Insights and Perspectives

Your Personalized To-Do List: How Work Items Find You (Instead of You Finding Them)

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:55:08 GMT

What if you had a personalized and intelligent to-do list for every unemployment claim and appeal? One that automatically updated, prioritized your work for you, and showed you exactly what to do next?

Geographic Solutions Unemployment System’s (GUS) comprehensive and integrated Workflow Management module, or work items, offers exactly that. Think of it as the central command center for your workday, and no longer worry about digging through emails and spreadsheets to figure out your next steps. Instead, work items will automate and guide you through the process of providing unemployment insurance claims, benefits, and appeal services.

Laura Ragain, Monetary/ICON/SIDES - Team Lead I, or as she is known at Geographic Solutions, as the Work Items guru, explains: "One should think of work items as post-it notes. They are simply a notification to you that something happened in the system that you need to know about and react to. They do not prevent anything from happening, though the work item may be tied to a non-mon (or issue that is considered non-monetary) which may prevent payment on a claim."

A Dashboard Built for You

The dashboard is your home base. It’s the tab you have at the top of your bookmarks and the place you always return to. It displays all work items related to your area of responsibility and updates as new activity is added or when it is completed.

Sort by what matters: It is YOUR dashboard! You can organize it however you want. Need to tackle the most urgent claims first? Sort your dashboard by priority. Is meeting your deadlines most important? Sort your dashboard by due date.

Search like a pro: Need to be even more specific? You can also use the Advanced Search feature to enter specific criteria, such as a claimant name or claim ID, to display only work items tied to a particular claim.

A top priority: One of the most critical parts of the system is the Adjudication Queue, where the highest-priority work items reside. These items are directly tied to issues that could prevent a claimant from receiving payment. This queue ensures that these time-sensitive cases are addressed front and center, so you can quickly resolve any potential payment delays.

Take initiative: If you’ve completed all your assigned tasks, you’re always free to visit the workgroups queue and pull a new item or view unassigned work items and choose to work on them or reassign them. Take those steps to keep your team on track and show initiative!

No More Piled-Up Work Items After Vacation

The system ensures your workload doesn't overload while you're away. Supervisors can use the blocked availability feature to temporarily prevent work items from being assigned to you.

Your queue stays clear, and you can breathe fresh air: On vacation, relax a little and stop worrying about the work you are behind on. The system won't assign you any new work items for the duration of your vacation and instead those new work items will automatically be routed to your available teammates, keeping the workload moving along without any disruption.

Realistic workday due dates: To ensure deadlines are realistic and achievable, the module automatically adjusts due dates that fall on a weekend or holiday to the next business day. However, you maintain full control over all work item configurations. All configurations, including due dates and priority, are set by you in the admin area. Do you want a work item due in 10 days? No problem. Do you want it to generate with a high priority? You've got it.

Now enjoy your time off knowing that everything is under control!

Screenshot of Staff Schedule

Build the Process Your Way

Creating new workflows is easy and intuitive. The system already has predefined workflows that align with your state’s specific needs and regulations, but you have the power to create, edit, and manage work item workflows by defining the steps and setting the rules. The system will handle the rest!

Specify business rules: As shown in the image below, you can determine exactly what needs to happen. The Client Identifier field is completely customizable for your organization to use as a way to organize or refer to certain work items internally, and it has no bearing on the work item itself or how it is routed. Beyond that, you can set rules to assign work items based on staff attributes, such as Staff Workgroup, Areas of Responsibility, availability, and experience level. These are the three core attributes that a work item needs to be assigned automatically. Without a role in the associated workgroup, an area of responsibility, availability in said role, and an experience level, work items will not be auto assigned to a staff member. Pro tip: If you are the manager or supervisor of an area of responsibility and do not want to be assigned any work items but have the ability to work them if you choose, you just need to leave your availability in that role blank.

Use experience and position to assign work: Are you a newbie or are you seasoned employee? It’s no secret that new employees and employees who have more experience can handle different amounts of work. The system can use a staff member's work item experience level to gauge how much they can take on. For example, a rule can be created to manage how many work items are assigned to a specific user based on their experience level.

Identify required documents: Make sure every piece of information is collected at the right time. No more getting to end of task and realizing that you missed a step, five steps ago. The module won't let the work item move forward until all required documents are attached, which helps you meet your state's documentation standards every time.

Smart automation and scheduling: The module is proactive, not just reactive. Your workflows can be triggered by specific events, such as an exact date. For example, you set up a workflow that automatically begins the review process for seasonal workers on a specific date each year.

