BAFO Proposal Arbor E & T LLC.pdf

Offeror Submittal Documents

Solicitation No.: BPM005271

Description: TANF Jobs Program

Attachment 1 - Offer and Acceptance

TO THE STATE OF ARIZONA:

The Undersigned hereby offers and agrees to provide TANF Jobs Program in compliance with all Terms, Conditions, Specifications, and Amendments in the Solicitation and any written exceptions in the Offer.

Company Name Signature of Person Authorized to Sign Offer

Address Printed Name and Title

City State Zip Contact Name and Title

: Contact Email Address Contact Phone Number CERTIFICATION: By signature in the above, Offeror certifies that it:

1. Will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment in violation of Federal Executive Order 11246, [Arizona] State Executive Order 2009-9 or A.R.S. §§ 41−1461 through 1465;

2. Has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, or service to a public servant in connection with the submitted offer. Failure to provide a valid signature affirming the stipulations required by this clause will result in rejection of the Offer. Signing the Offer with a false statement will void the Offer, any resulting contract, and may be subject to legal penalties under law;

3. Complies with A.R.S. § 18-132 when offering electronics or information technology products, services, or maintenance;

4. Has submitted this Offer as a firm offer for 180 days following the Solicitation due date and time. After 180 days, the Offer will remain open unless revoked by Offeror via written withdrawal of Offeror’s proposal in accordance with the Arizona Procurement Code;

5. Did not and will not involve collusion or other anti-competitive practices;

6. Is not debarred from, or otherwise prohibited, from participating in any contract awarded by federal, state, or local government; and

7. For use in Request for Quotation only, certifies that the above referenced organization ____IS/ ____IS NOT a small business with less than

100 employees or has gross revenues of $4 million or less.

ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER

The Offer is hereby accepted.

The Contractor is now bound to sell the services listed by the attached contract and based upon the solicitation, including all Terms, Conditions, Specifications, Amendments, etc., and the Contractor’s Offer as accepted by the State.

This Contract shall henceforth be referred to as Contract No. ________________________________________.

The effective date of the Contract is ________________________________________.

The Contractor is cautioned not to commence any billable work or to provide any material or service under this contract until Contractor receives purchase order, contract release document or written notice to proceed.

State of Arizona Awarded this ________ day of ________________________ 20______

Procurement Officer Signature

Arbor E&T, LLC dba Equus Workforce Solutions

9200 Shelbyville Road, Suite 210

Louisville KY 40222

Mark Douglass, CEO/President

Stacia Peters, Regional Director stacia.peters@equusworks.com 619-203-8185

Offeror Submittal Documents

Solicitation No.: BPM005271

Description: TANF Jobs Program

Attachment 2 - Questionnaire

Offeror shall provide a detailed narrative response to each question below. Proposals without a detailed narrative to the questions below will receive a lower score during the evaluation. Information provided through the use of a web URL link (within a response, or otherwise) will not be taken into consideration when evaluating proposals. The narrative response shall address the following questions, in the order below, referencing the related section of the Scope of Work.

1. Provide an executive summary of the Offeror’s overall experience and capacity for delivering the services specified in the Scope of Work (SOW) including the reduction of dependency on assistance through a comprehensive, client-focused planning and service delivery process by promoting job preparation, and employment. (Limit response to

Two (2) pages).

2. Describe how the Offeror will coordinate service and activities for clients with other public or community services in assessment, planning, service delivery and tracking of results to the extent allowable in order to avoid duplication of other services. (SOW Section 7.2) (Limit response to Three (3) pages).

3. Provide a description of the policies and procedures to be used by the Offeror to provide services that are culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate to the population being served. (SOW Section 7.6) (Limit response to Two

(2) pages).

4. Describe how the Offeror will provide service through multiple modalities to accommodate client needs. (SOW Section

7.8) (Limit response to One (1) page).

5. Describe how the Offeror will implement internal procedures to assess staff knowledge of TANF Jobs Program policies and procedures. (SOW Section 7.11) (Limit response to One (1) page).

6. Describe the standardized assessment instruments the Offeror will use in determining the interest, goals, and barriers to economic independence and how the assessment will be used to determine the activities and services for the

Client. (SOW Sections 8.2.1 - 8.2.1.4) (Limit response to Four (4) pages).

7. Describe what factors are being considered when evaluating a client's need for specialized assessments and how the information obtained from the specialized assessments will be used to determine the activities and services for the client. (SOW Sections 8.3.1 – 8.3.1.2 & 8.3.2) (Limit response to Three (3) pages).

