Position Summary:

The Manager for Growth Programs leads statewide initiatives that help Kansas small businesses start, grow, and compete. This position develops and manages business readiness, capacity-building, and training programs focused on government and corporate contracting, market expansion, certification programs, and access to capital. The Manager builds partnerships with businesses, entrepreneurship support organizations, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders to expand opportunities for Kansas businesses. The role also provides leadership support through outreach, stakeholder engagement, communications, customer assistance, and collaboration across agency programs to strengthen the state’s small business ecosystem.  

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement training and technical assistance programs focused on business readiness for government and corporate contracting and capacity building for larger contracts 
• Develop and lead initiatives that create government and corporate procurement opportunities for small businesses and create clear pathways for small businesses to secure contracts 
• Develop and implement training and technical assistance programs focused on business readiness for new markets and capacity building for market expansion or diversification
• Promote Kansas business certifications to Kansas businesses
• Participate in internal and external engagement opportunities with businesses, entrepreneurship support organizations, business community organizations, and key industry sectors, such as those involved in critical supply chains and those that are vital to the state economy
• Support internal and external communications related to office initiatives and programs
• Assist with management of grants
• Answer emails and phone calls from small businesses seeking assistance
• Expand funding and capital access opportunities for Kansas small businesses and entrepreneurs to support business startup, sustainability, and growth
• Develop and implement training programs for businesses seeking funding

Pay Range: $33.65 to $38.46 hourly

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Director of International Business Development serves as the executive leader for the State of Kansas’ international business development strategy, advancing foreign direct investment, export growth, and global economic competitiveness. Provides leadership and oversight of the International Division, develops strategic partnerships with global stakeholders, and advises executive leadership on international economic development initiatives. Represents the State in high-level international engagements, trade missions, and global industry events to attract investment, expand trade opportunities, and drive economic growth and job creation for Kansas.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the executive leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the State of Kansas’ global business development strategy focused on foreign direct investment attraction, international trade expansion, export growth, and global economic competitiveness.
• Develops and maintains high-level relationships with foreign governments, multinational corporations, site selection consultants, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and international partners to advance Kansas’ position in the global economy.
• Represents the State of Kansas with international delegations, foreign dignitaries, business executives, and strategic partners. Leads efforts to identify, cultivate, and convert international business opportunities into economic growth, capital investment, and job creation for Kansas.
• Directs the planning, strategy, and execution of international business development initiatives, including Governor and Lt. Governor-led and executive-level trade missions, foreign investment recruitment missions, global industry events, and targeted market engagement strategies.
• Oversees Kansas’ presence at internationally significant events including the Farnborough International Airshow, Paris Air Show, SelectUSA Investment Summit, and other priority industry platforms aligned with Kansas’ targeted sectors. Leads recruitment and engagement of Kansas companies participating in international trade opportunities and develops
• Serves as a senior advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Governor’s Office, and Administration on matters related to international economic development, foreign direct investment, trade policy, global market trends, and geopolitical issues impacting Kansas businesses.

Pay Range: $115,000.00 to $118,484.36 annually

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Attorney supports the Workforce Services Division by assisting with legal research, policy analysis, and review of agency documents for compliance with state and federal law, including WIOA. Working under the guidance of the Chief Attorney, this role helps ensure agency programs and operations align with legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Consultation, Legal Research and Advise for the Workforce Services Division, AJLA, CIAC, KAC and other divisions, receives oral or written questions from other employees of the agency or receives oral or written assignments from the Chief Attorney.
• Identifies the legal and/or policy issues which are involved in the questions or assignments.
• Searches for primary and/or secondary legal authority to answer the legal and/or policy issues which must be answered.
• Reads, analyzes and evaluates agency letters and interoffice memos, policy statements, personnel and program manuals and proposed administrative regulations on Workforce Services issues for compliance with current law, legal authority, legal reasoning and legal implications.
• Provides legal counsel to Commerce Workforce Services Division administrative officials and field personnel to assure that Commerce and its subdivisions perform their respective duties in accordance with the law and also to aid in the compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other federal laws and regulations.
• Reads, analyzes and evaluates the legal and factual claims raised in letters, motions, discovery, memoranda, briefs, pleadings and appellate briefs delivered to the agency by opposing parties.
• Travels to, attends and actively participates in meetings, depositions, hearings and trials.
• Represents the agency at administrative hearings and tries cases on behalf of the agency in state and federal courts by presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, stating and explaining objections, and arguing motions, objections and other legal issues.

