Immigrant Workers Specialist - Albany

Overview

Provides outreach to agricultural employers and workers to inform them of the services, resources and programs provided by the Department of Labor (DOL) through field visits to farms across the state. Conducts inspections and investigations related to complaints against agricultural employers suspected of violating state labor laws and regulations, interviewing employers, employees and witnesses. Follows up with workers to ensure resolution of complaints and assess progress and access to needed services.

Performs outreach to non-agricultural employers and workers to inform them of DOL services, resources and programs.

• Provide outreach to agricultural and non‑agricultural employers and workers to inform them of DOL services, resources and programs.
• Review and investigate complaints against employers suspected of violating state labor laws and other regulations by interviewing employers, employees and witnesses.
• Evaluate complaints based on investigative findings and make initial determinations and recommendations; coordinate with other Department programs to investigate and resolve complaints; forward information to enforcement agencies when necessary for civil penalties.
• Follow up with workers to ensure resolution of complaints and determine whether satisfactory progress is being made and needed services are provided.
• Holds workshops to enhance immigrant workers’ understanding of their rights under state and federal labor laws and ensures awareness of the Department’s resources.
• Perform inspection and investigation activities regarding employment and housing of farm workers to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Provide technical assistance to agricultural employers seeking foreign labor and answer questions on state and federal labor laws, rules and regulations regarding employment.
• Determine whether customers are domestic, guest worker, year‑round, migrant, or seasonal farm workers and explain their rights, directing them to supportive services in the area.
• Maintain contact with community and governmental agencies and employers to inform them of immigrant workers in the area and to collect information.
• Attend immigrant community events and meetings to stay informed of current news, problems, trends and issues in immigrant communities.
• Conduct community outreach and serve as DOL liaison to immigrant workers and related advocacy groups to identify needs and ensure equitable access to Department programs and resources.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with other state and federal agencies to provide information to assist immigrant workers in gaining access to available programs and services.
• Promote the use of DOL programs and services in the rural sector with emphasis on protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of immigrant farm workers.
• Assist in developing awareness campaigns and assess the services provided by DOL targeted at immigrant populations; translate materials into languages spoken by immigrant and migrant populations; improve staff cultural competency.
• Target outreach to immigrant populations statewide based on census data, resettlement data and concentrations of affected populations; measure effectiveness of outreach through process and outcome evaluation.
• Analyze reports, census data, and other statistical information regarding immigrant population trends and concerns; respond to correspondence and prepare reports and memoranda on immigration issues and outreach outcomes.
• Collaborate with anti‑trafficking coalitions and the Labor Trafficking Response Unit to educate the public about labor trafficking and identify trafficking victims; advocate for appropriate services.
• Establish and maintain relationships with state and federal agencies to provide information and access to available programs and services for immigrant workers.

• A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience providing assistance, direction or support to improve, protect, and preserve the rights of workers and/or immigrants, or assisting clients in understanding and participating in public or private programs. Experience must include involvement in public…