DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 20-97
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	GRACE A. KILBANE Director Unemployment Insurance Service
SUBJECT	:	Training Seminars for State Employment Security Agency (SESA) Nonmonetary Determination Staff on Benefit Timeliness and Quality Measures

1. Purpose. To announce plans for training seminars for SESA nonmonetary determination staff.

2. References. UIPL 10-96, Implementation of New Time Lapse and Quality Measures for Unemployment Insurance Benefit Operations.

3. Background. New performance measures for nonmonetary determination quality and timeliness were approved for implementation on July 1, 1996. Three training seminars were held during 1996 for SESA staff. The number of staff accommodated at these training seminars was limited and, as implementation progresses, the National Office has become aware of the need for additional training.

4. Participants and Objectives. Three training seminars are scheduled for SESA nonmonetary determination staff who are responsible for quality evaluations of nonmonetary determinations. The training will be similar to that provided last year, but will place more emphasis on the quality elements of the nonmonetary review. All seminars will begin at noon on Monday and end at noon on Friday. Reservations for each seminar will be on a first-come, first-served basis. SESAs are not restricted in the number of staff they may nominate to attend; however, seminar size will be limited to 20-22 participants to permit more comprehensive discussion. Additional sessions may be scheduled later in the fiscal year if warranted by demand. As a result of limited travel funds for National Office staff, any additional sessions will be scheduled for Washington, D.C. Federal monies will be provided for travel and per diem costs for SESA staff to attend the training seminars.

   The first seminar for staff in Regions I through IV will be in Washington, D.C., beginning May 5, 1997. Hotel accommodations have been arranged at the Georgetown Suites, 1000 29th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. All suites have fully-equipped kitchens including refrigerators, microwaves, range/oven, and cooking and eating utensils. Hair dryers, irons, and ironing boards are also provided in each suite. The room rate is $124 per night and reservations should be made directly with the hotel at 202-298-1600 no later than April 11, 1997. Registrants should identify themselves as part of the U.S. Department of Labor group.

   The second seminar for staff in Regions V through VIII will be in St. Louis, Missouri, beginning June 9, 1997. The third seminar for Regions IX and X will be held in the Los Angeles, California area, beginning July 14, 1997. Several sites are being considered at this time. The RO staff will notify SESAs when a final selection is made.

5. Action Required. State Administrators are requested to select and notify appropriate SESA staff of the upcoming BTQ quality training seminars and provide Regional Office staff with the name, title, and estimated travel cost of each SESA participant who has been nominated to attend by:

   April 4, 1997 for states in Regions I - IV,

   May 2, 1997 for states in Regions V - VIII, and

   June 6, 1997 for states in Regions IX - X.

6. Inquiries. Direct any questions to the appropriate Regional Office.