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New York City Council

Committee on General Welfare

Sep 10, 2024

·

10:00 AM

1 hr 50 min

Summary

A hearing on the Human Resources Administration (HRA)'s career services offerings, exploring programs like Career Pathways, Business Link, PINC, Jobs Plus, CUNY EDGE, and WeCARE.

Discussions focused on:

  • The transition to a consolidated "one door" model
  • High denial rates for cash assistance applications
  • Job placement statistics
  • Concerns about reinstated work requirements

Council members advocated for more diverse job opportunities, better transitional support, and expanded services for vulnerable populations.

Features testimony from HRA Administrator Scott French, representatives from nonprofit organizations including NADAP Inc., Project Renewal, GMHC, and Women in Need (WIN), and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Council Member Diana Ayala's opening remarks on HRA career services hearing

Council Member Diana Ayala, as Chair of the General Welfare Committee, opens the hearing on the Human Resources Administration's (HRA) Career Services Offerings. She provides an overview of HRA's career …

0:00:33

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173 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and overview of HRA's role in career services

Scott French, Administrator of the Human Resources Administration (HRA), introduces the topic of HRA's career services and provides an overview of their importance in connecting low-income New Yorkers to workforce …

0:03:40

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123 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Description of Career Pathways program components

Scott French describes the Career Pathways suite of service programs, which provides various engagement and job-related services to HRA clients. He details the three main components of Career Pathways: CareerCompass, …

0:05:43

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73 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overview of Business Link program

Scott French provides a brief overview of the Business Link program, which focuses on matching employers with job seekers through targeted outreach and skills assessment. The program utilizes various methods …

0:06:56

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18 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Description of Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers (PINC) program

Scott French introduces the Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers (PINC) program, an initiative arising from the US Economic Development Administration's Good Jobs Challenge within the American Rescue Plan of …

0:07:15

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28 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overview of Jobs Plus program

Scott French provides an overview of the Jobs Plus program, a place-based employment program administered by HRA for residents in 40 New York City Housing Authority developments. The program aims …

0:07:44

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25 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Description of CUNY EDGE program

Scott French describes the CUNY EDGE (Educate, Develop, Graduate, and Empower) program, a joint initiative between HRA and CUNY designed to support HRA clients enrolled at CUNY schools. The program …

0:08:09

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17 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Overview of Alternative Engagement (AE) programs

Scott French provides an overview of Alternative Engagement (AE) programs, which assist clients interested in high-demand, skills-based training in rapidly growing occupations. These programs aim to prepare clients for emerging …

0:08:27

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18 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Description of WeCARE program

Scott French describes the Wellness Comprehensive Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Employment (WeCARE) program, which provides comprehensive services to HRA cash assistance clients with medical, physical, and/or mental health conditions that impact …

0:08:45

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25 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Recent RFPs and future plans for HRA's career services

Scott French discusses recent Request for Proposals (RFPs) and future plans for HRA's career services, highlighting the agency's efforts to improve and refine their offerings. He mentions the development of …

0:09:10

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44 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Key concepts guiding HRA's career services model

Scott French outlines the key concepts that guide HRA's career services model and inform their strategy in developing new RFPs. These concepts focus on client-centered approaches, progressive workforce development practices, …

0:09:55

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103 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Legal and regulatory framework for HRA operations

Scott French explains the legal and regulatory framework within which HRA operates, highlighting the various levels of oversight and compliance requirements. This framework influences HRA's policies and procedures, including those …

0:11:39

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39 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Return to mandatory engagement and sanctions post-COVID-19

Scott French explains the resumption of mandatory engagement requirements and potential sanctions for cash assistance clients following the COVID-19 pandemic pause. He outlines HRA's approach to implementing these requirements and …

0:12:18

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64 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Higher NYC Human Services program and its impact on job placements

Scott French introduces the Higher NYC Human Services program, which leverages city contracting dollars to secure employment for cash assistance clients. The program requires contracted providers to hire a certain …