Screenshot of Work Item Configuration Details

The Ultimate Toolkit for Your Tasks

Work items gives you more than just a list of tasks, it also gives you the tools to manage them effectively.

View and change status: You can easily see a work item's status and where it is in the workflow. Once you complete an action, the status will update in real time. You can also manually change the status and priority of a work item if needed.

All the info, all in one place: When editing a work item, you can access all the important information, including the claimant's name and claim ID. You can also add notes and attachments directly to the work item and have them automatically linked to the claim, ensuring a complete and accurate history.

Flexible reassignment: Need to reassign a work item? You can easily change the assignment to another staff member or an entire workgroup. Assign a work item to a different workflow, all with a simple drop-down selection.

Screenshot of Work Item Tools

Insight and Analytics

Understanding performance and spotting trends within your workflows is just as important as managing individual tasks. The report component of work items gives you the data you need to see exactly what is happening. You can find reports on key metrics such as work item status, assignments, and time reporting.

For supervisors, the My Staff Workgroups link provides valuable information on staff productivity. Supervisors can see each staff member's workload, how many items are overdue, experience level, and availability. The system even generates an error report to quickly identify and work items with data issues and keep your workflows running smoothly.

What About VOS?

Work items can also be used as an integrates component in our Virtual OneStop (VOS) solution. This module offers the same intelligent workflow management capabilities, but it is designed specifically for the workforce process. It automates and guides the business of connecting job seekers with opportunities, managing training programs, and supporting employers.

Within both our GUS and VOS solutions, work items are a must have to get work done efficiently, with a complete audit trail, and in compliance with your organization's business rules.

Interested in learning more about the Workflow Management Module and how it can revolutionize your workflow? Request a demo today to learn more and see our solutions in action!

Ultimate Guide to Finding Scholarships Using Geographic Solutions Software

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:54:52 GMT

National Scholarship Month is the perfect time to explore scholarship opportunities available to fund education goals. Established in 1998 by Scholarship America, National Scholarship Month provides recognition to communities, organizations, and businesses in the scholarship industry and serves to encourage others to improve educational opportunities and educational achievement. With the right tools, finding scholarships can be easy and efficient. Geographic Solutions’ Virtual OneStop, also known as VOS Sapphire, and Virtual Career Center (VCC) help students and individuals find scholarships that match their academic qualifications, interests, and personal characteristics. These platforms simplify the search process, making it easier to secure the financial support an individual needs.

Here is a step-by-step guide for finding scholarships using Geographic Solutions’ software:

1. Creating a Profile

When using a Geographic Solutions-powered workforce website at the state, local, or college level, individuals can use our scholarship tool as a guest to quickly browse opportunities. For a truly personalized experience and to track your progress, create an account. By creating an account and building a profile, you can tailor your search for education and training, save favorites, and focus in on career planning criteria that might be relevant for scholarships such as field of study, demographic information, and extracurricular activities.

2. Using the Scholarship Search Tool

The scholarship search tool is available to all individuals using a VOS or VCC powered site. The tool allows individuals to filter scholarships based on various criteria such as:

•   Keyword: Use specific keywords to find scholarships that match your unique interests
•   Area of Study: Find scholarships specific to major or area of interest.
•   Demographics: Search for scholarships aimed at specific groups.
•   Location: Look for scholarships available in a state or region.
•   Academic Achievement: Filter by GPA requirements or other academic criteria.

The database of scholarships is comprehensive, using both Peterson’s database and other client-secured opportunities. Peterson’s scholarship database is a resource designed to help students find financial aid for their education. It includes over 1.9 million scholarships, grants, and fellowships, from more than 4,000 providers.

3. Review Matched Opportunities

Based on individuals' manual search, the tool will generate a list of scholarships that match the individuals' filters. The list will include details on the scholarship requirements, award amount, donor name, area of study, and more! As individuals click on scholarships, they can find more details on the application process and deadline. Saving favorites helps you stay organized with deadlines and focused on the scholarships that matter most to you.

4. Apply for Scholarships:

After reviewing your favorite scholarship opportunities, it is time to apply! Individuals should apply for scholarships that best fit their profiles. When applying for scholarships, it is important for individuals to follow the application guidelines and submit all required documents before the deadlines. Geographic Solutions’ software also provides additional resources such as resume-building tools, interview preparation tips, and additional career services which can aid individuals throughout the application processes.

