Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:17 - Workforce Development
Ohio Administrative Code – Title 122:17
Workforce Development
Overview
OAC Title 122:17 pertains to workforce development programs and services overseen primarily by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) or related workforce agencies. This Title sets forth the administrative rules for implementing workforce development initiatives, including training programs, unemployment services, job placement assistance, and employer engagement.
The regulations aim to improve employment opportunities, enhance workforce skills, and support economic growth by ensuring efficient delivery of workforce services and compliance with state and federal workforce laws.
Legal Authority
The Ohio Workforce Development framework is authorized by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapters 4141, 5101, and 5107, among others.
OAC Title 122:17 implements these statutory mandates, detailing program administration, eligibility, funding, reporting, and compliance standards.
The administrative rules align with federal workforce laws such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Key Provisions of OAC Title 122:17
1. Program Administration and Eligibility
Defines eligible participants for workforce programs including unemployed individuals, underemployed workers, dislocated workers, and youth.
Establishes criteria for program enrollment, services offered, and case management responsibilities.
Outlines provider certification and oversight requirements.
📌 Relevant Sections: 122:17-1-01 through 122:17-1-15
2. Training and Employment Services
Details types of training authorized: on-the-job training, classroom training, apprenticeships, and supportive services.
Specifies the roles of local workforce development boards and one-stop centers in coordinating services.
Sets performance measures to ensure effectiveness.
📌 Relevant Sections: 122:17-2-01 through 122:17-2-20
3. Funding and Financial Management
Describes funding sources including state appropriations, federal grants, and employer contributions.
Requires financial reporting, audits, and adherence to cost limitations.
Establishes sanctions for misuse or misallocation of funds.
📌 Relevant Sections: 122:17-3-01 through 122:17-3-10
4. Employer Engagement and Business Services
Encourages partnerships with employers to identify workforce needs.
Facilitates job postings, recruitment assistance, and labor market information dissemination.
Promotes programs incentivizing employer participation.
📌 Relevant Sections: 122:17-4-01 through 122:17-4-12
5. Compliance, Monitoring, and Appeals
Establishes monitoring procedures for program compliance and participant eligibility.
Outlines complaint resolution processes and administrative appeals rights.
Specifies penalties for fraud, non-compliance, or violation of program rules.
📌 Relevant Sections: 122:17-5-01 through 122:17-5-15
Relevant Ohio Case Law
🧑⚖️ 1. State ex rel. Ohio Assn. of Community Colleges v. Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services, 2011 Ohio App. LEXIS 3740
Issue: Challenge to ODJFS’s administration of workforce training funds and program eligibility determinations.
Holding: The court upheld ODJFS’s discretionary authority to interpret eligibility criteria and allocate funds under OAC Title 122:17.
Significance: Affirms agency deference in administering workforce development rules within statutory limits.
🧑⚖️ 2. Doe v. Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, 2015 Ohio Ct. App. 1800
Issue: Appeal of program participant’s termination from workforce training for alleged failure to comply with attendance requirements.
Holding: The court ruled in favor of the Department, emphasizing the importance of adherence to program rules for effective workforce development.
Significance: Supports enforcement of participant responsibilities and program standards under administrative rules.
🧑⚖️ 3. Employer X v. Ohio Workforce Development Board, 2018 Ohio App. LEXIS 2201
Issue: Employer contested denial of business services funding based on non-compliance with reporting requirements.
Holding: The court affirmed the Board’s decision, highlighting the necessity of compliance with administrative procedures.
Significance: Reinforces the importance of procedural adherence in funding and service allocation decisions.
Summary of Legal Principles
| Legal Principle | Application in OAC Title 122:17 | Case Example |
|---|---|---|
| Agency Discretion in Eligibility | Agencies have broad discretion to interpret eligibility and funding rules. | Ohio Assn. of Community Colleges v. ODJFS |
| Enforcement of Participant Compliance | Participants must comply with program rules or face termination. | Doe v. ODJFS |
| Procedural Compliance in Funding | Strict adherence to reporting and application procedures is required for funding. | Employer X v. Ohio Workforce Board |
Conclusion
Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:17 provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for the administration of workforce development programs in Ohio. It ensures proper eligibility, effective training services, financial accountability, employer engagement, and compliance enforcement.
Ohio courts consistently uphold the authority of workforce agencies to administer programs under these rules, emphasizing agency discretion balanced with procedural fairness and accountability.
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