OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) achieved several milestones in 2022, including its launch of the updated VerifyOK platform. The revamped online ID verification system has made the claims process more efficient while also assisting in the prevention of fraudulent activity. This milestone in OESC’s digital transformation journey is just one of many agency-wide efforts to improve services provided to Oklahomans.
Other milestones for 2022 include:
- Oklahoma’s unemployment rate has remained below the national average every month since before the pandemic.
- OESC was one of only seven states to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Labor for the UI Navigator Grant. Oklahoma was awarded roughly $250,000 to embed a Career Coordinator in the Oasis Fresh Market in north Tulsa to connect disadvantaged and underserved people to the workforce and UI benefits.
- OESC was also awarded $100,000 through the National Governor’s Association Workforce Innovation Network Grant. These dollars were instrumental in building capacity to connect rural Oklahomans to teleworking jobs across the state.
- OESC local offices hosted more than 190 hiring events across the state to connect candidates with employers. This helps to boost local economies and workforce needs.
- OESC leadership rolled out a new mission, vision and values for the agency. The entire agency is now hard at work aligning core functions to newly established goals across the agency’s many services. This work will be analyzed and distributed internally and to external partners, such as employers and legislators, through engaging communications efforts.
“I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year at OESC. From starting new strategic partnerships to spending time in all 27 of our local offices across the state, we are committed to advancing our mission of empowering Oklahomans to work and live well,” said Trae Rahill, OESC Chief Executive Officer. “We make promises to those we serve and, though we still have a long way to go, I’m happy to say that we’ve kept our word this year. We’re fortunate to have great staff and a strong leadership team, and we’re all excited to continue our growth and alignment work in 2023 to further assist and develop Oklahoma’s workforce.”
