IWD REORGANIZATION CHANGES IN 2023
A statewide government reorganization brought a new look to Iowa Workforce Development in July.
Earlier this year, Iowa legislators and Gov. Kim Reynolds approved a broad plan to reduce the number of state government department heads and reorganize government to group like-functioning agencies together. At Iowa Workforce Development, this means several new workforce-related programs moving into IWD, while two enforcement and regulatory agencies were relocated elsewhere.
WHAT'S NEW
Took Effect July 1, 2023:
- Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) moved from the Iowa Department of Education to become its own division within Iowa Workforce Development.
- Iowa's Adult Education and Literacy Programs also joined IWD from the Department of Education, as well as HiSET testing under the High School Equivalency Diploma Program.
- At the same time the Iowa Department of Labor and the Department of Worker’s Compensation became part of the newly named Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
WHY DID THIS CHANGE OCCUR?
The changes will centralize Iowa’s workforce-related programs and services within IWD, thereby making it easier for all Iowans to access workforce services from a single entity. Having similar programs operate under the same umbrella will make it easier and more efficient for them to cooperate in serving Iowans.
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT PROGRAM CUSTOMERS?
Iowans should expect to see the same quality service they were getting before July 1. IVRS counselors will continue working with clients the same way they always have, and the services available through IowaWORKS will still be provided by the same people.
There may be shifts in the look and focus of how we talk to you. For instance, the appearance of various websites may change in the coming weeks. But the same dedicated employees will continue to be behind the programs you seek.
Watch this page for any further updates about reorganization that could impact the Iowans we serve.
If you have specific questions about how this change might alter your interactions with an Iowa state government agency, you should feel free to reach out to your customary contact person and/or send your question to communications@iwd.iowa.gov.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
These additional areas that merge with IWD will continue to operate as they have before, but they will also gain access to even more resources that help create the best possible outcomes for Iowans. To learn more and to connect with these programs directly, visit the links below:
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
https://ivrs.iowa.gov
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) assists Iowans to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. IVRS focuses on service delivery that assists individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. Visit this link to connect.
Iowa Disability Benefits Network
https://disabilitybenefits.iowa.gov
The Iowa Disability Benefits Network assists disabled Iowans with employment-related resources and programs.
Adult Education and Literacy Programs
Iowa’s Adult Education and Literacy Programs exist to help adults build skills for success and improve the functional skills necessary for successful employment and quality of life. These programs help Iowans tackle the opportunities in today's workplace and prep them for the skills that employers require. Visit this link to connect.