L&I Industrial Relations Agent 3

State of Washington • Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Industrial Relations Agent 3 for the Employment Standards program, you’ll have a direct impact in fulfilling the “Working” component of the agency’s mission. In this role, you’ll investigate wage complaints in order to preserve worker rights established by the Washington legislature and assists employers in fulfilling their statutory obligations. You’ll enforce the Wage Payment Act, RCW 49.48, Industrial Welfare Act (RCW 49.12 and WAC 296-126); the Minimum Wage Act (RCW 49.46 and WAC 296-128).

Requirements

• A combined total of 4 years as an Industrial Relations Agent 2 AND 2 years of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations.
• OR A Bachelor’s degree AND two years of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations.
• OR An Associate’s degree and 4 years of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations.
• Additional qualifying RELEVANT experience will substitute for education at the rate of one year of experience for one year of education.
• Qualifying experience could include one or more of the following areas to reach a total of six years: Working with Wage Payment Act (WAC 49.48) and other labor laws
• Experience as an Industrial Relations Agent
• Explanation, interpretation, understanding and enforcement of rules and regulations pertaining to RCWs, and WACs.
• Investigating complaints of misconduct (criminal or civil)
• Collection of revenue/taxes from employers/businesses
• Audit of employer financial records
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• One year of relevant experience training, mentoring or acting in a lead position during qualifying work history (see above).

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve wage and non-wage worker rights complaints.
• Communicate with employers and employees via phone, email, in person, and letters to resolve wage and all other Employment Standards disputes.
• Participate in program work process for development or modification of investigation, citation, determinations, and fiscal matters related to Employment Standards.
• Upon completion of such processes, act as primary trainer for regional IRA2s.
• Coordinate, refer, and assist with investigations involving other Employment Standards specialty units (including, but not limited to agricultural infractions, youth employment, companywide, and retaliation investigations.)
• Determine validity of wage complaints by applying rules and regulations promulgated under the appropriate statutes.
• Review and audit payroll records to determine unlawful payment of wages.
• Negotiate for restitution of wages, mediating settlement or compromise proposals that both parties might find acceptable.
• Unless otherwise resolved, recommend Citation and Notice of Assessment (NOA), Determinations of Compliance, Civil Infractions, and any other form of emerging sanctions.
• Provide technical support and review of investigations conducted by Wage & Hour Industrial Relations Agents 2 prior to referral to Supervisor and Central Office.

Benefits

• Teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position.
• L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.
• State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career.
• In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree