(a) The commission and local workforce development boards shall develop an employment services referral program for recipients of financial assistance and nonrecipient parents who participate in employment programs under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code, and have, in comparison to other recipients or nonrecipient parents, higher levels of barriers to employment. The referral program must be designed to provide to a recipient or a nonrecipient parent referrals to preemployment and postemployment services offered by community-based organizations.
(b) In developing the referral program, the commission and local workforce development boards shall, subject to the availability of funds, coordinate partnerships and contract with community-based organizations that provide employment services specifically for persons with high levels of barriers to employment.