Pay Range: $60,000.00 to $75,000.00 annually

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The ReSpECTWORKS Program Manager oversees the implementation and administration of workforce grant programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements while achieving program goals and performance outcomes. This position develops and coordinates workforce initiatives, manages grants, contracts, and partnerships, provides technical assistance and training to program partners, and serves as a liaison with state and federal agencies, the KANSASWORKS State Board, and other stakeholders. The Program Manager monitors program operations, supports continuous improvement efforts, and ensures all reporting, accountability, and training requirements are completedFrequent travel is required to conduct outreach services. 

Responsibilities:

• Implements grant requirements as appropriate; collaborates with appropriate staff to prepare grant reports; writes grant updates in response to requirements.
• Designs and develops programs in response to program or grant requirements; coordinates and facilitates local service delivery activities with immediate staff members, One-Stop partners, other agency programs, governmental agencies and institutions to facilitate the development of programs and training opportunities.
• Provides training, technical assistance and consultative services to grant partners as requested and/or required.
• Assures workforce accountability reporting for selected activities serving as a liaison between the department, KANSASWORKS State Board, US Department of Labor, Kansas Department of Corrections, and any other state or federal department.
• Coordinates assigned projects, subgrant agreements, contracts, and MOUs; oversees and monitors individual programs; provides support regarding program needs and operational issues; advises fund recipients of methods to improve programs and keeps them abreast of applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Pay Range: $63,000.00 to $68,000.00 annually

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Outreach Worker provides outreach and case management services to connect farmworkers with employment, training, and supportive resources. This role identifies barriers to employment, educates individuals on their rights and responsibilities, and makes referrals to partner programs. Additional duties include building employer relationships, entering job orders in KANSASWORKS.com, matching job seekers with employers, assisting with employment-related complaints, conducting H-2A housing inspections, and supporting customers via KANSASWORKS.com Live Chat. This position is located at the Hays Workforce Center in Hays, Kansas. Frequent travel is required to conduct outreach services. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach and case management for farmworkers who are not being reached by the normal intake activities of the Workforce Center.
• Identify employment barriers/challenges and explain rights and responsibilities of farmeworkers.
• Assists customers with job searches, resume and cover letter preparation, completing applications for employment, holds mock interviews with customers, and educates customers on interviewing techniques.
• Screens customers to gather information then make referrals to appropriate partner services (e.g. National Farmworker Jobs Program, health care assistance, food assistance, education assistance, and job training).
• Identify services available through partner agencies and service-based organizations.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with employers.
• Develop and deliver presentations to agricultural employers and employer groups.
• Serves as Complaint System Representative for initial customer complaints related to employment laws and workforce violations.
• Conduct Housing Inspections for the H-2A Foreign Labor Certification Program.
• Serves as a Digital Assistant in Live Chat on KANSASWORKS.com.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This is technical work interviewing clients to obtain information needed to determine potential eligibility for training programs, job referrals and other program services.  The position is located at the Wichita Workforce Center in Sedgwick County, KS

Responsibilities:

• Provide early intervention and case management to claimants selected for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) program.
• RESEA consists of claimants identified by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) system as “likely to exhaust” Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits  
• Determine eligibility and suitability for partner programs within the workforce system including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Kansas Health Profession Opportunity Project, Jobs for Veterans State Grant, and other state and federal grant programs in the local area
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including detailed customer notes and service history in the KANSASWORKS.com customer management system
• Collaborate with Kansas Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance staff to report the progress of claimants participating in early intervention reemployment services
• Facilitate workshops in the areas of work readiness and business skills
• Responsible for résumé and cover letter critique, mock interviews and providing labor market information
• Refer job candidates to employment opportunities and support services as appropriate

Pay Range: $21.87-$22.38 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Veterans Workforce Services Specialist provides case management to assist veterans and other eligible job seekers in achieving employment goals. Delivers targeted services to Unemployment Insurance claimants at risk of exhausting benefits. Conducts outreach to identify and engage eligible veterans, maintains a presence at workforce events, and serves as a liaison with employers to promote and expand the use of Workforce Center services and programs.

