Position Summary:

Calling all students!

Ready to step into the heart of state government and make things happen?

Looking for hands-on experience in state government and executive operations? The Summer Intern for the Office of the Secretary will support daily office operations, event planning, and leadership initiatives. This role works closely with the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff by helping schedule meetings and travel, preparing briefing materials and trip memos, and assisting with events from start to finish. You’ll help create invitations and agendas, track RSVPs, attend meetings, take notes, support follow-ups, and assist with basic fiscal processes like travel reimbursements and payment vouchers. This is a great opportunity to gain real-world experience, build professional skills, and see how leadership offices operate behind the scenes.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Executive Assistant in scheduling and coordinating meetings and travel for the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff.
• Communicating with external stakeholders, state agencies and Commerce staff to coordinate logistics
• Assist the Director of Events with research on event location, pricing, date options and giveaways items for various events throughout the year.
• Create invitations, agendas and attendee biography collateral for event preparation.
• Track RSVPs to various events throughout the year. 
• Provide support for calendar invites and communication with confirmed event attendees.
• Attend meetings and support the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.
• Take notes, prepare materials and assist in tracking key deadlines and deliverables.
• Help ensure follow up tasks are completed in coordination with Office of the Secretary staff
• Assist with fiscal processes within the Office of the Secretary. This includes travel reimbursements, payment vouchers, encumbrances, interfund.
• Works with fiscal and legal departments to execute contracts and grants as directed by the Chief of Staff and Secretary.

Intern Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in college courses at an accredited college or university.

Pay Range: $15.03 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday hours may vary

Non-Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

Calling all students!

Ready to step into the heart of state government and make things happen?

The Data and Research Intern will support the Data and Research Team on a variety of research and analysis projects. Responsibilities include creating, locating, cleaning, and formatting data tables; interpreting economic and labor force data; and assisting with data analysis related to proposed policies, programs, and investment projects. The intern will provide research and analytical support for business development initiatives, including Requests for Information (RFIs). This role also assists with maintaining agency data standards, access, and other general data team responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting Data and Research Team with research projects which include creating, locating, cleaning, and formatting data tables.
• Responsibilities also include data interpretation specifically pertaining to economic and labor force data.
• Collaborates with the Data and Research Team to analyze the expected future impact of proposed policies, programs, and investment projects.
• Provides research, analysis, and information in support of business development projects as required, including support of Requests of Information (RFIs).
• Assists the Data and Research team in maintaining data standards and access as well as other data team responsibilities pertaining to the agency.

Intern Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in college courses at an accredited college or university.

Pay Range: $15.03 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday hours may vary

Non-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 Broadband Infrastructure Program Manager will lead the design and implementation of broadband infrastructure programs, including Last Mile Connections, Middle Mile core projects, and Internet Exchange Points. Oversee pilot initiatives and expanded rollouts aligned with the Kansas Office of Broadband’s strategic and operational principles. Build and maintain strong partnerships with communities, local and tribal governments, service providers, anchor institutions, and utility partners to develop high-quality broadband solutions. Provide advisory support to local communities on broadband strategies, assist with grant planning and applications, and support local broadband initiatives to ensure successful deployment and adoption.

Responsibilities:

• Lead broadband infrastructure program design and implementation: Support the design and deployment of Last Mile Connections and Middle Mile core projects and Internet Exchange Point.
• Deploy infrastructure funding according to strategic and operational principles established in the Kansas Office of Broadband strategy. 
• Engage communities, local/tribal governments, service providers, anchor institutions, and utility partners, other stakeholders in developing high quality infrastructure solutions
• Advise local communities on broadband strategies, provide support for local broadband efforts, support grant plans and applications related to broadband initiatives. 
• Work collaboratively with internal communications staff, consultants, and others to develop presentations, website content, eblasts and other materials for public engagement

Pay Range: $85,000.00 to $105,000.00 annually

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

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This position involves technical work, interviewing clients to gather information necessary to determine potential eligibility for training programs, job referrals, and other workforce services. The Reemployment Navigator performs a variety of office duties that require knowledge of established procedures, basic math, and accurate record-keeping. 

The role requires effective communication skills, the ability to follow written and oral instructions, and strict adherence to state and federal employment laws and regulations. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others are essential.

This position is located at the Wichita Workforce Center.

Responsibilities:

• Provides early intervention Reemployment Services, to beneficiaries identified by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) system as “likely to exhaust.” Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.
• Processes information obtained from various sources into KANSASWORKS.com
• Communicates on a regular basis with UI and other partners regarding the progress of the beneficiary towards suitable and meaningful employment.

