Outreach Specialist

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD):
Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana’s employment future. If managed properly, Indiana’s workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country’s economic growth.

Role Overview:

•A valid drivers license is required.
•Active Outreach: The outreach specialist will visit farm workers in the field, farms, labor camps, and community locations. The goal is to ensure MSFWs are aware of and can access employment opportunities, workforce services, community resources, and understand their worker rights, in compliance with 20 CFR 653.107. This position is also required to Network with other MSFW partner organizations to conduct joint outreach.
•Direct Service Provision: The Outreach Specialist provides a summary of farm worker rights to include Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) and helps workers register for services, provide employment services and make referrals to supportive agencies, per MSFW needs.
•Case Management & Referrals: Assisting with employment applications, and referring MSFWs to supportive services (e.g., housing, transportation, childcare) and connecting them with the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP). On-site in the field or by facilitating visits to local one-stop centers.
•Documentation & Reporting: Maintaining records of outreach contacts, services provided, and complete monthly outreach log and summary to the State Monitor Advocate (SMA).
•Complaints & Violations: Assisting MSFWs in preparing and filing complaints regarding employment-related laws, and reporting "apparent violations" (suspected violations observed) to the complaint system representative.
•Agricultural Recruitment System: Visit agricultural employers to provide information about employer services available to them for their labor force. Meet with employers in person or contact them by telephone to schedule an outreach visit. Assist employers with engaging in WorkOne services. Assist farm labor contractors in completing the required registrations to recruit and house migrant farm workers.
•Travel: This position requires frequent travel across the assigned area, including rural locations, and may involve long distances.
•Work hours: Flexible and often include early mornings, evenings, and weekends to match when workers are available.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Research and compile information on specific aspects of the program such as procedures, needs and policies.
• Answer customer questions about program policies and procedures.
• Establish, organize, and maintain current and historical files related to the program.
• Assist in the preparation of program reports, develop applications, prepare budget allocations and/or purchasing of consultative services.
• Maintain, monitor, and order program assets.
• Assist supervisor in the development and planning of overall program and its role in the functioning of the agency.
• Schedule, prepare, and disseminate all program related training materials.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.
• Specialized knowledge of applicable legislation, guidelines, agency policy and professional standards and practices.
• Ability to research, analyze, and compile specific topics related to program area.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to operate effectively in a group decision-making process.
• Tact in dealing with other agency personnel and the public.
• Specialized knowledge of accounting and budgeting.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.