Responsibilities:

• Provides overview of Workforce services to customers
• Performs detailed intake and comprehensive assessment interviews to determine job seeker’s education, interests, work history, barriers to employment, economic and family status, and career goals
• Assists customers with job searches, resume and cover letter preparation, completing applications for employment, holds mock interviews with customers, and educates customer on interviewing techniques
• Provides customers information about program services, job requirements, occupational opportunities, and training programs and makes referrals to appropriate partner services
• Maintains electronic case file in KANSASWORKS.com for each participant in accordance with federal and state policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines
• Provides case management services for Unemployment Insurance claimants identified as likely to exhaust benefits
• Conducts outreach activities, for the purpose of locating, identifying and seeking referrals of eligible veterans
• Maintains a presence at the Workforce services booth at a local job or resource fair.
• Solicits new employers to utilize Workforce services and programs.
• Performs intake process with new employers to create account and determine the employer’s needs

Pay Range: $18.70 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This Veterans Employment Representative provides employment and career services to veterans and the general job-seeking public by assisting with job searches, résumé development, interview preparation, labor market information, and other workforce resources. Delivers individualized case management and outreach services to connect veterans and job seekers with employment opportunities and workforce programs while supporting efficient service delivery across the region.

Responsibilities:

• Apply case management techniques to assist job seekers in attaining employment goals, including developing, maintaining, and updating Individual Employment Plans with appropriate timelines and shared responsibilities.
• Evaluate job seeker progress toward employment and skill attainment goals, ensuring appropriate adjustments to service strategies and documenting outcomes in accordance with program expectations.
• Knowledge of job readiness and career development practices, including the ability to support job seekers in improving employability, interviewing skills, and utilization of Workforce Center resources and staff expertise.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and compliant case management records, including documentation of enrollment, services, progress, and follow-up activities, in alignment with federal and state policies, procedures, and performance accountability standards.
• Conduct detailed intake and comprehensive assessments, including evaluation of education, work history, interests, barriers to employment, and economic and family status to inform service delivery.
• Develop Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) based on assessment results, aligning services with job seeker goals and workforce program opportunities.
• Knowledge of workforce programs, training opportunities, and labor market information, with the ability to communicate job requirements, occupational options, and career pathways to job seekers.
• Determine program eligibility and explain requirements, assisting individuals with applications for employment, training, and supportive service programs.
• Collaborate with supervisors to develop and implement outreach strategies that reflect local workforce needs, labor market conditions and community demographics, ensuring services are delivered to eligible veterans through effective partnerships and outreach activities.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to identify, connect, and provide access to Workforce Center services for eligible veterans, including those with significant barriers to employment.
• Participate in program-related meetings, training and professional development activities at the local, state and federal levels to maintain current knowledge of workforce programs and veteran services.
• Complete and maintain program reports and documentation, including weekly monthly and quarterly reporting requirements.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans facing significant employment challenges! We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager to provide top-notch support and assistance to veterans in their journey toward successful employment. This is your opportunity to play a crucial role in helping veterans overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals. 

This position specializes in customer’s professional growth by implementing and monitoring a targeted employment plan. In addition, this position assists customers with available resources and/or programs specific to their needs. If you are passionate about making a difference, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to helping veterans achieve their career goals, we want to hear from you. 

Daily environment includes continuous contact with the public and requires a valid driver’s license or ability to travel as needed to conduct outreach and case management with veterans. Overnight travel will be required.

Join us on this fulfilling journey and be a part of an exceptional team dedicated to changing lives for the better. As a Veteran who has transitioned from military service, you have the unique experience of the transitional process and can empower other veterans with the tools they may need to succeed in the newest chapters of their lives. Apply now to be a vital part of our mission and help veterans rediscover their potential for success. Together, we can build a brighter future for those who have served our country.

Responsibilities:

• Empower Veterans: Deliver comprehensive case management to veterans with multiple, significant barriers to employment with the goal of helping veterans build better futures.
• Documentation Excellence: Maintain comprehensive and meticulous documentation including detailed customer notes, service history and Veterans Individual Employment Plans in the KANSASWORKS.com customer management system. Your attention to detail ensures a seamless and organized support system.
• Outreach and Advocacy: Be a driving force in our mission by conducting outreach to identify veterans who can benefit from individualized career services. Conduct outreach to locate veterans who could benefit from intensive services and spread awareness of these services to potential customers at locations including homeless shelters, food pantries, and other areas where disenfranchised veterans may be located.
• Connecting Veterans: Make a real difference by connecting veterans to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance. Your efforts will help veterans access the support they need to thrive.
• Collaboration and Guidance: Collaborate with workforce and veteran service partners in an integrated service-delivery model to assist veterans with career guidance including résumés, interviewing skills, labor market information and job retention skills.
• Ongoing Support: Maintain close and supportive contact with customers throughout job readiness preparation, upon job placement, and beyond to ensure placement adequacy. Your dedication will be instrumental in assisting veterans with any issues that may arise.
• Community Engagement: Represent our organization at job fairs and other community events, further establishing our presence and expanding our reach within the community.
• Versatility: Depending on the Workforce Centers needs, you may also have the opportunity to engage with and assist local employers, broadening your experience and impact. 