8. Describe the Offeror’s case management process and how your organization will provide personalized case management services. (SOW Sections 8.4.1 - 8.4.1.5 & 8.4.2) (Limit response to Four (4) pages).

9. Describe the Offeror’s experience with building and maintaining relationships within the workforce system and with other services or programs to leverage resources to effectively and efficiently remove employment barriers for the clients. (SOW Section 8.6.1) (Limit response to Three (3) pages).

Attachment 2 responses from Arbor E&T, LLC dba Equus Workforce Solutions (FEIN 45-0508470) begin on the following page.

1. Provide an executive summary of the Offeror’s overall experience and capacity for delivering the services specified in the Scope of Work (SOW) including the reduction of dependency on assistance through a comprehensive, client-focused planning and service delivery process by promoting job preparation, and employment. (Limit response to Two (2) pages).

The cost of poverty has far-reaching implications, affecting not just individuals and families, but also the wider community.

In 2021, an estimated 12.8% of individuals in Arizona were living in poverty, and this number is projected to continue to grow with the projected increase in population1. These challenges need responsive, innovative solutions. What sets Equus Workforce Solutions apart as a leading comprehensive workforce development provider is our ability to incorporate a client-focused process that has proven to be successful, with a forward-thinking, innovative approach to service delivery. Equus currently operates in partnership with state and local funders in urban and rural areas that include services for individuals who are TANF and/or SNAP eligible in 41 projects in 18 states at 181 locations. Of those projects, 18 serve primarily public assistance recipients and the remainder are integrated with our career center services and at-risk youth programs. Combined, these projects serve an average of 75,401 individuals per month. We successfully manage over $121 million TANF funds annually, investing funds in services to make a difference in the communities we serve. We offer ambitious performance goals within a focused design, supported by experience, to achieve Arizona’s vision with the best value possible to the state. As a partner we are collaborative and responsive, offering integrity and a premiere customer experience at every level. Our service to customers of similar size and scope include:

State Program Number Served

(Monthly Average) Key Contract Outcomes and Current Contract Year Performance as of March 2023

Arizona TANF 800 Met contract metrics including all-family and two-family work participation rate (adjusted by caseload reduction credit)

California TANF 3,200 Met 8/9 metrics in Orange County for case management and placement services; Met 100% of contract placement metrics in San Diego for orientation and case management services

Missouri TANF 464 Met 100% of contract metrics for engagement

Nebraska TANF 2,700 Met 100% of contract metrics for accuracy

New York TANF 2,800 Met 85.71% of the contract metrics for placement, retention, and wellness (6/7 metrics)

Wisconsin TANF, SNAP 1,378 Met 100% of metrics for WPR and Performance Claims

Our mission is to change lives, advance economies, and transform communities through industry-leading solutions. We employ an evidenced-based, client-centered case management model designed to provide program recipients the skills and resources needed to obtain and retain full-time employment with opportunities for advancement in the workplace and eliminate the need for assistance. To ensure an exceptional customer experience, our organizational culture is built around the H.E.A.R.T. perspective:

• Honor- We honor each other and the communities we serve

• Equity- All people have equitable access to opportunity and advancement

• Accountability- We are accountable to deliver on expectations of those we serve and accept responsibility for our actions

• Respect- Respect and dignity are afforded in every interaction

• Transformation- We achieve transformation by embracing the potential of people and communities

Equus’ experience encompasses a range of services, including robust outreach strategies to populations that are historically under-reached. We are acutely aware of the unique needs of urban, suburban, and rural populations, and provide the expertise required for successful and effective outreach to these populations. Specifically, our experience serving rural populations offers a valuable benefit to the State of Arizona. This range of experience, relationships with our customers and local communities, and proven record of customer service satisfaction, sets us apart from other workforce development providers and enables our team to ensure continuity of services and deliver positive customer outcomes. To meet the needs of Arizona families and requirements of the Scope of Work outlined in the solicitation, Equus will:

✓ Reduce the incidents of poverty in Arizona

• By implementing a strengths-based, participant-centered service delivery model aligned with TANF requirements and desired program outcomes; work with Jobs Program clients providing support and resources through a two-generational philosophy. This includes connecting clients to parenting classes or resources and tools offered by community partners such as First Things First. Offer resources to older children, who may be eligible for WIOA Youth program.

✓ Reduce the size of the TANF Cash Assistance caseload by increasing the rate of permanent unsubsidized employment placements among TANF Jobs Program clients

• By connecting participants to employment opportunities aligned with their individual interests, aptitudes, and skills.

Personalized individualized services help us connect resources and opportunities to Jobs Clients goals and aligned to their skills through our Business Services team that goes through a certification process that helps them build lasting relationships with employers.

