Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Representative (Multiple Locations)

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are based in Austin, TX, however, this position is a field-based role primarily serving the Val Verde, Edwards, Real, Uvalde, Kinney, Maverick, Zavala, Dimmit, and LaSalle counties in Southwest Texas, so it is important the selected candidate resides in or around this area. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with a great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
- A Passionate Advocate & Connector: You are dedicated to empowering individuals by connecting them with resources and opportunities to improve their quality of life.
- A Trusted Field Advocate & Communicator: You excel at building rapport, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, and understanding the unique needs of diverse individuals.
- A Resourceful Problem-Solver: You thrive in dynamic environments, creatively seeking solutions to potential barriers to employment.
- A Workforce Systems Navigator: You are comfortable guiding job seekers and employers through online platforms and state workforce programs.
- An Objective & Ethical Professional: You handle sensitive matters with discretion and adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct.
- A Collaborative Team Player: You work effectively with colleagues, external partners, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
- An Organized & Autonomous Self-Starter: You expertly manage a demanding field schedule, balancing on-site visits with meticulous and timely recordkeeping.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 
As a field-based outreach representative, your primary mission is to connect Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) with the full range of services available at our Workforce Solutions offices. 
You will:
- Promote Workforce Services: Act as a local ambassador for Workforce Solutions by proactively locating and engaging MSFWs in their communities to inform them of available job counseling, training, and support services.
- Facilitate Referrals: Perform initial needs assessments in the field and encourage MSFWs to visit a workforce center for personalized, one-on-one assistance with creating employment plans.
- Provide Direct Field Assistance: Offer on-the-spot help with completing applications, navigating WorkInTexas.com, and understanding the process for accessing benefits and programs.
- Support Agricultural Employers: Promote the Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS) to local employers and assist them in connecting with Business Service Representatives in the Workforce Office.
- Facilitate Worker Protections: Educate farm workers on their rights and assist them in preparing and filing employment-related complaints (Form ETA-8429) for referral to enforcement agencies.
- Document Outreach Activities: Meticulously record all outreach contacts, referrals, and services provided in state reporting systems to ensure program effectiveness and compliance.
- Occasional travel to the state office in Austin is also required.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
- Effectively disseminate information about the full range of workforce development services available to MSFWs.
- Deliver on-site, direct assistance to farm workers who are unable or hesitant to visit physical Workforce Solutions offices.
- Conduct initial intake interviews to identify client needs and facilitate effective referrals to a Workforce Solutions office for career planning.
- Provide direct assistance to job seekers with completing applications and preparing for their visit to a workforce center.
- Explain and administer the Wagner-Peyser Employment Service Complaint System, assisting workers in preparing formal complaints for referral to enforcement authorities.
- Record all outreach activities, daily logs, and customer interactions with a high standard of data integrity.
- Build and sustain relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, and agricultural employers.
- Adhere strictly to agency policies and ethical standards, refraining from political or unionization activities.
- Embrace a collaborative approach: You will work effectively with other team members and stakeholders to ensure a seamless and supportive experience for MSFWs.
- Perform other duties as assigned

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
- Two years and six months of full-time experience in gathering information, interviewing, or counseling; the instruction, demonstration, and interpretation of policies in a public or private enterprise; direct social work; eligibility determination; or in workforce development issues and programs and customer service.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, with the ability to deliver culturally competent services.
- Knowledge of workforce development programs (e.g., Wagner-Peyser Act) and the protections afforded to MSFWs.
- Experience in conducting community or field outreach at worksites, agricultural labor camps, and community centers.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently, manage a travel schedule, and exercise professional judgment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience with data entry.
- Are from MSFW backgrounds or have substantial work experience in farmworker activities.
- Since this position requires extensive travel in the counties of al Verde, Edwards, Real, Kinney, Uvalde, Zavala, Maverick, Dimmit, and La Salle, you will need to live near or in one of these counties since these are the counties served by this position.
- Ability to telework with reliable internet access and dedicated office space, maintain a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and a willingness to be on the road 100%. Ability to rent vehicles also being able to apply for company credit card or have available fund for travel pending travel reimbursement.

YOU GAIN: 
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
- Competitive salary: $3,368.50 - $3,844.91/month 
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan 
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts 
- Medical Insurance 
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave 
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits 

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Employment.pdf 

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.