What are the responsibilities and job description for the Migrant Seasonal Farm Work Outreach Worker position at Dept of Commerce?
Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy
Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. While the Department of Commerce welcomes all candidates legally eligible to work in the United States, Commerce does not provide sponsorships for this position.
E-Verify: Kansas Department of Commerce participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.
Agency Information:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
The Kansas Department of Commerce administers the KANSASWORKS workforce system, which links businesses, job seekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs.
Learn more at kansascommerce.gov
About the Position
Position Description
Who can apply: Any (Previous applicants need not reapply)
Classified/Unclassified Service: Classified
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
Location: Hays Workforce Center (Hays, KS)
Job Posting closes: May 19, 2026
Compensation: $17.79 hourly
Pay starts at $17.79/hr., then staff enter the Kansas Registered Apprentice Program the beginning of the year after hire where pay increases at the end of the first year, and again at the end of the second year.
The Kansas Registered Apprentice Program is a structured training program where staff gain specific skills and competencies enabling them to fill multiple roles within the workforce system.
Employment Benefits
Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
Sick & Vacation leave
Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
Fitness Centers in select locations
Employee discounts with the STAR Program
Retirement and deferred compensation programs
Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…
Position Summary & Responsibilities
Position Summary:
The Migrant Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW) Outreach Worker provides outreach and case management services to connect MSFWs with employment, training, and supportive resources. This role identifies barriers to employment, educates individuals on their rights and responsibilities, and makes referrals to partner programs. Additional duties include building employer relationships, entering job orders in KANSASWORKS.com, matching job seekers with employers, assisting with employment-related complaints, conducting H-2A housing inspections, and supporting customers via KANSASWORKS.com Live Chat.
The position is located at the Hays Workforce Center.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct outreach and case management for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) who are not being reached by the normal intake activities of the Workforce Center.
- Identify employment barriers/challenges and explain rights and responsibilities of MSFWs.
- Assists customers with job searches, resume and cover letter preparation, completing applications for employment, holds mock interviews with customers, and educates customers on interviewing techniques.
- Screens customers to gather information then make referrals to appropriate partner services (e.g. National Farmworker Jobs Program, health care assistance, food assistance, education assistance, and job training).
- Identify services available through partner agencies and service-based organizations that can assist MSFWs.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with employers who regularly hire MSFWs.
- Develop and deliver presentations to agricultural employers and employer groups.
- Serves as Complaint System Representative for initial customer complaints related to employment laws and workforce violations.
- Conduct Housing Inspections for the H-2A Foreign Labor Certification Program.
- Serves as a Digital Assistant in Live Chat on KANSASWORKS.com.
Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Licensing & Certification: Valid Drivers License
Minimum Qualifications:
- One year of experience interacting with clients, customers, or the public in a social service, customer service or problem resolution setting.
- Twelve (12) credit hours of course work at the post-secondary level in social services, human services or a related field may be substituted for the one year of experience.
•High School Diploma or GED
•Valid Driver License and ability to travel to communities throughout the local area or other assigned locales.
Preferred Qualification:
- Prefer one year of experience working with job seekers in a recruitment or job coaching environment.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.
- Experience presenting material to groups of people.
Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .
If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov
Recruiter Contact Information
Name: Angie Krahe
Email: angie.krahe@ks.gov
Phone: 785.291.3568
Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson Street; Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612
Job Application Process
First Sign in or register as a New User.
Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"
Required Documents for this Application to be Complete.
Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page
DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
Salary : $37,003