✓ Reduce dependency on assistance through a comprehensive, client-focused planning and service delivery process by promoting job preparation and employment

• By offering a comprehensive range of allowable activities and collaborating with each participant to develop an individualized Employment and Career Development Plan (ECDP) to guide the customer journey. Our collaborative approach focuses on the old adage of “it takes a village,” with the focus on the unique individual

1 source: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AZ/INC110221 https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AZ/INC110221 being served and their needs. Community partners working alongside us help us prepare the client for employment, as well as provide knowledge to the workforce ecosystem allowing them to know resources that are there to support in the future.

✓ Aid needy families so children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives

• By helping individuals obtain supportive services, community resources, and employment readiness training to move towards self-sufficiency. Our initial assessment helps us uncover the families' current living conditions, which becomes our primary focus. If we can provide a safe home for the client and the children in the home, we are one stop closer helping move the client move towards self-sufficiency.

✓ Increase community involvement through TANF Jobs Program participation in community agencies

• By leveraging existing partnerships and established new partnerships to support continued engagement in activities. As a current Jobs Program provider, we engage attend WIOA local area one-stop partner meetings to learn about community partnerships and collaborations. Our community engagement increases community involvement in each county of that state to ensure Jobs Program Clients have the same opportunity to access resources regardless of if they are in a City like Phoenix, AZ or Safford, AZ.

✓ Integrate and collaborate with ARIZONA@WORK and other workforce programs that link to training opportunities subsequently, well-paying careers

• By maximizing workforce system resources through co-enrollment and coordination of activities. In addition to attending one-stop partner meetings, we attend local Workforce Investment Board meetings. Equus currently provides WIOA services in the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, Pinal County, and Yuma County, which allows us to integrate and collaborate to find training opportunities. Our high involvement with the different local areas in the state allows us to get the pulse on well-paying jobs and current target strategies. It has allowed us to have conversations with providers, such as Pima Community College, and explore how to offer training in a well-paying career to our refugee population.

✓ Establish a framework to ensure that Arizona continues to meet the federal TANF Work Participation Rate (WPR)

• By documenting all case management activities within one (1) day of the event or service, tracking participation hours as supported by required documentation, and providing support to ensure each individual can continuously engage in program activities. Our full-engagement model focuses on engaging clients to their full capacity and helping them resolve any barriers that may prevent full participation. Our framework for providing services revolves with our strong collaboration with ADES as a support and partner, with regular communication we continue to work on ensuring Arizona continues to meet WPR.

Our service delivery model is focused on a common purpose: creating an environment of hope and success by empowering those we serve with respect and allowing them to transform their lives. Our vision is thriving communities with equitable opportunity for all. Our philosophy for serving Jobs Program participants revolves around client-focused delivery that is equitable regardless of county, city, or town the client resides in. Our experience nationally and locally as a current provider of the Jobs Program helps us understand how to individualize services that are efficient and move clients to economic self-sufficiency. Our client engagement is focused on strength-based and motivational interviewing, keeping the focus on the client's goals, and building a relationship in which they see hope and possibilities. The strategies, resources, and tools mentioned in our proposal come as one to ensure we are developing every client that is referred and that we do everything we can to ensure they receive the support they need and help them move into career path that leads to self-sufficiency.

We treat all clients as job seekers and meet them where they are and help them address barriers they have to employment and offer support services to ensure they can focus on job searching and ultimately employment. Because of our expectation of high engagement and a meaningful client journey, even those clients who are not job ready are educated on the benefits of employment and provided resources to access while they address their current situation.

A team of Business Service Consultants and Community Engagement Managers focus on a comprehensive approach that connects clients to various resources and employers in the community. The Community Engagement team works closely across the state to expand community involvement, creating collaborations that are impactful and clients benefit from these partnerships. The Business Services team works alongside the Community Engagement team but directs more focus on employers that hire TANF Jobs Program clients. Business Services develops relationships for work experience, on-the-job training, and unsubsidized employment. They work closely in the local communities to ensure that quality jobs are identified and that the Jobs Program has quality candidates to connect. Talent Development Specialist (TDS) manage the Jobs Program caseload and work as a team with Business Services, Community Engagement, and all other Equus staff to ensure services provided to client are promoting job readiness and moving the client to employment.

Our client centric approach revolves around a system that provides support to clients as a team, as opposed to one employee, our philosophy is not “my client” but “our client.”

Self-sufficiency starts with empowering participants with in-demand skills and training services that promote job readiness.

