Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Training Program

The Adult Program serves people who are 22 years and older, are legally entitled to work in the United States and have met selective service registration requirements.

The purpose of the Adult Program is to increase the employment retention, earnings, and occupational skills of participants. This program aims to improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation's economy. There is a priority for eligible low income and welfare recipients and for certain veterans or veteran spouses to receive specific services.

Target Population: The Adult Program serves people who are 22 years and older, are legally entitled to work in the United States and have met selective service registration requirements.

Program Description & Services: This program provides skills training, English as a Second Language, and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) assistance who meet federal poverty and program eligibility guidelines. This program provides an opportunity to participate in education and training, and receive job placement assistance and retention services.

Goals: The goal of the program is to increase employment and employment retention for its participants and provide employers with a skilled workforce and qualified job applicants.

For more information about WIOA click here  for the fact sheet.

Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program

WIOA Dislocated Worker Program is intended for workers who lost jobs due to plant closures, company downsizing, or some other significant change in market conditions. View flyer  for additional program details.   

Target Population:  The Dislocated Worker Program is intended for workers who lost jobs due to plant closures, company downsizing, or some other significant change in market conditions. In most cases, it must be unlikely that these dislocated workers will return to their previous employment, and they must be eligible for (or have exhausted) unemployment compensation. Other conditions can lead to eligibility, such as being self-employed (but not working as a result of general economic conditions), or being a displaced homemaker.

Program Description & Services: The program tailors employment and training services to meet dislocated workers' needs; works with workers and firms facing substantial layoffs; and encourages labor, management, and community partnerships with government to address worker dislocation.

Dislocated workers are eligible for services such as skill assessment, labor market information, job search and job placement assistance. Additional services are available for eligible dislocated workers who need additional help in getting jobs. The sequence of services is individualized and may include more intensive assessments, counseling, and prevocational and vocational training.

Goals: The program goal is to increase employment and employment retention for its participants and to provide employers with a skilled workforce and qualified job applicants.

*Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.*

SNAP Employment & Training

The SNAP Employment and Training (SNAPET) is a voluntary program designed to assist SNAP participants with barriers to employment.        

Program Description & Services:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAPET) is a voluntary program designed to assist SNAP recipients in their employment and training needs taking into consideration their interest, skills, and abilities, based on an individualized service plan. Participants are paired with an Employment Training Specialist to create a resume, master application, references and cover letter, in addition to networking with employers, practicing interview skills and other necessities for finding and keeping a job. This program is offered at various localities throughout Virginia. (See “Find a local department of Social Services” to contact an office closest to you for a referral or your SNAP Worker). If you reside within the city limits of Alexandria, Virginia, contact the Department of Community and Human Services SNAPET representative at 703.746.5940 for referral information Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or email SNAPET@alexandriava.gov.

Goal: The goal of SNAP ET is to assist SNAP recipients in obtaining employment, including provision of work opportunities able-bodied adults without dependents through participation in work programs and education and training activities.

VIEW Program

The VIEW Program provides employment related services to eligible City of Alexandria residents who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits from Virginia Department of Social Services.      

Program Description & Services: The Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) program under the auspice of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) provides employment related services to eligible City of Alexandria residents who are receiving Temporary Assistance For Needy Families benefits from VDSS. Participants are provided with vocational counseling, job readiness training, job placement assistance, and supportive services to assist with job placement and retention. This program is offered at various localities throughout the State of Virginia. (See “Find a local Department of Social Services” to contact an office closest to you for a referral or your Human Services Benefits Worker). If you reside within the city limits of Alexandria, Virginia, please contact the Department of Community and Human Services at 703.746.5700 for referral information Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Goal:  The goal of VIEW is to support the efforts of families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to achieve independence through employment. VIEW focuses on the participants' strengths and provides services to help them overcome job-related challenges, as well as personal, medical and family challenges that affect employment.

Full Employment Program (FEP)

Full Employment Program: The Full Employment Program (FEP) is a subsidized employment program available through the Virginia Department of Social Services. FEP provides opportunities for participants to increase self-sufficiency by earning a living wage, increasing career-related work skills, and improving their competitiveness in the labor market. 

Employers: Employers can receive a monthly stipend for up to 6 months for each FEP participant they hire. View the FEP flyer  or Q & A informational sheet for additional program details.   

Eligible Participants: The Full Employment Program is a special program for individuals participating in VIEW to obtain paid work experience for up to six months. A FEP Participant will earn a paycheck and continue to receive TANF benefits. Talk with your worker today an view the Participant Flyer for additional FEP program details. 

Rapid Response to Mass Layoffs 

Employers who are laying off 50 or more workers are eligible for assistance from WDC through the Rapid Response Program.      

