed issues and alternatives that States may want to consider in adopting elements of the New Jersey approach within their own State environment. The key components discussed are:

   Early identification of UI claimants who are displaced from their pre-UI jobs. Chapter III includes a discussion of eligibility and screening criteria and the process. to apply them.

   Referral of such claimants to the ES/JTPA reemployment service delivery network. Chapter IV describes how initial and subsequent referrals can be made to services and how the referral system can be monitored.

   Coordination of UI, ES and JTPA service delivery. Chapter V discusses the roles of each agency and the mechanisms used to foster coordination and cooperation.

   Systematic follow-up of the referrals. Feedback to the UI system on the current status of dislocated workers referred by UI to other agencies for reemployment services is a necessary part of a coordinated system.

   Use of a computer tracking system. A computer was used to assist in identifying the dislocated UI claimants, making referral to reemployment services, and monitoring the referral process. Although a stand-alone computer system was used in the NJUIRDP, existing computer systems can also be used for these tasks.

   The information and procedures in this TAG may be useful to the States in fostering coordination with the UI system and in facilitating processes for implementation of early intervention for dislocated workers under EDWAA.

4. Action. SESA Administrators should forward copies of the attached TAG to appropriate staff for consideration.

5. Inquiries. Direct inquiries to your Regional Office.

6. Attachment. Subject TAG.