Outreach Worker

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:

Position Description

This position is located at the Hays Workforce Center in Hays, Kansas. Frequent travel is required to conduct outreach services.

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 This position is located at the Hays Workforce Center in Hays, Kansas. Frequent travel is required to conduct outreach services.

Who can apply: Any- Please note that the KDC does not provide sponsorship for this position.

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: August 3, 2026

Compensation: $21.87 hourly

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 Outreach Worker provides outreach and case management services to connect farmworkers 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. This position is located at the Hays Workforce Center in Hays, Kansas. Frequent travel is required to conduct outreach services.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct outreach and case management for farmworkers who are not being reached by the normal intake activities of the Workforce Center.
• Identify employment barriers/challenges and explain rights and responsibilities of farmeworkers.
• 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.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with employers.
• 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:

• Six (6) months of experience in planning, implementing and monitoring activitites relevant to Workforce Cetner clients (e.g. career counseling, jobplacement, recruitment, assessment and deployment of staff) or similar related experience.

(Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.)

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver License and ability to travel to communities throughout the local area or other assigned locales.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• State Workforce Agencies must put a strong emphasis on hiring qualified candidates who speak the language of a significant proportion of the State Migrant Seasonal Farmworker population and who have substantial work experience in farm work activities.

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.