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans facing significant employment challenges! We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager to provide top-notch support and assistance to veterans in their journey toward successful employment. This is your opportunity to play a crucial role in helping veterans overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals. 

This position specializes in customer’s professional growth by implementing and monitoring a targeted employment plan. In addition, this position assists customers with available resources and/or programs specific to their needs. If you are passionate about making a difference, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to helping veterans achieve their career goals, we want to hear from you. 

Daily environment includes continuous contact with the public and requires a valid driver’s license or ability to travel as needed to conduct outreach and case management with veterans. Overnight travel may will be required.

Join us on this fulfilling journey and be a part of an exceptional team dedicated to changing lives for the better. As a Veteran who has transitioned from military service, you have the unique experience of the transitional process and can empower other veterans with the tools they may need to succeed in the newest chapters of their lives. Apply now to be a vital part of our mission and help veterans rediscover their potential for success. Together, we can build a brighter future for those who have served our country.

Responsibilities:

• Empower Veterans: Deliver comprehensive case management to veterans with multiple, significant barriers to employment with the goal of helping veterans build better futures.
• Documentation Excellence: Maintain comprehensive and meticulous documentation including detailed customer notes, service history and Veterans Individual Employment Plans in the KANSASWORKS.com customer management system. Your attention to detail ensures a seamless and organized support system.
• Outreach and Advocacy: Be a driving force in our mission by conducting outreach to identify veterans who can benefit from individualized career services. Conduct outreach to locate veterans who could benefit from intensive services and spread awareness of these services to potential customers at locations including homeless shelters, food pantries, and other areas where disenfranchised veterans may be located.
• Connecting Veterans: Make a real difference by connecting veterans to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance. Your efforts will help veterans access the support they need to thrive.
• Collaboration and Guidance: Collaborate with workforce and veteran service partners in an integrated service-delivery model to assist veterans with career guidance including résumés, interviewing skills, labor market information and job retention skills.
• Ongoing Support: Maintain close and supportive contact with customers throughout job readiness preparation, upon job placement, and beyond to ensure placement adequacy. Your dedication will be instrumental in assisting veterans with any issues that may arise.
• Community Engagement: Represent our organization at job fairs and other community events, further establishing our presence and expanding our reach within the community.
• Versatility: Depending on the Workforce Centers needs, you may also have the opportunity to engage with and assist local employers, broadening your experience and impact. 

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Virtual Navigator will provide full-time statewide customer support through the KANSASWORKS.com Virtual Engagement Center and online chat platform, assist job seekers and employers with account access, system navigation, workforce services, and refer to appropriate programs and resources. This position delivers timely virtual customer service, resolves technical and account-related issues, conducts initial needs assessments, and connects customers to employment, training, and workforce resources while ensuring accurate information and exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities:

• Provide virtual customer assistance through the KANSASWORKS.com Virtual Engagement Center by responding to inquiries, troubleshooting technical issues, and assisting customers with online system functionality.
• Interpret agency policies, procedures, and operational practices while assisting customers with account access and navigation, referring complex issues to the appropriate staff when necessary.
• Utilize Virtual Engagement Center technology and established security procedures to verify customer identity, manage multiple customer interactions, and deliver timely, accurate customer service.
• Provide guidance to job seekers, employers, and training providers regarding KANSASWORKS.com services, workforce programs, and available employment and training resources.
• Assist customers with account maintenance, resume and job posting functions, and explain workforce program requirements, services, and available resources.
• Conduct initial customer screening to assess workforce service needs and facilitate referrals to internal programs, partner agencies, and community resources.
• Maintain current knowledge of workforce programs and partner services to ensure accurate guidance and effective referrals.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Benefit Eligible

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. You MUST apply at https://jobs.sok.ks.gov and submit the required documentation.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to [email protected], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

If you are claiming Veterans’ Preference for the first time please mail a copy of your DD214 – copy of discharge or documentation in form of a letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to verify service-connected disability, copy of a marriage license to verify relationship as a spouse to a service member, a letter or notice from the Federal Government showing that their spouse died while serving in the armed forces, or other relevant documentation that would help qualify an individual for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with the eligibility criteria set forth in K.S.A. 73-201. Please mail discharge or documentation to the Kansas Department of Administration, Office of Personnel Services, 900 S.W. Jackson, Rm 401-N, Topeka, Kansas 66612 or Fax to (785) 296-2598. You MUST apply at https://jobs.sok.ks.gov and submit the required documentation.