The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce and consists of four major sections, including Workforce Services, Adult Education, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and Services for the Blind. Each section is responsible for the administration of multiple state and federal grants, along with the programs they fund, and the services they provide to Arkansans.
The four major agency sections have staff in local offices across the state, often within the Arkansas Workforce Centers. To view locations, click on one of the links below.
Click here to find an Arkansas Workforce Center
Click here to find an Adult Education Center
Click here to find a Rehabilitation Services office
Click here to find a Services for the Blind office
While program staff work in various office locations, most administrative staff work in one of two central office locations in Little Rock. The Workforce Services administrative office is located at #2 Capitol Mall, while Adult Education, Rehabilitation Services, and Services for the Blind administrative staff work in the Arkansas Department of Commerce building at 1 Commerce Way.
DWS is unique from other state agencies because it is mostly federally-funded. DWS does not earn a profit, and the agency’s success is measured by its ability to meet the needs of Arkansas’ employers and job seekers. The Arkansas Legislature appropriates the agency’s funds and has the authority to pass legislation affecting agency programs and services on a state level. As a result, DWS adheres to both state and federal laws and regulations. The size of the agency’s budget and staffing levels are adapted to best meet the needs of the state and its customers while balancing the requirements of stakeholders.
Agency Updates
Click the link below to view valuable information about DWS and its programs presented by DWS Director, Dr. Charisse Childers.
Agency Announcements Presentation July 2022
Administration
Charisse Childers, Ph.D., Agency Director
501-682-2121 | charisse.childers@arkansas.gov
Jay Bassett, DWS Deputy Director
501-682-3142 | jay.bassett@arkansas.gov
Courtney Traylor, DWS Deputy Director
501-682-3125 | courtney.traylor@arkansas.gov
Trenia Miles, Ed.D., Director
Adult Education – 501-683-7334 | trenia.miles@arkansas.gov
Joseph Baxter, Commissioner
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services – 501-296-1614 | joseph.baxter@arkansas.gov
Cassondra Williams-Stokes, D.M., Director
Division of Services for the Blind – 501-682-0361 | cassondra.williams@arkansas.gov
Vision:
To accelerate economic growth and individual prosperity in the state of Arkansas.
Mission:
To support and secure Arkansas’ economic vitality through a highly skilled workforce by administering programs and providing efficient services that empower employers and job seekers.
Core Values:
A: Accountability – We concern ourselves with the responsibilities we have to our customers, state, agency partners, and colleagues. Accordingly, we use good judgment when making decisions, and we take ownership of our actions.
D: Discipline – We demonstrate discipline in our thoughts and actions, always striving to improve our processes and never settling for mediocrity.
A: Agility – We are flexible and embrace innovation in order to align ourselves with our ever-changing world.
P: Passion – We are dedicated to improving the well-being of our state and show pride and enthusiasm in providing quality services to our customers.
T: Teamwork – We care about each other both professionally and personally, and we are cooperative with each other and our partners, uniting to achieve a common mission.