5. Stay Updated

Regularly checking the tool for new scholarship opportunities and setting up alerts to stay ahead of deadlines can increase individuals’ chances of receiving scholarships to fund their education. Keeping profiles updated with new achievements or changes in interests helps the system provide more relevant matches. By staying proactive and engaged with the platform, individuals ensure that they do not miss out on any opportunities. Scholarship application processes and deadlines can vary depending on the specific scholarship. It is crucial to monitor these deadlines to avoid missing any key steps. Based on a member survey, Scholarship America developed a graph to map out the various deadlines and application processes throughout the year. The graph below illustrates the various times of the year when deadlines can occur.

6. Follow-Up and Networking

After applying for scholarship opportunities, following up and networking with scholarship donors and other individuals who have received the same or similar scholarships can improve chances for receiving the scholarship award. Additionally, building relationships with these contacts can be beneficial for both educational and career goals.

7. Achieve Educational Goals

Finding scholarships doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide and using solutions powered by Geographic Solutions, individuals can find and apply for scholarships that align with their qualifications and interests.

National Scholarship Month is the perfect time to take advantage of these resources and secure the financial support needed to achieve educational and career goals. Whether someone is a high school student planning for college, a college student seeking additional support, or an adult looking to further their education, there are scholarships available to help everyone succeed!

GSI Labor Market Forecast: November 2023

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:54:00 GMT

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release its monthly Current Employment Statistics (CES) and Current Population Survey (CPS) report for November 2023 on Friday, December 8th. Geographic Solutions, Inc. has produced forecasts of the two most closely watched macroeconomic data series from the report: the monthly change in employment and the monthly unemployment rate.

As seen in the chart below, jobs are predicted to increase in November by 122,000 as Geographic solutions sees slowing job growth over the next six months. Geographic Solutions derives its employment forecast from internal data on the number of job openings, job searchers, job applications, job severances, and unemployment applications filed on Geographic Solutions state client sites. The forecast uses unemployment claims data from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

Portrayed in the chart below is the 4.0% unemployment rate that Geographic Solutions forecasts for November, a slight increase from its October rate of 3.9%. The unemployment rate forecast uses internal data on the number of job openings, job severances, and unemployment applications filed on Geographic Solutions state client sites. The forecast uses unemployment claims data from the USDOL.

After the release of the report, Geographic Solutions will post a full analysis of the results.

Cisco Cites Geographic Solutions As Defining Example Of Extraordinary Infrastructure-Scaling Event

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:25:00 GMT

In their recent blog post, Cisco asks companies, “If you needed to double the capacity of your data center in a matter of weeks, could you do it?” The short article covers the inevitability of need for scalability with haste, and provides the foundation for how companies can manage.

Geographic Solutions has served as an example for rapid scalability ever since the global pandemic caused massive unemployment across the USA. Our systems experienced a 5000% increase in traffic during the early days of the COVID-19 economic shutdown.

Read the steps Cisco suggests to prepare companies for what they call “an unexpected and urgent ‘scaling event’.”

Tampa Bay Software CEO Council Gift To Think Big For Kids Aligns Donation With Mission

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:17:00 GMT

This article was originally published on http://www.stpetecatalyst.com/.

Tampa Bay Software CEO Council donated more than $10,000 to Think Big for Kids, a nonprofit founded in 2016 by Tony DiBenedetto, tech executive and entrepreneur.

Think Big for Kids provides career exploration, mentorship and skills development for underprivileged youth from 6th grade to 12th grade. Think Big for Kids partners with Boys & Girls Clubs and similar organizations to reduce systemic poverty and prepare young people to excel in high-demand professions.

Those goals resonated with the members of the Tampa Bay Software CEO Council, which has a mission to make the area a magnet for tech talent.

“This donation comes at a critical time, when a majority of the kids we serve have recently experienced tremendous personal and educational upheaval. We have a unique opportunity to extend our reach and impact, thanks to this group who understands the importance of giving back and developing our next generation of talent,” DiBenedetto said.

In addition to Accusoft, other Software CEO Council member companies include A-LIGN, AgileThought, Bond-Pro, Geographic Solutions, Haneke Design, MercuryWorks, Sourcetoad, Spirion and SunView Software. The CEO Council is part of Tampa Bay Tech, a nonprofit technology council.

