National Farmworker Jobs Program
The purpose of the program is to provide employment, educational, and training opportunities to farm workers who are seek full time, year round employment.
You may be able to get help to build a solid future for yourself:
It all begins with the right job. Black Hills Special Services Cooperative helps seasonal farm and ranch workers find permanent, full-time work. We offer job counseling classes, job search assistance, and other services. You may even qualify for services such as transportation, living expenses, and emergency expenses.
How do I know if I am eligible?
It is best to visit with someone from Black Hills Special Services Cooperative/Farmworker Program.
To qualify for services, you must:
- Be at or below poverty income guidelines.
- Comply with Selective Service registration.
- Be a seasonal or migrant farm or ranch worker. This means having earned wages on a farm or ranch in any 12 consecutive months in the past two years – and having earned at least half your income in that type of work, or having spent at least half of your time in farm or ranch work.
What about citizenship?
You may be eligible for services even if your citizenship is with another country. However, services are provided only to those who have legal status.
What about my immediate family members?
If you qualify for help, so do your dependent family members.
Exactly what kind of job training might I find?
- On-The-Job-Training (OJT) – is a program where you learn a job at a worksite. Up to half your wages are paid by the program as you learn your job. This makes it easier for the employer to give you a chance.
- English as a Second Language – either in an in-house setting such as the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative Career Learning Center, or under contract with a community college, private training school, or private ESL service provider.
- Literacy/ABC – This curriculum allows participants to improve their literacy skills, and/or other basic skills so that they are better prepared for additional education or training.
- GED – This curriculum allows for participants to prepare for and take the GED examination. In some instances, due to age, it is also possible for participants to complete an actual high school diploma.
- Customized Skills Training – Training can be in any number of different areas which will lead to unsubsidized employment needs as determined by the State Department of Labor and Regulation and the Local Workforce Development Board.
- Vocational Training – Training can be offered in any vocational area that offers reasonable opportunities for future employment.
If you are interested in knowing more about the National Farmworker Jobs Program please contact:
Allen Cook
National Farmworker Jobs Program
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Career Learning Center of the Black Hills
730 East Watertown Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: (605) 394-5120
Toll Free: 1-800-728-6583
Fax: (605) 384-6083
Cell: (605) 641-0948
Email: acook@clc.tie.net