Job Training & Placement Services for Migrant & Seasonal Farmworkers

In fiscal Year 2019, the total cost of the ORO’s NFJP program is financed with 100% U.S. Department of Labor (DOL); $1,146,469 of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) funds are used for the project; and 0% of the total costs of the program is financed by non-governmental sources.

ORO is an employment and training program funded by the National Farmworker Jobs Program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. ORO’s services are offered to eligible clients who are seeking work, want to improve their work-related skills, or want greater financial stability that comes with a better job. The NFJP program also provides assistance to employers who are looking for trained, qualified employees.

OKLAHOMAS’ NATIONAL FARM WORKER JOBS PROGRAM

ORO Development Corporation is the nationally funded U.S. Department of Labor Grantee contracted to provide Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) services to agricultural workers in Oklahoma. This task is being accomplished through a mixed program:

  • OUTREACH AND INTAKE: Case managers visit agencies, businesses, and other locations to meet with potential clients (Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers or “MSFW”). The case managers record the client’s personal history relevant to work experience, skills, training, and other information pertinent to placing the client.
  • ONE-STOP SERVICES ORIENTATION: At the One-Stop Services Center, several support agencies are available to assist the clients with their needs. ORO Case Managers refer clients to these agencies when needed.
  • JOB SEARCH AND JOB PLACEMENT: Case Managers take an application of the client’s (MSWF) work history, job skills, work experience, and training requirements to determine an appropriate job placement for the client.
  • CLASSROOM TRAINING: If the MSFW has the interest and desire to learn a new skill requiring formal classroom education, the case manager assists the client in enrolling at technical training centers and/or community colleges. ORO funds the cost of the training and pays the client a stipend while in training.  A one-time $200.00 stipend is giving after 2 weeks.
  • SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: ORO Case Managers arrange for additional support services such as transportation, housing, food, or emergency health and medical care for the client as needed.
  • YOUTH SERVICES (ages 14-24)

Eligibility Requirements for NFJP

  • United States citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.A
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years’ old
  • Employed in an agricultural job recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor
  • More than 50% of total income for the past 12 months or any consecutive 12 –month period out of the past 24 months earned from farm work
  • Meets the annual poverty guideline or 70% of the Living Standard Income Level (LSIL).
  • Must not have violated Section 3 of the Military Selective Service act by knowingly and willfully failing to register for the Selective Service registration
  • Dependents and spouses of migrant and seasonal farm workers are also eligible.

Agricultural workers seeking to better themselves and their families can obtain assistance at ORO field offices located at Workforce Oklahoma One-Stop Centers in Weatherford, Miami, Atlus, and Oklahoma City.