NH Return to Work (RTW) Initiative - Matching Job Seekers with Training Opportunities

1. “New Hampshire works best when New Hampshire works together” Margaret Hassan, Governor

2. Purpose of the RTW Initiative • Return to Work will help job seekers to acquire new or additional skills by matching eligible employers and eligible job seekers in a training opportunity at no cost to the employer for up to 6 weeks, 24 hours per week • Eligible claimants will continue to collect their unemployment benefits, including those eligible for partial benefits • It’s a Win-Win for both the employer and job seeker

3. Participant Requirements • Participants must attend a RTW Orientation • A person is eligible to enter into a RTW agreement if they are eligible for UI benefits or unemployed, or underemployed working part time, and 18 years or older • Participants must train with a NH employer • Participants must be registered in the NHES Job Match System with a current resume and active Virtual Recruiter • Participant cannot currently be working part time for the employer offering the training

4. Cumulative Statistics • Total Agreements 959 • Approved Claimants 629 • Approved Non-claimants 162 • Claimant Hires 327 • Non-claimant Hires 113 • Agreement not finalized, though produced a hire 142 • Total # of employers who generated agreement 357 • Produced more than one agreement 105 • Orientation Attendance to date 16,413 • Employers interested to date 5,149 Information as of 4/22/2015

5. Employer requirements • A legitimate full-time position must be available to participate in the RTW program • The trainee must have adequate supervision at all times • Any changes to the training agreement must be authorized by NHES in advance • Training plans shall only be authorized for employers who are providing direct training

6. Employer requirements • Employers must agree NOT to pay any wages or payment in kind for training • Employers cannot hire the trainee for the additional 16 hours to work for them during the RTW agreement period • The employer must agree that this training opportunity will not displace any current worker or have a negative impact on the promotion due an existing employee

7. How to Find a RTW opportunity • RTW opportunities are available in the NH Job Match System for registered employers who are RTW friendly. They are identified as “job shadowing” opportunities. • RTW may be promoted to any employer. A job seeker, may also promote this program to an employer.

8. Incentives to Hire after Training • The Federal Bonding Program can help to provide fidelity bonding insurance coverage to at-risk individuals. • Trainees may also qualify for the WOTC when hired.

9. Partnering on RTW and OJT • Sharing of leads…joint visits when possible • Always inform employers of RTW and OJT programs at initial meeting • ESR lets JPS know when RTWs begin • ESR monitors status of RTW training and “fit”, and communicates any feedback with a JPS • RTW does not have to last the full 6 weeks…often employers can gauge trainee fit in days or a few weeks • For any new WIA participants, intake and assessment could take up to 2 weeks, so timing and communication are critical to smooth the transition from RTW to OJT

10. Contact Information Pamela Szacik Director, Employment Service Bureau New Hampshire Employment Security Pamela.R.Szacik@nhes.nh.gov (603) 228-4051