DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Workforce Development Administration (WDA)
4635 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85040
www.azdes.gov 

Salary: $20.0449/ hourly ($41,693.39 annually) 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.

DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Agriculture and Foreign Labor Specialist with the Workforce Development Administration (WDA). This position is responsible for providing a wide range of Foreign Labor Certification (FLC) statewide activities, adhering to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Foreign Labor Certification rules and regulations. Services are provided through 1:1 or group interactions, will include field visits, and may include virtual/digital or telephonic means. Services include but are not limited to planning, coordinating, and participating in outreach events, housing inspections, orientations, processing of applications, facilitating recruitment for applications, and conducting employer meetings. The Agriculture and Foreign Labor Specialist assists in the successful implementation of the Foreign Labor Certification and H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program (H-2A Program) and H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2B Program)administered by (DOL).

Must be willing and able to work in housing or farm locations; rural remote areas of the state; extreme temperatures (range from 20 degrees F to over100 degrees); work outside of traditional 8-5 & M-F work hours; and have potential exposure to plant pollens, insects and noxious plants, and to fields and plant materials which have been treated with insect and/or disease control sprays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Travel and conduct outreach events, housing inspections, field checks, orientations, and employer meetings in areas throughout the state.
• Travel and conduct Agricultural Prevailing Wage and Practice Surveys throughout Arizona to determine common employment practices and average wages.
• Complete and maintain accurate records and reports, including case notes, to report to the Department of Labor or enforcement agencies.
• Handle complaints through the Employment Service and Employment-Related Law Complaint System (Complaint System); perform stakeholder education and outreach; and promote Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS) - recruiting, referring, & follow up to domestic Migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
• Provide leadership in the absence of a supervisor and act on behalf of the supervisor, including onboarding, training, and technical assistance. Lead worker and subject matter expertise and technical staff assistance. Assist in the development and implementation of office and program operations.
• Support State Monitor Advocate and Foreign Labor Certification Coordinator.
• Attend training required by program assignment.

• Knowledge of Labor Market Information and In-demand Industries and Occupations.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques, assessment tools and strategies, and transferable skills.
• Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic conditions that impact the populations and area(s) served.
• Skills in customer service, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication, including de-escalation and conflict resolution.
• Skills in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, presentation, and interviewing.
• Skills in adapting to changing circumstances, staff, and client needs, and working with interruptions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google, database systems, computers, and technology-based platforms that interface directly with applicants and job seekers such as Google Meets, Zoom, and other video conferencing technologies to interview participants, elicit information, assess skills, knowledge, ability, work history, and interest while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Ability to learn & apply applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures, to include Department of Labor, Department of Economic Security, and Department of Administration rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize work in accordance with Division priorities and time management methodology.
• Ability to work effectively independently, as a member of diverse teams, and with clients of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to travel to locations within assigned areas and to statewide meetings, which may include navigation in rural or otherwise difficult-to-locate areas.
• Ability to remain professional, and calm and adapt communication style with diverse customer needs or customers that are frustrated.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• 2 years of experience working with Agricultural Foreign Labor.

• Required to have Spanish/English proficiency and to complete training as specified in 20 CFR 653.107(7).
• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• Travel will be required for State business. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State-sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Theresa Sumner at (480) 679-2319 or email TSumner@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (480) 679-2319 or emailing TSumner@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.