Our Response To The COVID-19 Outbreak

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:46:00 GMT

Here is an update from our president, Paul Toomey, about how we're responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

At Geographic Solutions, our primary focus is on the health, safety, and well-being of our clients, users, and employees. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it unfolds and continue to direct our business decisions with this focus as we work together through these unprecedented times. During this time, I wanted to reach out and update you on how we are approaching the situation at Geographic Solutions:

Service to Our Clients and Users
It is critical that we continue supplying the same level of service and support upon which our clients and users depend. We are already seeing an increase in traffic on our websites, and we are adding hardware and network resources to ensure the continued performance of all the sites that we host.

For those sites where we process unemployment claims, there is already a significant increase in initial claims. For example, in Louisiana 291 initial claims for unemployment were submitted on March 10, 2020, while 11,304 initial claims were filed one week later on March 17, 2020. We are working with our Unemployment Insurance (UI) clients to take actions to accommodate the increased volume with actions that include:

• Waiving and modifying of work search requirements
• Waiving of waiting weeks
• Adding COVID-19 questions to claim forms
• Relief of employer charges

We are also ready to help enact any new Federal UI legislation, as it is passed. This includes all aspects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

We understand that several of our clients have transitioned their employees to work from home, and that several more are considering this move. Our software fully supports remote working and allows agency staff to operate anywhere there is an Internet connection. The only exception to this flexibility is the handling of physical documents such as verification forms or the scanning of incoming correspondence. We are here to help with any challenges. Please feel free to contact us if you need assistance in setting up your remote operations.

Our Operations
On March 11, 2020, we enacted our Infectious Disease Outbreak Response Plan. Most of our employees are now working from home with company-supplied laptops and remain connected to both our phone system and servers through our Virtual Private Network (VPN). Under this plan, we are able to operate business as usual. Some of our key Administration, Operations, and Systems team members are still onsite and adhering to best practices for social distancing.

Please note that our main office phone line, 727-786-7955, is operational in order to keep the lines of communication open between staff and our clients. Our Network Operation Center, Help Desk, and Technical Support staff are all available to support you 24/7.

Travel Restrictions
While under the current national emergency we are restricting all employee travel. Whenever possible, we will be conducting activities, meetings, and training via web conference, in lieu of on-site interactions.

Our employees permanently located at a client site will follow any business continuity guidelines provided by the client or state agency.

Workforce Technology Conference
At this point, we are moving forward with our annual Workforce Technology Conference, which begins on June 15, 2020. We will, however, be monitoring the ever-evolving situation and our conference planning team will notify attendees if there is any change in plans.

Moving Forward
As new developments emerge regarding COVID-19, we will keep you updated on our response.

I want to personally thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time. Please feel free to contact me at PToomey@geosolinc.com if you have any questions or concerns.

Take care and stay safe,
Paul Toomey
President

Three Sessions You Can't Miss At The 2019 Workforce Technology Conference

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 15:44:00 GMT

This year's Workforce Technology Conference is less than two months away, and we're excited to deliver an agenda full of new ideas, innovations, and training opportunities.

To save you from a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out), here are three "can't miss" sessions you'll definitely want to attend.

The Next Steps

What does the future hold for Geographic Solutions' product line in 2020 and beyond? Hosted by President Paul Toomey, this session will give you an inside look at what's new and what's changing throughout our software suite. As part of the presentation, hear from our senior-level product architects about cutting-edge features currently in development.

The State of Recruitment Advertising

Recruitment advertising used to be Monster, CareerBuilder, whatever niche sites an employer used, and potentially a state or local workforce site. But, with the growth of Indeed, the development of Google Jobs, the use of LinkedIn for networking and recruitment, and the forthcoming effect of artificial intelligence, the landscape has changed. Join Advanced Interactive Media Group's Peter Zollman for an open discussion on these trends and more.

Best Practices and Enhancements

Don't miss your chance to have an active role in enhancing the user and customer experience. Broken out into three separate tracks, join subject matter experts from Geographic Solutions' workforce development, unemployment insurance, and labor market information teams to vote in real time on potential enhancements to our product line.

Regular Registration Closing Soon

If you haven't already registered, now is the time! We're looking forward to seeing you this summer in California for four immersive days of training, learning, and networking. Prices will increase on May 4, 2019, so act now, and take advantage of our regular registration rate.

Top 10 Reasons To Attend The 2019 Workforce Technology Conference

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:20:00 GMT

While parts of the country are still locked in the throes of winter, we’re already dreaming of warmer temperatures in the seasonable summer climate of coastal California. This can only mean one thing – it’s almost time for Geographic Solutions’ 2019 Workforce Technology Conference!

