(a) Boards shall develop intervention strategies for providing Workforce Solutions Office services, which ensure rapid and suitable employment for trade-affected workers and dislocated workers eligible for Trade benefits.

(b) Boards shall ensure that Rapid Response assistance is provided consistent with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Rapid Response services, including the following:

(1) contacting the employer immediately upon the filing of a Trade petition, receipt of a WARN letter, the announcement of a layoff involving 50 or more workers, other notification of pending layoff, or a mass job dislocation that results from a natural disaster;

(2) scheduling a meeting with the employer and workers to ensure notification of Rapid Response services, including availability of UI mass claims;

(3) scheduling services for workers, including: (A) orientation to Trade Act benefits, which includes the following: (i) TRA; and (ii) Trade Act-funded employment and training activities; and (B) orientation to labor market information, including wage data and the availability of demand and targeted occupations as defined by the Board;

(4) assisting employers, workers, and labor unions with filing Trade petitions with the United States Department of Labor;

(5) providing initial assessment of the trade-affected worker's skill levels, (including literacy, numeracy, and English language proficiency), abilities (including skill gaps), and need for support services;

(6) helping affected workers register in the state's labor exchange system; and

(7) coordinating with the appropriate UI field specialist.

(c) Boards shall ensure that:

(1) Trade-affected workers are coenrolled in the WIOA Dislocated Worker program if they are eligible; and

(2) Workforce Solutions Office staff completes the Trade Adjustment Assistance Coenrollment Declination Form if a trade-affected worker declines coenrollment.

Source Note: The provisions of this §849.21 adopted to be effective November 24, 2003, 28 TexReg 10510; amended to be effective January 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 270; amended to be effective July 18, 2022, 47 TexReg 4143