Through a client centered approach, we build relationships with our clients that allow us to uncover any barriers to success. As a team, we work to address barriers by providing access to support services, skills training, and job preparation. Our goal is to ensure clients are placed in sustainable jobs that put them on the path to economic stability.

2. Describe how the Offeror will coordinate service and activities for clients with other public or community services in assessment, planning, service delivery and tracking of results to the extent allowable in order to avoid duplication of other services. (SOW Section 7.2) (Limit response to Three (3) pages).

As the incumbent provider of Jobs Program services, we have established strong working relationships with local agencies and community organizations. These connections help us serve our clients by ensuring all TANF Job Seekers have access to all services available within their local community and statewide. Our “Community Impact” design is focused on implementing transformative workforce networks that are locally responsive, community-based, outcomes-focused, and client centered. We provide a personalized customer experience allowing us to expand access for all clients.

Equus leverages the use of Community Engagement Managers across the state and to build upon current collaborations.

We coordinate with the public and community through Memoranda of Understandings (MOU) when appropriate. This allows us to coordinate services and have formalized structure on expectations, monitoring, and communication that helps job seekers move toward self-sufficiency, but also partner to communicate about services being provided to avoid duplication of services. For less informal collaborations, Equus works closely with partners to ensure everyone is in the know and that we are co-case managing and co-enrolling when possible. We leverage referral forms or systems to communicate with partners. Lists of employers and community partners can be found on pages 15 and 27.

Case Management services and activities are managed by the job seeker’s Talent Development Specialist (TDS). When it is determined that a job seeker benefits from public or community services, the TDS reaches out to the appropriate agency to coordinate the next steps. Our book of partners all have unique processes for referrals, it is our priority to be flexible and adapt as much as possible to facilitate the process for job seekers. Our staff leverages the partners' referral process to align with our organization’s processes. The TDS works with partner agencies/partners and provides any relevant information, while honoring client confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. TDS also indicates that the job seeker is receiving co-case management in JAS Case notes and system. After referral, the TDS follows-up with the agency that the job seeker was referred to on a regular basis to ensure services are being delivered, all involved agencies are aware of the job seeker’s activities and do not assign more participation hours/activities than appropriate, and that the job seeker is progressing.

Assessment

The Jobs Program requires that initial assessments are completed with all clients that address the following: Career Assessment, Family Assessment, In-Depth Barrier Assessment, and Education Assessment. Through experience, we have learned that almost every entity that has a hand in the workforce ecosystem has identical, if not similar, assessments. Through partnerships and engagement with local workforce areas we have been successful in implementing a system that allows us to collaborate more efficiently and avoid duplication of services. For example, in each local area (WIOA partners) have their own process, in some areas we have worked with local area to utilize our assessment to support theirs. Clients are educated on the purpose of sharing the assessment and how that prevents duplication of services and allows them to access services through a streamlined process. Clients are requested to provide their consent by signing a release form that outlines the specific information to be authorized for release and to which entity it may be released. Equus continuously works with our partners to ensure clients do not have to answer the same questions repeatedly. Strategies include the following:

• Work with partners to continue to streamline assessments and remove any unnecessary duplication

• Collaborate with partners to be a support when the partnering agency is the expert in the field. For example, Vocational Rehabilitation has its own assessment and recommendations. Our focus is to work with them and take their guidance on what is best for the client.

• We are open to modifying standardized assessment to be more encompassing of community and public entities that work closely with TANF population. There is a common ground that is explored to ensure the customer experience is efficient.

• Leadership works to meet regularly with partners to track results and explore any and all options to ensure TANF clients do not have extra hurdles to jump when we can leverage each other’s assessments.

Planning

Equus supports and leans on the community to ensure services are beneficial and easily accessible to Jobs Program clients. We support clients who are receiving TANF as they work towards self-sufficiency. We meet the client where they are both figuratively and literally if needed. We operate successful programs because we understand and value our partners and collaborators, helping them to fulfill their mission and goals. Along with our partners, we plan activities and services to benefit and create efficiencies for our clients. Our experience across the state of Arizona helps us train our employees to develop lasting relationships and collaborations within their local communities and share that knowledge with the collective whole. When a TDS completes an assessment and develops a Self- Sufficiency Plan, the TDS, with engagement from the job seeker, will determine and plan what services and activities are needed. We continually raise client awareness of services and activities offered in the community. Regular partner engagement meetings allow for intentional planning of services to optimize efficiency and clarify responsibilities, with one entity providing the service in conjunction with another’s supplemental service.

