Mission
The mission of the Workforce Development Board is to guide the Southern Maryland workforce delivery system in developing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of businesses and strengthens the local economy.
Vision
The Southern Maryland Workforce Development Board’s strategic vision is to prepare an educated and skilled workforce inclusive of youth and individuals with barriers to employment in order to support the local area economic growth and economic self-sufficiency.
Local Board Responsibilities
The Local Board, in partnership with the Chief Local Elected Official, establishes and oversees the workforce system in the tri-county area (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s) in accordance with legislative requirements of the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board, and the State of Maryland by:
- Developing and submitting a local integrated plan consistent with the WIOA, Maryland’s Integrated Plan, and State guidance.
- Selecting the local workforce system operator according to Federal and State policy.
- Selecting eligible providers of adult and dislocated worker career services and training services.
- Assisting the State in maintaining a list of eligible training providers including cost and performance data through a local approval process.
- Conducting oversight of the one-stop delivery system including all WIOA activities.
- Negotiating local performance measures with the State.
- Developing a budget for carrying out the duties of the Board.
- Selecting a private sector business representative as the Board chairperson.
- Promoting American Job Center programs and activities.
- Assisting the State of Maryland in developing the statewide employment statistics system under the Wagner Peyser Act.
- Carrying out regional planning responsibilities as required by the State of Maryland.
- Coordinating with economic development strategies and establish employer linkages with workforce development activities.
- Promoting private sector involvement through effective connecting, brokering, and coaching activities through intermediaries.
- Conducting business in an open manner by making available to the public information about the activities of the Board.
- Acknowledging that partner staff is governed by their respective personnel laws and collective bargaining agreements.
- Negotiating with partner agencies for funding of the infrastructure costs of the American Job Centers.
- In collaboration with education programs, develop and implement career pathways within the local workforce development area.
- Developing strategies for using technology to maximize the accessibility and effectiveness of the local workforce development.
