Diane Hollenbach

The Berks County Workforce Development Area 4-year local workforce development plan (PY 2021-2024) addresses workforce and economic challenges, focusing on post-pandemic recovery and long-term structural issues. Key areas include addressing an aging workforce and insufficient young adult replacements; skills gaps in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, transportation, and education; and barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, those in poverty, and those involved in the criminal justice system. The plan emphasizes employer engagement, incumbent worker training, registered apprenticeships, and partnerships with educational institutions to improve workforce skills and address critical skills shortages. Specific strategies include the Incumbent Worker Training Consortium, Career Ready Berks initiative, and the implementation of Perkins V. The plan also highlights the need to improve adult numeracy and English language proficiency.

The County of Berks Reentry Strategic Plan (2016-2019) aims to reduce recidivism and jail overcrowding while enhancing public safety through cost-effective reentry initiatives. The plan focuses on four core strategic goals: 1) establishing a systems approach to reentry programming; 2) utilizing evidence-based practices and interventions to assess risks and needs, and provide effective case planning and treatment; 3) expanding external resources available for reentry; and 4) building staff capacity to support evidence-based reentry programs. The plan emphasizes a risk-need-responsivity model, utilizing cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI) and core correctional practices. Implementation involves working groups focused on systems, rehabilitation, resources, and workforce development, overseen by a Reentry Sub Committee and a Reentry Senior Team. The plan incorporates principles of effective interventions, including risk assessment, need-based programming, responsivity to individual characteristics, and fidelity monitoring to ensure program effectiveness.