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!

Celebrating Workforce Development Month: Looking Towards A Stronger Workforce for America Act with Promise and Excitement

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:41:20 GMT

What is Workforce Development Month?
Every September, Geographic Solutions celebrates Workforce Development Month and recognizes the importance of workforce development initiatives and professionals within the industry. Workforce Development Month was created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) to raise awareness about the importance of the workforce industry and highlight the efforts of organizations, policymakers, and professionals committed to helping prepare the labor force to meet the evolving needs of the labor market. NAWDP celebrates Workforce Development Month with initiatives like the ‘Workforce Heroes’ program, which highlights multiple workforce heroes over the course of the month.

A Stronger Workforce for America Act (ASWA) was recently introduced to build on the foundation of, and reauthorize, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which has been the grounds of workforce development legislation for the past decade. We interviewed Melissa Robbins, CEO of the NAWDP, to gain further insights on the new legislation. Her wisdom offered a valuable perspective on the importance of Workforce Development Month, the promise of ASWA, and the future of the workforce industry.

Understanding A Stronger Workforce for America Act
A Stronger Workforce for America Act (ASWA) was introduced on December 7, 2023, passed by the House of Representatives on April 9, 2024, and will go to the Senate next for consideration. Since then, ASWA has received support from workforce organizations and policymakers, who view it as essential for meeting the changing needs of the labor market. ASWA aims to build upon the existing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Signed into law on July 22, 2014, WIOA was the first major reform of the public workforce system since 1998, with the goal of helping job seekers access employment, education, training, and support needed to thrive within the labor market and match employers to skilled workers.

Melissa Robbins shared what she thought to be the biggest challenge in workforce development today and how ASWA addresses that challenge. “I think right now the biggest challenge is to make sure that we’re meeting the needs of businesses and job seekers in the current environment,” said Robbins. “WIOA passed in 2014, so we’re ten years from the last legislation passing, and a lot has happened in those years.”

Robbins added that while the workforce system did a wonderful job adapting, especially during the pandemic when we had to find ways to deliver our programs and services without human contact, that the legislation hasn’t changed. It is imperative that the new legislation focuses on flexibility to meet the changing needs of businesses and job seekers. WIOA’s reauthorization via ASWA aims to modernize education and training programs to better align with current and future job market needs.

Components of A Stronger Workforce for America Act:

Skills Upgrading: Allocate 50% of funds to upskill workers through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs), on-the-job learning, and prioritizing employer-led programs for skill training.
Efficiency and Accountability: Focus on the Eligible Training Provider List to streamline outcomes and ensure that programs align with employers' demands. Fully implement a performance accountability system to hold states and local workforce boards accountable.
Economic Opportunity: Places a greater emphasis on work-based learning for youth, supports reentry programs, and strengthen workforce education programs at community colleges.
Innovation and Hiring: Provide flexibility to states and local workforce boards to modernize their workforce systems and support skills-based hiring practices.

Differences From WIOA:
When asked about the main differences between ASWA and WIOA, Robbins stated that while the new legislation builds on WIOA, it also introduces the following changes:

Focus on Eligible Training Provider List: The new legislation emphasizes the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), a public statewide list of qualified training providers eligible for WIOA worker training funds.
Funding: ASWA addresses fund ceilings and floors. WIOA allocates specific percentages to various programs and activities, compared to ASWA, which allows states and local boards to diversify programs and funds.
Flexibility: Overall flexibility for programs so that they can adapt to the changing needs of the industry.

Potential Challenges, Benefits, and Outcomes
Geographic Solutions President, Paul Toomey shared his insights on the benefits of ASWA in a recent Forbes article where he stated, “This legislation’s renewed vision for creating a stronger, more adaptable workforce offers numerous benefits to not only the economy, but also to dislocated, remote, and future generations of workers.”
ASWA will have short and long-term benefits for job seekers and employers. In the short term, changes will allow state and local workforce boards to take on new initiatives that were not previously possible. “Any kind of change in the legislation, there's going to be things that change quickly," said Robbins.

One of the main challenges in implementing ASWA will be ensuring that everyone is trained on the new compliance requirements. Robbins stated, "Just like WIOA, with any new legislation, there's going to be new compliance issues that are going to be black and white, and we have to make sure that they get rolled out to everybody."