We leverage our Community Engagement Managers to expand community relationships, planning and creating systems that focus on an ARIZONA@WORK client approach and not an Equus client or Jobs Program client. Our staff is trained to make decisions when services we provide may be provided by the community and we educate our partners to take the same approach when this is the case from their perspective. As part of our strategies to assess client satisfaction, we ask for feedback from clients both formally and informally to ensure all planning processes are informed by the client's experience and needs.

Service Delivery

Equus recognizes the value impactful services have on job seekers.

Equus also recognizes that the community can work together to make resources available to Jobs Clients. We are committed to working with the community to build on client skills through strategic partnerships with community-based agencies that provide additional services to Jobs Clients. As we build relationships Jobs Clients can improve their essential skills by provided training utilizing our proprietary curriculum Career Accelerate, and through our partnership with Essential Education and LinkedIn Learning.

Career Accelerate is Equus’ evidence-informed, employment-focused adult work readiness curriculum that teaches the workplace skills required by employers. Our robust curriculum, taken in whole or part as needed, assists each job seeker in developing customized strategies for finding employment based on their skills. The content contains over 20, two-hour workshops with more than 40 hours of job readiness material total. It is a “living” curriculum and is continuously being updated to stay relevant to the needs of today’s job seekers.

Facilitators offer interactive workshops at offices in densely populated areas such as Maricopa and Pima County, for counties with less clients, we offer workshops as needed and scheduled in advance. Virtual sessions are hosted to provide more comprehensive services in under-reached areas.

Community Engagement Managers and TDS work closely with the public to ensure that workshops or material similar to Career Accelerate is not duplicated. We do this by inviting partners to our sessions and requesting to attend their workshops to find common ground between a shared approach to provide the best services meeting all needs of clients when we are co-enrolling. In Arizona, some local areas require work readiness to be completed before services are provided. We hope to work with those areas to ensure that clients do not have to attend two workshops. More importantly, we work to ensure that clients do not have to resolve these issues independently, as we work with our partners to develop and deliver personalized, valuable, and efficient services for our clients that begin with our first interactions.

Job Seeker Toolbox. Equus provides many technological tools to create opportunities and change lives. The Academy is a web-based collection of online preparation and learning tools that offers our jobseekers a self-paced virtual learning experience while tapping into a course library with thousands of courses related to job readiness, vocational skills, motivational, adult education and more. The Academy was developed in response to the need to offer personalized skills training and remedial education in an easy-to-use format accessible from any internet-connected device. Jobseekers have 24-hour access to LinkedIn Learning and Essential Education platforms that offer over 16,000 courses, which can be used for GED and credential-earned training.

Managing and understanding finances can be difficult especially when moving out of public assistance to earning a paycheck. Financial literacy is offered to participants in a few modalities. Essential Education on the Academy offers Money Essentials, a four-unit course focused on budgeting, understanding credit, realistic financial goals, and overview of loans. Clients are able to access the online training 24/7. Equus also provides live virtual and/or in person financial literacy workshops that expand on the topics of Money Essentials, providing more detail and hands on experience. This workshop is offered to Jobs Program client(s) and their high-school age children allowing them to understand the basics of money.

We are committed to using innovative tools and technologies to increase service levels through effective case management. Our Case Managers are provided access to a suite of tools with a host of options to help guide the development of the participant’s Self-Sufficiency plan, designed to help participants gain the skills they need to achieve long-term success in the workforce. When it's in the best interest of the client to allow community partners to take the lead on services we work closely to ensure the needs of the Jobs Program are being met to best serve the needs of the client.

If a client is enrolled in GED or with an alternative training provider, or alternative job readiness workshops as part of the workforce program, we do not require clients to take Equus workshops: they are available as supplemental.

Tracking Results

When partner agencies are providing services and/or activities to our Jobs Clients, tracking that data is critical. Our

Community Engagement Managers ensure that, when possible, a mechanism for tracking results is part of any mutual agreement. We collect data from the job seekers via their weekly participation reports to help us gauge progress. Through

Example: Jobs Client referred to ARIZONA@WORK to co-enroll with the WIOA Adult Program during initial intake.

At the time of referral, client was attending Pima Community College to obtain HSE and Medical Assistant Certification. All three entities provide resume assistance:

through collaboration and communication we ensure one entity takes the lead to prevent duplication of resume drafting and revision—one resume, one client (not three).

our full-engagement model we speak with job seekers and see how they are progressing and how they feel about the activities they are participating in. As part of a local initiative, unique to Equus and the community or local initiative between multiple agencies, Equus participates and/or initiates regular meetings at an agreed cadence that addresses the process of referrals, services provided, results, and success of the collaboration. One example is working with WIOA programs Adult/Youth, we work closely to track results and improving efficiencies. Equus currently provides WIOA Adult services in Pinal and Yuma County, and Youth services in Maricopa County. Our best practices in these regions and programs are easily transferable to other areas and program management in the state. Our goal remains to track our collaborations and find ways for clients to take full advantage of programs and resources. Using a referral form that is easily adaptable by partners allows us to track referrals and services in house. When we use a partner referral form or system, our team ensures follow-up and creates systems that help us measure results as much as possible.