Pay Range: $17.79 hourly

Pay starts at $17.79/hr., then staff enter the Kansas Registered Apprentice Program the beginning of the year after hire where pay increases at the end of the first year, and again at the end of the second year.

The Kansas Registered Apprentice Program is a structured training program where staff gain specific skills and competencies enabling them to fill multiple roles within the workforce system.

Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

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

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

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

To be successful in this role, you should have a strong understanding of workforce development programs and services, excellent communication and customer service skills, and a passion for helping people achieve their career goals

If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity today!

The position is located at the Hays Workforce Center. 

Responsibilities:

• Assisting job seekers with job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and other career-related needs.
• Working with employers to identify job openings, screen candidates, and provide referrals for qualified applicants.
• Developing and implementing workforce development programs and services to meet the needs of our community.
• Conducting outreach to community organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to build partnerships and promote our services.

Pay Range: $17.79 hourly

Pay starts at $17.79 per hour, with staff entering the Kansas Registered Apprentice Program at the beginning of the year following their hire date. As part of the program, employees will receive pay increases at the end of their first year, followed by another increase at the end of their second year, reflecting their progress and development within the apprenticeship.

The Kansas Registered Apprentice Program is a structured training program where staff gain specific skills and competencies enabling them to fill multiple roles within the workforce system.

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

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Workforce Services Specialist provides early intervention Reemployment Services to individuals identified by the Kansas Department of Labor Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services system. The Workforce Services Specialist will assist these beneficiaries by offering targeted support and resources aimed at helping them secure employment before their benefits are depleted. This includes assessing participants’ transferable skills, education, and work experiences to develop tailored goals and objectives, and identifying relevant employment opportunities. Additionally, they administer online tests, such as Microsoft, bilingual, and office skills assessments, to evaluate job qualifications. The specialist also creates and facilitates presentations to enhance customers’ job skills, job readiness, and ability to secure employment. Moreover, the Workforce Services Specialist maintains a presence at local job or resource fairs, representing Workforce Services and connecting with the community.

Responsibilities:

• Provides case management services for Unemployment Insurance claimants identified as likely to exhaust benefits.
• Screens customers to gather information then makes referrals to appropriate partner services
• Enters data from multiple sources into the statewide automated data system in accordance with standard procedures, rules and regulations
• Provides overview of Workforce services to customers and ensures that the customer has completed the online registration
• Creates and facilities presentations (usually in PowerPoint) to communicate and improve customers job skills, job readiness and the customers’ ability to find work.
• Maintains a presence at the Workforce services booth at a local job or resource fair.  

Pay Range: $17.79 hourly

Pay starts at $17.79 per hour, with staff entering the Kansas Registered Apprentice Program at the beginning of the year following their hire date. As part of the program, employees will receive pay increases at the end of their first year, followed by another increase at the end of their second year, reflecting their progress and development within the apprenticeship.

The Kansas Registered Apprentice Program is a structured training program where staff gain specific skills and competencies enabling them to fill multiple roles within the workforce system.

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

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 Johnson County Workforce Center in Lenexa, KS.  There is occasional local travel involved and may be overnight.

Responsibilities:

• Perform case management functions including assessing transferable skills, education, work experiences of participant in order to develop goals/ objectives to identify employment related opportunities in which participant can gain experience to reach self-sufficiency.
• Maintains electronic case file in KANSASWORKS.COM for each participant
• 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.
• Assists customers with reviewing occupational and labor market information for the field of interest.
• Identifies qualified applicants for referral to employers based on information obtained from the customer.
• Provides overview of Workforce services to customers and ensures that the customer has completed the online registration Workforce services to customers and ensures that the customer has completed the online registration.
• Enters data from multiple sources into the statewide automated data system in accordance with standard procedures, rules and regulations
• Screens customers to gather information then makes referrals to appropriate partner services (e.g. health care assistance, food assistance, education assistance, and job training). Maintains knowledge of internal and external resources in order to make appropriate referrals
• Provides case management services for Unemployment Insurance claimants identified as likely to exhaust benefits to include the following: assessing transferable skills, education, work experiences of participant in order to develop goals/ objectives to identify employment related opportunities in which participant can gain experience to reach self-sufficiency.
• Serves as a Digital Assistant in Live Chat on KANSASWORKS.com.

Pay Range: $17.79 hourly

Pay starts at $17.79 per hour, with staff entering the Kansas Registered Apprentice Program at the beginning of the year following their hire date. As part of the program, employees will receive pay increases at the end of their first year, followed by another increase at the end of their second year, reflecting their progress and development within the apprenticeship.

The Kansas Registered Apprentice Program is a structured training program where staff gain specific skills and competencies enabling them to fill multiple roles within the workforce system.

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

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.