Access Points

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What are "Access Points"? Why are SHARE Network states creating Access Points? How can my state replicate Access Points?

What are "Access Points"?

Through SHARE Network, a number of states have begun establishing Access Points in local faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs). Each FBCO that serves as an Access Point designates a volunteer or staff member to serve as a Point of Contact (POC) for the local One-Stop. The POCs are then trained by workforce system staff. The POCs help customers search for jobs using the Web-based job matching system and talent bank and make appropriate referrals to the One-Stop. POCs are also tasked with building closer working relationships with One-Stop staff to ensure that Access Point customers receive the full range of services they need to be job-ready. The POCs do not receive funding from the One-Stop system to provide Access Point services.

Why are SHARE Network states creating Access Points?

1. Return on Investment — One-Stops are able to serve more people with fewer resources because the amount of time that Access Points spend serving customers far exceeds the amount of time it takes to train and keep in touch with each Access Point.
   
   
2. Increase Reach — Access Points are often located in neighborhoods in which One-Stops are not easily accessible and are able to serve customers during times when the One-Stops are not open (weeknights and weekends). The Access Points are also capable of reaching demographic communities that traditionally don't utilize government services and customers who would not otherwise post resumes in the State's job matching system.
   
   
3. Flexibility — Access Points can be used to increase the job-readiness of customers visiting the local One-Stop and/or to increase the number of alternative locations where jobseekers can access core services so that a direct One-Stop site visit is not always necessary. States can train Access Points to steer job-seekers into different service or employment options: general One-Stop visits, only measured One-Stop services (if eligible), or directly to potential job opportunities.
   
   
4. Raise Awareness and Increase Access to the One-Stop System — States participating in SHARE Network believe that building relationships with FBCOs will increase a targeted community's knowledge, respect, and use of the One-Stop system and its Web-based tools. In particular, individuals who have the most barriers to self-sufficiency will be best served by these public-private partnerships.

How can my state replicate Access Points?

1. Sample State Plan Text for Replicating Access Points — "Our goal is to create ___ new Access Points at faith-based and community organizations by Month Day, 2009. We will target ____ communities (geographic) and ___ populations (neediest youth, homeless, ex-offenders, etc.) with these Access Points."
   
   
2. Missouri's Plan for Creating Access Points
   
   
3. SHARE Network Access Point Training PowerPoint
   
   
4. Access Point Toolkit
   
   
5. Original Case Study: Bridging the Gap