Held annually for the last 16 years, our client summit doubles as a big reveal where our staff members can demonstrate their hard work and dedication to our product development.

In 2019, we’re eager to present our newest developments for Virtual OneStop®, our flagship software suite. The all-in-one modular system features a component library that is customizable to meet the needs of several industries, including case management, vocational rehabilitation, unemployment insurance, higher education, human services, and corrections.

It was extremely difficult to pinpoint one singular reason you should join us this year, and it was even more challenging to stop at 10. With that said, here are 10 of our favorite reasons to say, “See You in Monterey!”

Sneak Peek of Virtual OneStop Version 20!

The cornerstone of our conference is your chance to hear from our president, Paul Toomey, about what we’re cooking up for Virtual OneStop Version 20.

Pre-Conference Training and Countless Breakout Sessions on Reports

We know that reporting is a critical part of your role. That’s why we’re dedicating half of our pre-conference training to ensuring you return to your agency or board with the latest Virtual OneStop reporting tips and tricks. To sweeten the deal, we’ll have multiple sessions throughout the week that focus solely on reports.

Keynote Speaker Maria Smith

We’re excited to welcome Bounce Australia’s Maria Smith to the main stage at the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference! With over 15 years of experience in business management, client engagement, training the highly disengaged, and creating tailored programs, Smith’s vision and attitude is contagious. Her mantra is “Everything is Possible,” and you’ll find out why this summer.

Ways to Make Your Job Easier with the Latest Efficiency Tools

If you love learning ways to work smarter, not harder, we have the tools for you. Hear from our experts how Staff Efficiency tools will make your life easier.

Networking With Agency Staff from All Over the Country

Reading about best practices or participating in an online webinar are invaluable resources. However. the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference gives you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with hundreds of industry professionals and pick their brains about what’s working and not working back at their agency or board.

Voting for Future Product Enhancements and Roundtable Discussions

We want to know how we can help you do your jobs better, and we’re inviting you to tell us at our yearly enhancements voting session. Submit your enhancements requests before the conference, and we’ll conduct live voting with a group of your peers.

One-On-One Meetings with Geographic Solutions Staff Members

Nothing beats collaborating in person with a subject matter expert. At the 2019 Workforce Technology Conference, we’ve carved out a three-hour block after the summit’s closing remarks to meet with Geographic Solutions’ staff members.

The Client Awards Luncheon

Perhaps more significant (and more important) than the Oscars, our client awards ceremony is a chance for you and your agency to earn bragging rights in multiple categories. Plus, enjoy a free lunch on us!

WID Geeks Unite Chat With our LMI Data Experts

Come together, right now…WID geeks! New to the conference in 2019, labor market information specialists will be able to meet with our data experts to discuss all things related to the Workforce Information Database.

Monterey Otters!!!

With up to a million hairs per square inch of fur, Monterey’s Sea otters are often seen floating near the shore, searching for clams, mussels, urchins, and crabs. Ubiquitous along the Central Coast, the largest members of the weasel family are numerous in places such as Moss Landing, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row.

What are your favorite reasons to attend the Workforce Technology Conference? Want to share a fun story describing your experiences? Tell us in the comments below!

Haven't registered yet? Visit the conference registration page to join us this summer!

Employ Florida Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal Wins Tampa Bay Tech's Project Of The Year

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 14:35:00 GMT

At 2018's Tampa Bay Tech Awards, Geographic Solutions received the Technology Project of the Year Award for developing and launching Employ Florida's Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal.

Tampa Bay Tech, Florida's largest technology council, honored all winners during an awards ceremony at Armature Works in Tampa. Hundreds of technology professionals from across the region were in attendance.

The night also honored fellow Tampa Bay technology leaders and companies in various tech-related categories.

Thank you to those who worked so hard to make this project a success. Your dedication is truly making a difference in our local community.

North Carolina Launches New Tools To Help Veterans Find Jobs

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 15:42:00 GMT

Article written by Ford Porter, and first appeared in the newsroom at governor.nc.gov.

North Carolina veterans now have new tools available to help them find jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today just ahead of Veterans Day and Employ a Veteran Week. The North Carolina Department of Commerce has developed the NCWorks Veterans Portal – located at veterans.ncworks.gov – to help both job seekers and employers.

