Worker Advocate Specialist; OPA

Job Title: Worker Advocate Specialist (OPA2)

Agency: Bureau of Labor and Industries

Position Type: Employee

Salary Range: $5,458 - $8,352

This full‑time, permanent, union represented position supports BOLI’s statewide efforts to address immigration and national origin compliance issues and wage theft affecting vulnerable workers. The role develops and manages policies, procedures, and programs related to U and T visa certifications, statements of interest, and coordinates agency efforts on labor trafficking, while supporting the division’s customer service and enforcement work across diverse communities.

• Develop, revise, and administer policies and procedures related to immigration and national origin outreach and enforcement, including U/T visa certifications.
• Analyze enforcement operations to improve service delivery and close gaps for vulnerable communities.
• Conduct policy research, legislative reviews, and write analytic reports and recommendations.
• Provide statewide training, technical assistance, and outreach to communities and staff.
• Build collaborations with culturally specific and statewide partners to strengthen protections for vulnerable workers.
• Track, monitor, and coordinate immigration‑related certification requests and data.
• Improve processes within investigative divisions to ensure equitable enforcement through an equity lens.

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science, or a related field, and two years of professional‑level evaluative, analytical, and planning work; or an equivalent combination of education and five years of experience that supports the required knowledge and skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret legislation, analyze complex issues, and prepare clear written policy guidance.
• Experience handling sensitive or complex immigration‑related inquiries and program processes.
• Ability to develop and deliver training to staff, partners, or community organizations.
• Experience collaborating with culturally specific or community‑based organizations to enhance program outcomes and service delivery.
• Knowledge and professional experience with laws enforced by BOLI.

• Experience developing and implementing organizational policies and/or procedures within structured, regulatory, or compliance‑driven environments.
• Experience collaborating with culturally specific or community‑based organizations to enhance program outcomes.

• Permanent, full‑time employment.
• Work/life balance, vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays a year, and personal days off.
• Competitive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental.
• Pension and retirement programs.
• Employee Resources and advancement opportunities within BOLI and other state agencies.
• Opportunity to expand technical and professional skills.
• Make a difference in the lives of Oregonians.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Daily contact with employees, employers, witnesses, and others who may be hostile or emotionally volatile. Requires maintaining objectivity, negotiating, and resolving adversarial disputes with tact and diplomacy. Interviews and on‑site investigations may be conducted at various work sites. The position requires occasional evening and/or weekend work, travel, and a valid Oregon driver’s license.

BOLI is an equal opportunity; affirmative action employer committed to workforce diversity. Women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S community members, and historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Veterans’ preference information is available upon request. Applicants with disabilities or who require alternate application formats may contact Human Resources for accommodations.