Case Management services and activities are managed by the job seeker’s Talent Development Specialist (TDS). When it is determined that the job seeker will benefit from public or community services, the TDS reaches out to the appropriate agency to coordinate the next steps. Community Engagement Managers prioritize educating the workforce ecosystem on

TANF services and finding solutions that minimize or remove duplication of services. Staff leverage the partner’s referral process and align our process to the best of our ability. The TDS works with partner agencies, including those providing

Vocational Rehabilitation and WIOA Youth services, to provide relevant information, while honoring client confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. TDS also indicates that the job seeker is receiving co-case management in JAS Case notes and system. Overall, increasing engagement and educating partners helps create a system that is beneficial to the TANF client.

3. Provide a description of the policies and procedures to be used by the Offeror to provide services that are culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate to the population being served. (SOW Section 7.6) (Limit response to Two (2) pages).

Equus is committed to supporting individuals from all walks of life in finding meaningful work and building fulfilling careers.

With projects spanning across 18 states and 181 locations, we partner with local communities to offer services to under-resourced populations. We serve people who are facing challenging circumstances and may be eligible for TANF benefits.

Nearly half of our 41 projects focus specifically on supporting public assistance recipients. We provide career center services and programs for at-risk youth, helping pave the way to a better life.

Our leadership continues to focus on the growing need for services to vulnerable, at-risk populations experiencing homelessness, and other social issues. Since 2013, Equus leadership endeavored to bridge inequities negatively impacting those most vulnerable within our communities through our wholly owned subsidiary, Equitable Social Solutions.

Some of the projects that we are currently supporting:

• County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (CA): Regional Homeless Assistance Program (RHAP) including outreach, emergency housing, bridge housing hotel vouchers, transportation, case management, resource referrals, rental application/ fee payments, and housing navigation/ stability support for clients. We also administer housing and support services for SSDI clients, applying strategies such as bridge housing, master leasing, flat rental subsidies, shared housing, and other evidence-based solutions.

• City of Chicago, Homeless Prevention Policy and Planning (IL): Operation of a 24/7 non-congregate shelter and provision of related housing support services

• Lane County (OR): Operator of the River Avenue Navigation Center and the Brooklyn Street Shelter, to provide transitional/bridge housing, case management, and wraparound support for up to 87 adults.

Conducting a community needs assessment is a critical step in identifying under resourced populations. Equus works with local community organizations such as community centers, schools, churches, and non-profit organizations that serve under resourced individuals. To ensure that our customers have the resources needed to thrive, our organization is data driven, as such, we utilize data on unemployment rates, workforce participation rates, and demographic data to identify at risk populations in the communities we serve. For example, in 2020 we looked at information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATDR) to determine which Arizona counties were at high risk for social vulnerability. We found that Apache, Navajo, Santa Cruz, and Yuma were areas where many people may be facing challenges to make ends meet, access healthcare, or find stable housing and Coconino, Graham, La Paz, and Pima are listed as medium to high-risk areas. By using tools like the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which looks at factors like socioeconomic status, household characteristics, race and ethnicity, and household type and transportation, we can gain a clear understanding of where our resources can make the biggest impact. Accommodation is provided for accessibility for those with physical needs. We believe everyone deserves a fair opportunity for success, and we are dedicated to doing our part to make that a reality.

We strive to increase each job seeker’s comfort level by ensuring that our team is culturally competent to work with a diverse range of job seekers. We carefully select and train our team to work in partnership with our job seekers During diversity training for new hires, we ask our employees to identify and share local cultural characteristics of their communities, providing an opportunity for our employees to learn about similarities or differences among our communities and to share ideas and resources to remove potential cultural barriers. We employ a multicultural team that is familiar with the local populations, and we seek to further understand the communities through working relationships with local agencies and collaborative organizations.