Employers who are laying off 50 or more workers are eligible for assistance from our Workforce Development Center through the Rapid Response program.  Targeted services can include career counseling, assisted job search, career seminars, career clubs, and referrals to Unemployment Insurance resources.

Online Job Readiness Workshops: Schedule and Registration

Job seekers can enhance their job readiness and essential skills by registering for free WDC workshops and webinars focusing on topics like virtual job searching and interviewing as well as resume building. WDC staff also provide one-on-one employment coaching and help job seekers access resources they may be eligible for to help support their job search and economic needs. For job coaching and other services, call 703.746.5900 or email wdc@alexandriava.gov. Access the latest job opportunities on the WDC Job Board.

See a schedule and register now for Job Readiness Workshops and Webinars!

Federal Bonding Program 

Any job seeker, of legal working age in Virginia, who has a prior conviction - felony, misdemeanor, federal, state or juvenile. This also includes those convicted who did not serve any time.      

Who is Eligible?

Any job seeker, of legal working age in Virginia, who has a prior conviction - felony, misdemeanor, federal, state or juvenile. This also includes those convicted who did not serve any time. 

How are Bonds Issued?

Upon making an offer of employment, an employer can contact the Virginia Bonding Coordinator or a local workforce development professional to request a bond. The employer can also have the job seeker contact a workforce development professional to assist with obtaining the bond.

For more information contact the Workforce Development Center or your local One Stop Center.

Youth and Young Adult Programs (Teenswork!)

TeensWork! is designed to help youth ages 14-24 in the City of Alexandria obtain and retain employment year round.  The program is comprised of three main components,  including Public Program, Private Program and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program.

Youth and young adults are paired with a Youth Employment Counselor who assists them in obtaining the skills necessary to succeed in the world of work. 

Summer Program:

Target Population: The Public Youth Program targets people who are ages 14 through 21, who are a resident of the City of Alexandria resident, are a U.S. Citizen or have the right to work in the U.S., if born in a foreign country.

Program Description & Services: Participants are placed within a government and non-profit agencies in the City of Alexandria for a six-week summer work experience.

Goals: To enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration.

Private Program:

Target Population: The Private Youth Program targets people who are ages 16 through 21, who are a resident of the City of Alexandria resident, are a U.S. Citizen or have the right to work in the U.S., if born in a foreign country.

Program Description & Services: Participants work with a counselor and are enrolled in various workshops to increase their employability and allow them to compete with the general public for jobs with private companies.

Goals: To enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration.

WIOA Program:

Target Population: The WIOA Youth Program targets young people who are ages 14 through 24, who are low income, and who may need help to complete an educational program or find and hold employment. To be low income, one must be receiving welfare or food stamp, homeless, a foster child, or have a family income that meets specific income guidelines.

Program Description & Services: This is a federally funded program that assists participants by assigning a counselor to assess their employment, education and training needs, while providing support services for any personal life situations.

Goals: To enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration.

Youth Career Academy:

The Youth Career Academy (YCA) is sponsored by the WIOA and the City of Alexandria.  YCA provides a safe haven for Alexandria’s youth to explore and gain information about various career options, scholarships offerings, schedule an appointment with an employment training specialist or access job leads.  YCA is committed to providing Alexandria’s youth with a clear lens that will enable them to connect academic learning to the world of work.  

Information and Forms:

• More information about the  WIOA Youth Program 
•  Youth and Young Adult Programs and Services Brochure 
• TEENSWORK! Program Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQs)

Disability Services 

The Disability Employment Program is designed to improve education, training and employment opportunities and outcomes for youth and adult residents of the

City of Alexandria with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. 

Workforce Development Center provides a full range of employment-related services, and assistive technology including, but not limited to:

• Ticket to Work Program - offers people with disabilities an opportunity to achieve greater independence by providing choices in employment services and access to meaningful work.

• Video Relay Service  - allows persons who are hard of hearing and individuals with speech impediments to communicate with standard telephone users via a sign language interpreter through a television or a computer.

• Jaws – a computer program that converts text into speech to allow the persons with visual impairments to use a computer.

• Zoomtext – a computer program that enlarges images on a computer screen to allow persons with visual impairments to access a computer. 

National Disability Awareness Month - How to Get Involved Year Round

Persons can apply for public assistance any day or any time from home or any place where a computer is available, such as the Department of Community and Human Services lobbies, libraries, recreational centers or a friend’s house.

Benefits available through CommonHelp include:

• Cash Assistance
• Child Care Services
• Food Assistance
• Medical Assistance
• Energy Assistance (Fuel, Crisis or Cooling) 

The Career Center has computers dedicated to CommonHelp services. You may apply online here.