Employment and Training Program Specialist

Support Delaware’s agricultural workforce by connecting employers, job seekers, and communities to ensure fair access, clear guidance, and meaningful impacts for those who power our state’s farming industry!

The Employment and Training Program Specialist serves as the Foreign Labor Coordinator, supporting key workforce initiatives for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) and the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Employment Program. This position serves as a primary liaison among agricultural employers, American Job Centers, the State Workforce Agency, and the U.S. Department of Labor to support compliance with applicable program requirements, promote lawful and equitable recruitment practices, and facilitate access to employment and workforce services.

In this role, you will review H-2A agricultural job orders for completeness and compliance with applicable requirements, work directly with employers to resolve deficiencies and other job-order issues, and coordinate the placement of approved job orders into intrastate and interstate clearance and the recruitment and referral of qualified U.S. workers. You will provide technical guidance on program requirements, assist with complaint and issue resolution, maintain program documentation and records, and collaborate with workforce partners to expand outreach and access to employment services for MSFWs and agricultural employers.

Responsibilities include conducting statewide and on-site outreach at agricultural worksites and other locations where MSFWs work, live, or gather. Frequent travel within Sussex County and throughout Delaware will therefore be required. Because many MSFWs and H-2A workers may have limited English proficiency, Spanish-language proficiency is essential for effective communication and for providing information regarding employment opportunities, worker rights, available services, and community resources.

Selective Requirements must be met in addition to the job requirements.  Applicants who do not possess the selective requirement will not be qualified.

1. Read, write and speak Spanish fluently.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Researches, analyzes and applies federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines for assigned programs to ensure program compliance, develops/edits technical assistance documents to assist operational staff in carrying out daily responsibilities.
• Monitors assigned programs to measure activity and results against program objectives by identifying deficiencies through periodic on-site visits; submits reports which recommend corrective action; provides assistance in implementing appropriate action to increase performance levels.
• Provides technical support and assistance to operational staff to ensure smooth program operations; assists in training operational staff on areas such as program eligibility criteria, operating procedures, and report preparation.
• Compiles information and prepares various management information reports such as the analysis of goal attainments.
• Assists in the development of program budgets, service plans and performance goal-setting; may participate in contract/performance criteria negotiation.
• Speaks at or participates in related workshops, conferences, and/or meetings to discuss and/or provide information on manpower programs; acts as liaison to external special interest groups, organizations, employers, schools, individual, and governmental agencies.
• May monitor and approve support services requests such as training, transportation, day care, relocation and/or shelter.
• May develop and/or revise operational procedures and program materials.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Employment and Training Program Specialist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in program monitoring such as monitoring program activities and recommending alternatives, improvements, courses of action and other changes based on findings.
2. Six months experience in interpreting employment and training program laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
3. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
4. Knowledge of budget development which includes analyzing financial data and making long and short range plans and projections.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. 

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. 

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.