W,H Investigator I

State of North Carolina

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Labor is statutorily charged with promoting the health, safety, and general well-being of the state's workers, administering laws and programs that impact every worker. The Department is structured into three primary divisions, which encompass various bureaus and offices, and employs approximately 385 individuals. The Wage and Hour Investigator I is a key role responsible for ensuring employers comply with several critical acts, including the Wage and Hour Act, E-Verify Act, Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act, Expunction of Records Act, Private Personnel Service Act, and Job Listing Service Act. This involves conducting thorough investigations, which may occur both in-office and on-site at business locations. Investigators are tasked with auditing time and payroll records, examining employment policies, interviewing relevant parties, and making determinations regarding compliance or violations. They are also responsible for calculating back wages, negotiating settlements, and ensuring corrective actions are taken. The role requires preparing detailed computer-generated reports with supporting evidence and, when necessary, collaborating with legal teams for litigation. Furthermore, Investigators serve as consultants to employers, employees, and the general public, assisting with voluntary compliance and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of state and federal wage and hour laws and regulations.

Requirements

Current valid driver license.
Thorough knowledge of labor and employment laws directly affecting the Bureau’s legislative mandates particularly the Wage and Hour Act, Medical Payment Law, Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act, Private Personnel Services Act, the Job Listing Services Act, E-Verify Act and Expunction of Criminal Records law.
Thorough knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act, related federal regulations and court opinions, and methods, procedures and practices used in the investigation of alleged violations.
Considerable knowledge of administrative and judicial procedures in state and federal jurisdictions.
Ability to plan, direct and coordinate cases using case management and time planning.
A high degree of accuracy and consistency is involved in this position.
Ability to understand and communicate all aspects of the statutes and laws enforced by the Bureau to employers and the general public.
Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or law enforcement from an appropriately accredited institution.
Three years of experience in work that provides considerable understanding of wage and hour laws or work involving the application of advanced investigative techniques including two years of experience as a Wage and Hour Investigator I; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Fluent in speaking and writing in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Achieve compliance of the Wage and Hour Act, E-Verify Act, Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act, Expunction of Records Act, Private Personnel Service Act and Job Listing Service Act by employers.
Conduct investigations either in office and/or on-site at the business location.
Audit time and payroll records, employment policies and practices relating to payment of promised wages, jobs and hours worked for minors and other procedural compliance with E-Verify, CSERA, Expunction and PPS/JLS Acts.
Interview employers, employees or other witnesses to verify the accuracy of records, policies and other information obtained during an investigation.
Make decisions as to compliance or violations.
Compute wages when due, negotiating for back wages due and ensuring violations are corrected.
Prepare a computer-generated report that explains the findings in each case, including supporting witness statements and other documentary evidence.
Work with a supervisor, the Legal Affairs Division and the Attorney General’s Office to litigate the case as applicable if back wages or penalties are not paid.
Act as a consultant to employers, employees and other citizens to assist in the voluntary compliance with the various laws.
Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of state and federal wage and hour laws and regulations, and a general knowledge of the scope and function of other agencies enforcing employment-related laws.
Make oral presentations to the general public when requested on applicable laws as assigned.
Perform other duties not covered that are directed orally or in writing by those within the management structure.