“We’re grateful for veterans’ service to our nation, and proud that so many veterans choose to call North Carolina home when they leave the military,” Gov. Cooper said. “This new portal gives veterans a direct way to connect critical skills and experience gained through military service to new careers in high-demand fields, and it will also connect North Carolina employers looking to hire these proven hard workers.”

The NCWorks Veterans Portal is part of Governor Cooper’s NC Job Ready strategy to prepare North Carolinians for the jobs of today and tomorrow. NC Job Ready has three core principles: skills and education attainment, employer leadership to remain relevant to evolving industry needs, and local innovation to take great ideas and apply them statewide.

Geographic Solutions Named Finalists for Technology Project of the Year By Tampa Bay Tech

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:25:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions was recently named a finalist for Technology Project of the Year in Tampa Bay Tech's annual awards ceremony, slated for November 9, 2018.

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma struck the state of Florida, causing billions of dollars in damage. The storm caused many employers to close temporarily, and, in some cases, permanently.

In response to statewide impact, Geographic Solutions collaborated with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to launch the Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal. The website was designed to help residents find employment, with a large number of employers using the site to post relief aid jobs.

Visit the Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal to find and post relief aid positions.

Sun, Surf, and Workforce Tech

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:05:00 GMT

Earlier this summer, we hosted the 2018 Workforce Technology Conference at the Wyndham Grand Resort on Clearwater Beach. Our annual client summit attracted more than 220 workforce development professionals, representing 98 distinct agencies in 30 states from across the United States. A group of 80 attendees also participated in pre-conference training on Virtual OneStop® reporting and labor market tools.

This year, attendees had more presentations to choose from than ever before. Industry leaders and Geographic Solutions subject matter experts presented on a variety of topics, including unemployment insurance, labor market data, case management, current legislation, career tools for students, staff efficiency, and more.

And where one conference sails into the horizon, another appears. We've already set the gears in motion for 2019's client summit, taking place in Monterey, California. Stay tuned for more information in the next few weeks announcing the opening of registration.

To our guest speakers: we'd like to extend a warm thank you for not only traveling to speak at the conference, but also taking the time to share your knowledge and expertise with our attendees. We hope to have you join us as a speaker again at one of our future conferences.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Constantly Evolving to Meet Workforce Needs

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:38:00 GMT

The Evolution of Vocational Rehabilitation

Before the turn of the 20th century, Vocational Rehabilitation was mainly a service provided by psychologists and charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

With incremental changes to public health policies, social, political, or both, Vocational Rehabilitation has adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce. During Theodore Roosevelt's time in office, a presidential committee deemed public health a core priority of the federal government. By 1921, worker compensation laws expanded to cover disabled workers. Towards the end of World War II, the Disabled Veterans Act ensured assistance to returning servicemen and women. And during what some consider the start of the "golden age" for the field, lawmakers passed the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1954, enabling those in higher education to train rehabilitation professionals.

The Impact of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Between the mid-20th century and today, Vocational Rehabilitation professionals and its recipients have reaped the benefits of many industry advancements, culminating with 2014's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), legislation that placed the program front and center, essentially tying it together with the most important job skill-building programs.

Geographic Solutions' Vocational Rehabilitation Module

The evolution of Vocational Rehabilitation helped lead the way for Geographic Solutions to create a module that tracks and manages individuals with disabilities on their quest toward independence. The program is designed to give staff the tools they need to improve efficiency and service delivery while providing individuals with the necessary resources needed to gain and maintain employment.

"Having all the WIOA reporting requirements in place along with the proven record of Virtual OneStop is what sets our module apart," said Geographic Solutions' Vocational Rehabilitation Business Analyst, Sandi Bilbo.

Seeking more information on Geographic Solutions' Vocational Rehabilitation module? Visit our Vocational Rehabilitation page or contact Director of Marketing and Sales, Deane Toler at DToler@geosolinc.com.

Reaching The Peak: The 2017 Workforce Professional Development Summit

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 17:38:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions recently attended and exhibited at the 2017 Florida Workforce Professional Development Summit, held in Orlando, Florida.

As part of the three-day conference, we hosted two separate meetings. The first, facilitated by Florida Project Manager Charlotte Hearn, spoke to attendees about recent changes in Virtual OneStop®, the internet-based software that powers Employ Florida. In Tuesday's session, Staff Efficiency Business Analyst, Mac McCarthy, showcased several tools that help to not only streamline job centers, but also to track and quantify services they provide.

We'd like to thank all attendees that participated in a session, stopped by our booth to say "hello," or did both! Keep an eye on our Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts to see where you can find our team next.