Narrative: e. 2. D.

To ensure that MLR staff provides professional, high quality services to employers and jobseekers. The SMA provides technical assistance and support to the outreach staff on outreach for the MSFWs and related functions, including Pre-Season Trainings on topics related to the MSFW program including Complaint Process, MIC, state and federal regulations affecting the MSFW customer. Onsite reviews of local services provided to MSFWs. The SMA and staff train local staff and provide technical assistance to enhance services to MSFWs (e.g., conducting workshops in Spanish, introducing migrants and other customers to office technology, and offering translation assistance within local communities). Additionally, the SMA performs the following required activities: • Conducts annual State-level reviews of one-stop centers and career center services and protections provided to MSFWs • Consults with State and local staff to ensure accurate reporting of MSFW-related information • Compiles and reports on all statistical and other MSFW-related data reported by agricultural offices quarterly • Reviews proposed State directives, manuals, and operating instructions that pertain to MSFWs • Participates in federal monitoring reviews • Prepares an annual summary report of statewide services

The outreach workers (MLRs) participate in the annual Pre and Post Season MSFW Program training, which is developed and facilitated by the State Monitor Advocate (SMA). The emphasis of the training include outreach efforts, coordination with other agencies, the Complaint Process and the rights and protections afforded to MSFWs by state and federal laws. The SMA Complaint Poster and the AWPA/MSPA posters are in all of the WFCs and migrant camps. The NFJP, Motivation, Education and Training (MET, Inc.) staff is always invited to attend and present at the annual trainings. The MET staff work in partnership and collaboration with the outreach staff to deliver services and community information and resources to MSFWs and employers.

The training also includes information on services and training provided by the local Workforce Centers and all agency partners. Enforcement agencies are also invited to attend and present at the post season training, including; Wage and Hour, OSHA, Labor & Industry, Human Rights, Legal Services, Dept. of Transportation, and EEOC. The information presented and obtained from these agencies is vital and important when providing agency referrals to the farmworkers.

Information regarding the Complaint system including current forms and procedures, and the rights and protections afforded to MSFWs by state and federal laws, and the mandated posters are provided at the MLR training. Assisting MSFWs with the Employment Service Complaint Process and the Unemployment Compensation application process is a critical role of the MLR as the farmworkers may be unfamiliar with timeframes for filing, the appeals process or deadlines for applications. The majority of these farmworkers are limited English speakers, and most are also illiterate, the wages earned here is their total yearly earnings. LEP customers often lose their benefits because they do not understand nor respond to the information they receive. They are not aware to request that correspondence regarding services be written in their language. Many times these customer will have to reapply for a benefit/service or start over with the process, which can cost time and decrease the amount of benefits. Therefore, it is imperative that the MLRs identify the LEP workers in the registration process and inform them of their options for assistance including Language Line availability and translator assistance.

The second part of the training includes an orientation on the WF1 (MIS) system components and the integration of the MSFW Program within WF1 to effectively and efficiently ensure the documentation of the full range of employment, career and training services provided to the farmworkers

Minnesota annually holds a collaborative statewide Job Counselor Conference for the Department of Human Services, Department of Employment and Economic Development, partner agencies, and community and non-profit organizations. MLRs attend the conference where the emphasis of the training includes outreach best practices, team coordination with other agencies, complaint process for workers, sharing of information on core programs including Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans, Unemployment Insurance, rights and protections afforded to MSFWs by state and federal laws. They also receive updated training on customer services, workshops on Dislocated Workers programs, Employer services, SNAP, MFIP, Job Fairs, and WIOA compliance.

Training and development for the SMA is through her attendance and presentations at the annual DOL ETA National State and Regional Monitor Advocate Conference training. The SMA also attends the Regional Round-Table Meetings held for the Region V SMAs, also participates in the SMA conference calls. In addition the SMA is also the Foreign Labor Certification Coordinator (SWA) for the H-2A and H-2B Programs. The SWA participates in the monthly OFLC /CNPC SWA conference calls.