In Arizona, our culturally diverse team is representative of the individuals who access our services across the state. Our ability to offer services through different modalities allows us to provide services virtually or in person to meet the unique needs of the individual. From PY 2021 to present, 47% of AZ Equus staff have been bilingual, and we have employed 3 individuals who speak languages other than English and Spanish. These individuals help us serve the refugee population and speak languages such as Arabic, Farsi, and Kurdish. New and seasoned staff complete our annual course entitled “Diversity on the Job: The Importance of Diversity and the Changing Workplace” which is delivered virtually. The training provides an insight into different cultures and how to embrace and strengthen the team by leveraging all strengths and talents on the team. Where available, staff attend local refugee meetings that focus on the culture and how to properly serve this population. Equus is part of the Refugee Integration Service Provider (RISP-Net). We are also active participants in the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program Quarterly Meeting hosted by DES. Our teams engage in cultural events when possible, and our staff that work with Refugees currently partner with ADES Wilson-Fish refugee program to ensure services are being provided efficiently and in the most appropriate manner possible.

Building a relationship with job seekers in a language in which they are comfortable along with a shared priority of culturally sensitivity allows our team to increase engagement, provide more tailored services as needed, and more effectively assist job seekers in successfully reaching their goals. Our current procedure GEN_211_PRO_Serving English Limited Participants provides direction and guidance on how to provide service to non-English Speakers. With a focus on working with non-English speakers, this procedure focuses on communicating with clients in their native tongue when possible and exploring all possible options to provide services firsthand. We communicate consistently through phone, email, and letters. These emails and letters are translated into the native language of the participant. For example, participants who speak Spanish receive communication in Spanish. For other languages, if we have staff that speak that language, they use the client's native tongue. Our procedure’s top focus is to provide services in the client's language without the use of translation services when possible. In Arizona, Spanish is the most common language that non-English speaking clients speak, hiring bilingual staff helps serve that population. In delivering this statewide project, we commit to employing effective teams composed of more than fifty percent bilingual personnel.

We employ a team whose main priority is to work with refugee clients and clients with primary languages other than English or Spanish. As stated earlier this is recruited with the ability to speak other languages. Refugee populations may vary at time from origin country, at time of hiring we look at current languages that we are seeing within our clients. When we must provide services in a language staff does not speak, the team uses services from the Language Line to provide translation services. The Language Line can clearly interpret both in person and virtually with the client. SOP, GEN_210_PRO_Language Line provides direction on how to utilize the Language Line, which offers translation services for other commonly spoken languages in the state including: Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Dari, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Afghani, and Pashto. This service, available 24/7 in 170 different languages, allows our team members to communicate in-person, one-on-one with job seekers, no matter what language they speak. Language Line staff and the Voluntary Agencies who work with to help translate as well as work with Job Development for Refugees have a deep understanding of the challenges refugees face both linguistically and culturally.

We collaborate with partner organizations to identify gaps in existing supports and to expand our outreach and engagement by conducting community events, job fairs, or workshops, and engaging community members through online platforms to expand our reach and better serve Arizona residents. We know dignity and equity are intertwined. Upholding these principles starts with taking a strengths-based, future-focused approach that values and promotes potential and lived experience. We employ unbiased interviewing practices focused on building a diverse candidate pool representative of the communities to be served in Arizona.

We offer diversity and inclusion training for all employees, including unconscious bias training and workshops on cross-cultural communication and respect, to promote understanding and awareness of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We recently developed new course content for all employees as part of annual compliance training to understand diversity and improve interactions with others, including customers and colleagues.

To enhance cultural competency, we recently focused on targeted training for our leaders, and we are implementing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) series for all new hires.

The series encompasses the tenets of transformative, effective, and sustainable cultural competency: Awareness, Attitude, Knowledge, and Skills. It contains vocabulary for DEI, explores issues, and provides action-focused content on the following topics:

• DEI 1.0 - Overview and Belonging

• DEI 2.0 – Recognizing and Disengaging Unconscious Bias

• DEI 3.0 – Unlocking the Power of Phycological Safety

• DEI 4.0 – Applying Skills to the Real World

We have implemented Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for underrepresented groups, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans to provide support, networking opportunities, and career development opportunities. We encourage open communication and feedback mechanisms, such as town hall meetings and anonymous suggestion boxes, to ensure all employees feel heard and valued. We celebrate and recognize diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions through events, such as cultural potlucks, heritage month celebrations, and recognition of important cultural holidays. For 2022, our new hire diversity demographics included 76% women, 38% African American, 22% Hispanic, 28% Caucasian and 4% Asian/Native Hawaiian/American Indian. Our Executive Leadership Team is comprised of nine individuals: four are women and two are African American

4. Describe how the Offeror will provide service through multiple modalities to accommodate client needs. (SOW Section 7.8) (Limit response to One (1) page).

