Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May Workforce Development Board Awards "One Stop Operator" Contract to The Authority

In furtherance of its economic development mission, The Authority (Cumberland County Improvement Authority) is addressing local workforce needs.  In July 2025, The Authority was awarded a contract with the Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May Workforce Development Board through an RFP process to be the “One Stop Operator”.   The One-Stop Operator is subject to strict performance standards and certification requirements to ensure accountability and high-quality delivery service.  The Authority’s role as the One Stop Operator is vital because it serves as the foundation for a dynamic workforce system.

The One-Stop Operator, in coordination with the Cumberland, Salem and Cape May Workforce Development Board, ensures that services are responsive to the specific economic needs of the tri-county area. By leveraging partnerships with local agencies and educational institutions, the One-Stop system delivers targeted programs that support high-demand industries and stimulate economic growth. 

The Authority is collaborating and working with the One Stop and WFNJ Partners in the Tri-County Region to simplify and improve workforce services for job seekers and employers. Through a shared oversight model, the Cumberland, Salem, Cape May Workforce Development Board (WDB) directs the activities of The Authority as the "One-Stop Operator" to work with the region's One-Stop Career Centers. This collaborative Workforce Development Board, oversees the system, aligning investments in education and training with the current demands of the regional economy. The arrangement provides a wide array of resources under one roof, making it easier for residents to find employment and for businesses to find qualified talent. 

The One-Stop Operator is the entity responsible for coordinating the delivery of services among various partner organizations within the One-Stop Career Center system. As defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which funds these centers, the operator's role is to ensure seamless integration of services from multiple agencies.  The Authority’s role is to help build and maintain a cohesive, customer-focused service delivery system by coordinating with WIOA and WFNJ partners and including state agencies , county departments, local educational providers, and non-profit entities.

The Cumberland, Salem and Cape May Counties’ One-Stop Career Centers offer comprehensive support for the residents and are the primary point of access for career services. Each location is staffed with qualified employment counselors and offers a variety of free resources, including: 

Career counseling and assessments.

·         Access to job listings and job search assistance.

·         Resume writing and interview coaching.

·         Information on training and educational opportunities, with grants often available for in-demand jobs.

·         Paid On-The-Job Training (OJT) programs that help unemployed workers learn a new trade while earning a wage.

·         Access to public computers, faxes, and copiers for job search activities. 

The centers also offer specialized support for specific populations, including veterans, youth, older workers, and individuals with disabilities. 

Business-Focused Services

Employers in the region can also benefit from the One-Stop system, which helps them find and train skilled workers. The centers offer services such as assistance with hiring/targeted recruitment, access to information on the local labor market and support for incumbent worker training. 

Local One-Stop Locations

While the WDB provides regional oversight to Cumberland, Salem and Cape May Counties, each county maintains its own career center.  For residents seeking to start a new career, improve their skills, or find their next job, the One-Stop Career Centers in Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May counties provide a centralized, integrated, and effective resource to navigate the workforce landscape. 

Cumberland County One-Stop Career Center:

RCSJ/Cumberland Campus – Workforce Development Building, 3322 College Drive, Vineland, NJ  08360

Salem County One-Stop Career Center:

205 E. Broadway, Fenwick Plaza, Salem, NJ  08079

Cape May County One-Stop Career Center:

3801 Route 9 South, Unit 3, Rio Grande, NJ  08242

The services provided are supported by the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) with funds from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 100% of these services are financed through federal funding sources.