Increase program accessibility to clients, while increasing the capacity of the workforce system.

Public Consulting Group (PCG) has developed the Virtual Employment Readiness Assistant (VERA), an innovative solution that expands reach and automates communicative services through the use of artificial intelligence. This approach empowers customers to access an online environment and receive a virtual job readiness experience that mirrors the services available in America’s Job Centers (AJCs). We have applied gamification principles, pre- and post-assessments, and badging incentives to our line-up of workshops to test for content absorption and real-world application. VERA is a critical tool that attracts customers less likely to seek services in a physical location and provides for 24/7 accessibility.

Why choose VERA? 

Each VERA module has been designed around best practices and incorporates worthwhile, interactive, and fluid design that can be adapted to create custom-built packages. Our team has worked hard to ensure that VERA is affordable. The hub-and-spoke design allows you to purchase the services you need as you need them, developing a robust platform over time. Many modules offer multiple service delivery options, so VERA meets your systems’ needs and budget while also allowing for scalability to ensure the platform is prepared to adapt to future needs.

With VERA, you can expand reach and increase staff capacity, while providing tailored services to customers of all backgrounds and skill levels. At the same time, you preserve valuable resources while decreasing job seeker barriers to employment.

To request a live demonstration of VERA, contact us!

System Features and Workforce Consulting Supports

VERA offers organizations the option to use the full platform or any of its parts. Its data warehouse component manages client interactions, optimizes and systematizes relationships, and allows easy access to client activity reports. 

Portal Site

Each VERA comes with a customized, branded portal site allowing organizations to easily connect customers and staff with all of the virtual offerings included in your package. The portal includes other resources, such as an event calendar, video library, and links to valuable online resources.

Learn

The Learn module provides customers with remote workshop opportunities designed to meet the specialized needs of job seekers. This module allows increased access for customers who are utilizing services at partner agencies and other organizations while promoting the accessibility of workforce system services to all users.

Key “Learn” features:

  • Accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any smart device
  • Incorporates ongoing assessments and differentiated instruction
  • Section 508 compliant
  • Learning Management System (LMS) supports reporting and program compliance
  • Virtual Career Center supports the needs of all customers

Network

This companion piece to the online training platform facilitates networking and better supports the needs of customers by providing a space where customers can ask questions, interact with peers, engage in critical discourse, and reflect. It allows you to increase reach and engage customers using community space dedicated for job seekers.

Key “Network” features

  • Language filters, anti-spam tools, advanced security, and customizable registration process
  • Ability to develop user groups, set permissions, and control the look, feel, and operation of your board
  • Powerful search engine

Work

The “Work” module is a white label document management system that has customizable workflows and permissions. Earn and Learn, our document management system, integrates workflows for individuals managing participants and documentation for State or Federal programs.  The platform allows for real time performance tracking, document tracking and sharing allowing organizations to deliver the highest levels of customer service and support compliance with State and Federal Regulations. The dashboard and integrated communication system provide for immediate feedback, and assists users in project management.  The end result is a user friendly, compliant solution for documentation and tracking of participants that generates reports from real-time data.

Key “Work” features:

  • Document Management System
  • Customizable Workflows

Navigate

This module provides insight into AJC service providers and local organizations that touch the workforce system in one easy-to-use web-based directory. It allows staff and customers to quickly identify local services by searching per their needs, location, and other keywords. Once established, your organization is provided with administrative rights to ensure that the information and listings stay up-to-date
PCG can also populate your Services Navigator site using our proven asset mapping and environmental scanning processes. Our mapping allows Workforce Development Boards and social service agencies to identify opportunities for greater alignment and resource leveraging across their local systems, and includes visual assets including a multi-layered geographic information systems (GIS) map that allows organizations to analyze and plan data-driven service provision.

Screen

Paired with the Services Navigator, the Screen module allows you to triage customers quickly using a customized tool that incorporates the organizations you wish to include and their eligibility requirements.

Key “Screen” features:

  • Connects users to relevant partner agencies and health and human service programs
  • Users receive a print-friendly list of program providers’ contact information

Explore

The Explore module includes a suite of assessment tools designed for career counseling, planning and exploration to help job seekers gain personal insight on occupations they might find satisfying.

Key “Explore” features:

  • Access to labor market data (e.g., median wages, projected growth, job openings, etc.)
  • Skill and interest assessments that provide printable reports of matched job opportunities
  • Based on valuable O*NET career tools

Business

This module is a customized interface for businesses. It incorporates a unique landing page that connects businesses to business services locally and nationally

Key “Business” features:

  • Pre-Apprenticeship courses for Entrepreneurship
  • HR content and other resources
  • Connect with local business service

About Public Consulting Group

Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) is a leading public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that partners with health, education, and human services agencies to improve lives. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, PCG has over 2,500 professionals in more than 60 offices worldwide.PCG’s Human Services practice helps state, county, and municipal human services agencies to achieve their performance goals in order to better serve populations in need. PCG’s seasoned professionals offer proven solutions to help agencies design programs, services, and systems; increase program revenue; cut costs, and improve regulatory compliance with state and federal regulations. To learn more, visit https://www.publicconsultinggroup.com/humanservices/.