0:13:24

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70 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Job placement statistics and successes

Scott French presents job placement statistics and successes achieved through HRA's programs, particularly focusing on the Higher NYC Human Services program and Business Link. The data demonstrates significant growth in …

0:14:34

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14 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Conclusion and reassurance of HRA's commitment to helping New Yorkers

Scott French concludes his testimony by reaffirming HRA's commitment to supporting job seekers and acknowledging the challenges of the job search process. He emphasizes the wide range of resources available …

0:14:49

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94 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Ayala shares her personal experience with education programs

Council Member Diana I. Ayala shares her personal experience with education programs as a young single parent. She describes how she was encouraged to get her GED and enroll in …

0:16:36

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99 sec

Q&A

Discussion on changes in contract structure during the pandemic

Council Member Ayala inquires about the current contract structure for career services providers, and Scott French explains the changes made during the pandemic. - During the pandemic, performance-based contracts were …

0:18:15

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102 sec

Q&A

Safeguards to ensure providers work with all referred clients

Council Member Ayala inquires about safeguards in place to prevent providers from selectively working with only certain clients. Scott French explains the measures HRA has in place to ensure fair …

0:19:57

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89 sec

Q&A

Comparison of current programs to past work requirements (WEP)

Council Member Ayala expresses concerns about past work requirement programs like WEP (Work Experience Program) and asks how current programs differ. She shares an example of a person with a …

0:21:27

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85 sec

REMARKS

Shift from WEP to internship-focused programs

Scott French explains how HRA has moved away from the Work Experience Program (WEP) to focus on more beneficial internship-based programs. He outlines the new approach to providing meaningful work …

0:22:53

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94 sec

Q&A

Contract terms and duration for career services providers

Council Member Ayala inquires about the typical contract terms for career services providers, and Scott French provides details on contract duration and renewal options. - Typical contracts are 3 years …

0:24:27

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57 sec

Q&A

Timeline for new PACE and We Care programs

Council Member Ayala asks about the expected start date for the new PACE and We Care programs. Scott French provides a specific timeline for the implementation of these new contracts. …

0:25:21

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9 sec

Q&A

Changes in future program models and RFPs for career services

Scott French outlines the anticipated changes in future program models and RFPs for career services, based on lessons learned from previous contracts and client feedback. - Shift from 27 individual …

0:25:34

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3 min

Q&A

Council Member Avilés questions HRA on contract consolidation and service impacts

Council Member Alexa Avilés seeks clarification from HRA Administrator Scott French about the consolidation of contracts from 27 to 9 and its potential impact on services. French explains the rationale …

0:28:57

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3 min

Q&A

Discussion on contract performance and potential payment reductions

Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the possibility of groups not receiving their full contract amount based on diploma targets. Administrator Scott French explains that while theoretically possible, HRA …

0:31:58

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48 sec

Q&A

Overview of performance metrics and reporting in HRA contracts

Administrator Scott French provides a detailed explanation of the performance metrics used in HRA contracts and the frequency of progress reports from providers. The discussion covers various aspects of performance …

0:32:45

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81 sec

Q&A

Detailed walkthrough of HRA's current career services model and client assessment process

Administrator Scott French provides a comprehensive explanation of HRA's current career services model, detailing the process from client enrollment to assessment and service matching. The walkthrough covers various stages and …

0:34:08

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175 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Cabán provides background on GMHC's RISE program and its elimination

Council Member Tiffany Cabán provides context on GMHC's RISE program, which has helped 674 clients find employment since 2014 through culturally competent assistance. She explains that the program's contract was …

0:37:11

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63 sec

Q&A

Q&A on the transfer of RISE program clients to other HRA services

Council Member Cabán inquires about the transfer of RISE program clients to other HRA services following the program's elimination. Administrator Scott French responds, explaining the process and outcomes for affected …

0:38:15

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132 sec

Q&A

Q&A on specialized services for LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDS communities