She further explained that workforce organizations need to be aware of the complexity of new legislation as it involves hundreds of pages of laws and regulations. Then states and local boards will add their own additional things particular to their area, further complicating compliance requirements. Workforce organizations will need to be prepared to ensure a smooth implementation.

Workforce organizations may also encounter challenges in balancing innovation with compliance while implementing the new legislation. ASWA aims to create innovative strategies and partnerships. Robbins highlighted the need to balance innovation with compliance:

"How do we strategically impact the new innovative ideas on how we're going to implement… the essence of this new legislation," said Robbins.

The role of NAWDP will evolve with the implementation of ASWA, as it has since the early 80’s and adapting to legislative changes and integrating non-traditional workforce partners. Robbins emphasized that NAWDP will remain committed to meeting the needs of its members and the workforce industry.

Supporting Workforce Development for a Stronger Future
Geographic Solutions is dedicated to supporting workforce development initiatives and providing job seekers with the support they need to succeed within the labor market. As workforce legislation and development change, Geographic Solutions remains committed to building a strong and adaptable workforce.

Workforce development takes a collaborative effort between workforce agencies and service providers to close the skills gap, increase job placements, reduce unemployment durations, and ultimately strengthen economic development initiatives. Workforce Development Month gives us a chance to honor those who go to great lengths to positively impact the workforce. We give our thanks to all workforce professionals, the true heart of workforce development.

Click here to watch the whole interview with Melissa Robbins.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Unemployment and PUA Claims

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:57:00 GMT

Find answers to common questions about unemployment claims and PUA claims through a Virtual OneStop portal.

If you have filed a claim for unemployment benefits or pandemic unemployment assistance, there are many self-service actions you can manage within your account. Read below for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding claims through our systems.

How do I check the status of my claim?
Log into your account on your state’s website. From there, you can check your Message Center where you can receive messages directly regarding your claim. You may also see a widget on your Dashboard that will contain a link to your claim status. It is highly recommended that you frequently check your Message Center and Dashboard for information.

How do I update my claim?
You can make many edits to your account in self-service mode. Navigate to Services for Individuals > Unemployment Services > General Information. From here you can update and edit many items including your bank account information. If you cannot locate information that requires updating, please reach out to your workforce/unemployment agency via the contact information found on the website.

How do I receive a claim ID, and how long will it take after my initial claim is filed?
You will be assigned a claim ID immediately upon completion of registration. Check your Message Center or claim review information, which is also issued upon completion of registration.

How do I cancel my claim?
Navigate to Services for Individuals > Unemployment Services. There you will find a link to cancel or withdraw your claim.

How do I back date my claim?
This action requires the assistance of staff at your state’s workforce/unemployment agency.

How do I resubscribe to email or text notifications?
Navigate to Services for Individuals > Unemployment Services > General Information. Change your email/text preference and click Save at bottom of page.

I am encountering trouble when trying to file my claim. I am either receiving a “session timed out” message or an Error ID/Log ID.
These errors need to be reported. Please contact your state’s workforce/unemployment agency with this information.

I can’t remember my username and/or password, or the system is asking me for a PIN I never received and/or security questions I never selected.
There is a link to retrieve a username and reset a forgotten password. If that process is not successful for you, please contact your state’s workforce/unemployment agency for further assistance. If you do not have the correct PIN or have encountered an issue with security questions, please contact your state’s workforce/unemployment agency for further assistance.

Video: Nebraska Receives 3 Years Worth Of Unemployment Claims In 2 Months

Tue, 05 May 2020 14:32:00 GMT

This article was originally published on www.ketv.com.

After seven weeks, Randy Knaub said he had just about given up on ever receiving his unemployment check. Then, a little over a week ago he got a phone call.

"They called me on a Sunday," Knaub said. It was an adjudicator from the Nebraska Department of Labor.

The adjudicator walked him through the process and two days later, Knaub received his first check.

"I was really impressed. My hats off to Nebraska," Knaub said.

Since March, Nebraska has brought 131 additional adjudicators, such as Lali Sage. "In two months, we received over three years of unemployment claims," Sage said.

She and many others have been working 12-hour days, seven days a week.

Since March, 85% of the claims the state has received were paid within 28 days. Sage was not the adjudicator who helped Knaub. She said it does reflect the resolve of all her co-workers. "This is money that is going to help a family, maybe pay rent maybe put food on the table," Sage said.