Equus provides continuous, individualized case management that leverages different modalities to fully accommodate client needs. Interactions with clients consist of one-on-one interactions via face-to-face interactions both in person and virtually when possible. Our Full-Engagement, strengths-based Model of case management focuses on meeting the needs of the client to encourage them to remain engaged with the program. Strengths-based case management is a person-centered case management approach that helps participants achieve self-sufficiency by overcoming barriers, obtaining long-term employment in a growing industry, and earning a sustaining wage with opportunities for advancement.

This approach focuses on working with clients and helping them build and nurture informal support networks as well as helping them identify and access community resources. We approach each participant individually and holistically, addressing barriers to employment to allow the participant to succeed.

To expand access and engage a higher number of individuals, Equus provides multiple avenues for participants to engage in the TANF program. Our staff offer a full range of allowable activities utilizing approved tools and technology to reach participants. Our service delivery model includes:

In-person services are offered at the local offices throughout the state. Staff are strategically located in offices across the state ensuring that there are staff present in each county when possible. For areas where there are no dedicated staff, our team maintains a relationship with the local office and uses ADES offices that offer hoteling options to meet client needs. This includes pre-scheduled appointments with the TDS, at a pre-determined frequency (such as monthly) to meet any needs of the client and community. In-person services are expanded to access points in the community, Equus also has staff officed in some Local Area One-Stops across the state and leverages WIOA partners and local libraires to set up as potential sites for face-to-face interactions to meet client need. as approved by the State. To ensure the availability of adequate communication resources, we provide our clients with a toll-free number.

Virtual case management services are offered, utilizing multiple platforms such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx to provide more comprehensive services in under-reached areas. Support Services are used to provide devices and data when needed to assist job seekers with virtual services that have become prevalent in obtaining employment. Equus leverages Dropbox Sign (Formerly HelloSign) to facilitate the obtaining signatures from client and continue to explore virtual options that only improve the services.

Participants have access to 24/7 on demand learning and a virtual repository that has thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses to help gain new or enhance existing knowledge and skills. There are courses in areas including but not limited to: customer service • time management • business etiquette • leadership • supervising staff • project management • writing skills • job search • interviewing skills • salary negotiation • conflict management • and many more! Our Essential Education series provides evaluations and coursework to determine grade level for clients who do not have a high school diploma or GED.

Google Classroom is also available for workshops.

The MobileUp App Allows participants to opt-in to utilize app features, including information about specific TANF program services and other relevant information, such as details about Employment Opportunities, Apprenticeship, Community Resources and Community Resource Fairs, Hiring Events, and Upcoming Workshops and Training.

Participants can also use the app to schedule appointments and chat with their Case Manager. The MobileUp App is customized to meet all

ARIZONA@WORK branding requirements.

Providing access serves as the starting point for service delivery. To increase our engagement in employment and training activities, our team builds a positive rapport from day one. We build relationships by establishing trust and by offering solutions that help each individual overcome barriers to employment. Our community relations team builds partnerships where we could meet clients at their centers, if needed, to provide co-case management services.

When client needs dictate more support, Intensive Case Management which focuses on extensive, high-quality services to remove barriers to employment, TDS works closely with those clients that require more demanding services, by specializing workloads when needed and helping clients move to less intensive services. We have found that providing strengths-based mentorship and regular check-ins with participants help build rapport, enhance the participant’s self-esteem, encourage participation, and improve outcomes leading to long-term success. We gather information from the participants through interviews and assessments to help identify the types of activities and employment that are best suited based on their current situation. We collaborate and provide guidance to participants as we establish goals for the ECDP to overcome barriers to employment and to take the next step in achieving economic self-sufficiency. We celebrate incremental achievements, which serves as a significant motivator and engagement tool for participants.

Sample Custom Screen for App (From our project in TX: Rural Capital.)

5. Describe how the Offeror will implement internal procedures to assess staff knowledge of TANF Jobs Program policies and procedures. (SOW Section 7.11) (Limit response to One (1) page).

Knowledge of the unique needs and requirements of serving federal and state agencies is the cornerstone of achieving a demonstrated track record of success. Through our extensive experience working collaboratively with the State of Arizona and TANF participants, we have established procedures and staff training well aligned with the TANF Jobs Program policies.

Equus recruits, engages, and trains talented workforce professionals to operate our programs. We hire locally and build leaders to support succession planning. Our structure is designed to deliver ever-improving productivity, job readiness, placement, economic independence, and retention for those seeking employment. Our 16 years of experience providing

TANF Jobs Program services allows us to fully comprehend Arizona Jobs Program policies and Procedures, which help…