Council Member Cabán inquires about the specialized nature of the HASA program for LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDS communities. Administrator Scott French explains the program's design and approach to serving these populations. …

0:40:27

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145 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Cabán emphasizes the importance of specialized services for vulnerable populations

Council Member Cabán concludes by emphasizing the importance of truly specialized services for vulnerable populations, using a personal example to illustrate her point about the value of targeted organizations and …

0:42:52

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74 sec

Q&A

Discussion on budget for employment services contracts

Council Member Ayala inquires about the budget for employment services contracts in fiscal years 2025 and beyond. Scott French from HRA responds that there's no intention of budget decline but …

0:44:23

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73 sec

Q&A

Overview of types of employment services contracts

Scott French explains that not all 62 contracts are exclusively for HRA clients. He outlines various programs and their target populations. - Some programs serve HRA clients with engagement requirements, …

0:45:36

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53 sec

Q&A

Inquiry about contracted providers for employment services

Council Member Ayala asks about the contracted providers for direct employment services and the programs they offer. Scott French indicates that it's a large list and commits to following up …

0:46:29

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14 sec

Q&A

RFP changes and budget implications for employment services

Council Member Ayala inquires about potential budget changes due to the release of the RFP. Scott French explains the process of determining contract values. - Final contract values are still …

0:46:51

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49 sec

Q&A

HRA's strategy for achieving employment retention rate goals

Scott French explains HRA's approach to achieving its 80% retention rate goal at the 180-day mark for Career Pathways participants. He emphasizes the shift from voluntary to mandatory engagement and …

0:47:42

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133 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Restler greets Administrator Scott French

Council Member Lincoln Restler begins by greeting Administrator Scott French and congratulating Lamar on his promotion within the Department of Social Services. They briefly discuss how to address each other. …

0:49:56

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13 sec

Q&A

Update on Jobs Plus program status and potential expansion

Council Member Restler inquires about the status of the Jobs Plus workforce development program, including its current reach and potential for expansion. Administrator French provides details on the program's scope …

0:50:09

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66 sec

Q&A

Update on food stamps and cash assistance backlog clearance

Council Member Restler asks for an update on the clearance of food stamps and cash assistance case backlogs, which was previously announced. Administrator French confirms that the backlog clearance has …

0:51:15

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101 sec

Q&A

Concerns over increased cash assistance rejection rates and work requirements

Council Member Restler expresses concern about the significant increase in cash assistance application rejection rates, from 5% pre-pandemic to nearly 45% in summer 2023. He also raises questions about the …

0:52:58

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154 sec

REMARKS

Explanation of mandatory engagement implementation and sanction process

Administrator French provides a comprehensive explanation of the implementation of mandatory engagement and the sanction process for cash assistance recipients. He details the tiered approach, education efforts, and safeguards in …

0:55:33

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5 min

REMARKS

Ongoing concerns about increased denial rates and bureaucratic challenges

Council Member Restler acknowledges the information provided but expresses ongoing concerns about the increased denial rates for cash assistance applications. He emphasizes the need for further investigation into the causes …

1:00:50

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47 sec

REMARKS

Concerns about Schermerhorn site incident and long waiting times

Council Member Restler raises concerns about a recent incident at the Schermerhorn HRA site, where a fight led to a stabbing. He also highlights issues with extremely long waiting times …

1:01:37

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62 sec

Q&A

Request for briefing on HRA site changes in downtown Brooklyn

Council Member Restler requests information about plans to close and shift HRA sites in downtown Brooklyn. Administrator French agrees to provide a follow-up briefing on the matter. - Restler mentions …

1:02:41

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33 sec

Q&A

Discussion of Jobs Plus program cuts and impacts

Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about recent cuts to the Jobs Plus program, which serves New York City housing developments. Scott French from HRA confirms that two contracts were …

1:03:15

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5 min

Q&A

Types of job opportunities and career paths offered through HRA programs

Council Member Ayala expresses concerns about the types of employment opportunities offered through HRA programs, particularly in the Jobs Plus program. She emphasizes the need for better career paths and …

1:08:57

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4 min

Q&A

Industries of interest for HRA job placements

Council Member Ayala inquires about the industries of interest to HRA when contracting with organizations for job placements. Scott French provides information on the focus areas for different programs. - …

1:13:28

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46 sec

Q&A

Impact of employment on benefits and transitional assistance

Council Member Ayala inquires about how quickly individuals lose their benefits after securing employment and what transitional assistance is available. Scott French explains the process and available supports. - There …

1:14:14

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5 min

Q&A

HRA's collaboration with other agencies for workforce development

Council Member Ayala inquires about HRA's referrals to other agencies for workforce development opportunities. Scott French explains the collaborative efforts and data tracking challenges. - HRA has ongoing referrals to …

1:19:19

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4 min

Q&A

CUNY EDGE program enrollment and outcomes

Council Member Ayala inquires about the current enrollment and outcomes of the CUNY Edge program. Scott French provides detailed statistics on enrollment and degrees earned. - For the fall 2024 …

1:23:28

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3 min

Q&A

Work Progress Program (WPP) for young adults

Council Member Ayala inquires about the Work Progress Program, which assists nonprofit organizations in providing internship opportunities to low-income young adults. Scott French provides current statistics on the program. - …

1:26:46

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37 sec

Q&A

Request for data on HRA's career services programs

Council Member Ayala requests detailed data on HRA's career services programs, including Youth Pathways, Career Compass, and Career Advance. Scott French explains the limitations on current data availability due to …

1:27:27

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116 sec

Q&A

Reimagining workforce development for young people and HRA's collaboration with DYCD

Council Member Althea Stevens inquires about HRA's partnership with DYCD and how they are reimagining workforce development for young people in New York City. Scott French from HRA explains their …

1:29:36

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134 sec

REMARKS

Holistic approach to workforce development and interagency collaboration

Council Member Stevens emphasizes the need for a more holistic approach to workforce development, connecting services across agencies. Scott French expresses interest in formalizing relationships and creating better connections between …

1:31:50

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43 sec

REMARKS

Impact of Jobs Plus program cuts and the need for flexible community-based services

Council Member Diana I. Ayala expresses concern over the loss of the Jobs Plus programs and emphasizes the need for more flexible, community-based workforce development services. She highlights the connection …

1:32:33

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97 sec

REMARKS

Addressing diverse workforce development needs: Young mothers, non-college bound youth, and mental health professionals

Council Member Ayala discusses the need for comprehensive support for young mothers and employment resources for youth who may not pursue college education. She also highlights the demand for social …

1:34:11

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145 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Meryl Kordower, Vice President for Workforce Services at NADAP Inc., on HRA's Career Services Programs

Meryl Kordower, Vice President for Workforce Services at NADAP Inc., testified about their organization's involvement with HRA's career services programs, particularly Career Compass. She highlighted NADAP's focus on helping New …

1:38:17

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123 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lanette Chever, Senior Director of Workforce Development at Project Renewal

Lanette Chever from Project Renewal presented testimony on the organization's workforce development programs for individuals facing barriers to employment. She highlighted the success of their Next Step internship program and …

1:40:43

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156 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Daniel Hiraldo, Job Developer and Retention Specialist, Workforce Development Program at GMHC

Daniel Hiraldo from GMHC testified about the importance of their workforce development program for people living with HIV and AIDS, despite losing funding for their RISE program due to budget …

1:43:49

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166 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Katie Masi, Director of the Income Building Program at Women in Need (WIN)

Katie Masi from Women in Need (WIN) testified about challenges with HRA's career services for cash assistance clients in shelters. She highlighted issues with communication, engagement, and the potential negative …

1:46:42

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117 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Towaki Komatsu, Member of the Public

Towaki Komatsu provided a critical testimony addressing various concerns about the hearing process and his personal experiences with the city's employment services. He raised issues about being excluded from a …

1:49:19

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50 sec

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