Wage Protection Investigator

DHRM•Harrisonburg, VA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), Wage Protection Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with Virginia’s comprehensive worker protection laws affecting more than 4.3 million workers across the Commonwealth. DOLI is seeking highly motivated and skilled individuals to work as full-time Wage Protection Investigators to support its enforcement efforts including the protection of workers’ wages, protection from independent contractor misclassification, child labor protections and prevailing wage requirements on public works contracts. In the future, investigators will also enforce Virginia’s laws providing paid sick days and family and medical leave. Investigators are the cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s compliance efforts and their responsibilities include: Conducting investigations to determine employer compliance with Virginia’s worker protection laws including properly paying workers and affording them their rights as required by the law. Helping ensure that law-abiding employers are not undercut by employers who violate the law. Promoting compliance through outreach and public education initiatives. Supporting efforts to combat worker retaliation and worker misclassification as independent contractors. Protecting young workers The Wage Protection Investigator enforces labor laws as charged in the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the agency in the most effective and efficient manner possible. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive investigations, issuing findings, reaching compliance agreements, and resolving cases at the administrative level, and sometimes through court proceedings. The home base for this position is flexible and may be established in either the Harrisonburg office or Henrico Headquarters office. The final location will be determined upon selection of the successful candidate, taking into consideration organizational needs and operational considerations.

Requirements

General knowledge of labor laws, industrial occupations, wage scales, employment practices, or salary and wage practices.
Demonstrated ability to analyze written, verbal, and quantitative information to conduct thorough investigations, evaluate evidence, and make sound, well-reasoned determinations.
Experience reviewing records, reconstructing incomplete or inaccurate information, and applying applicable laws, regulations, policies, and legal principles to complex investigative matters.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interview individuals from diverse backgrounds; clearly explain legal requirements, employee and employer rights and responsibilities; gather critical information; resolve conflicting accounts; and foster voluntary compliance through effective communication and professionalism.
Experience preparing clear, accurate, and comprehensive investigative reports that effectively document findings, support conclusions, and withstand legal and administrative review.

Nice To Haves

Significant working knowledge of Federal and State employment laws.
Professional training/certifications in areas related to industrial relations, human resources, personnel administration, business administration, labor economics, law, law enforcement or other fields related to the position.
Experience with court procedures to include providing courtroom testimony.
Knowledge of mediation or dispute mediation techniques.
Experience creating educational information and conducting group presentations.
Verifiable fluency speaking, reading, and writing Spanish or other languages.
Demonstrated ability to use office management software such as Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and operating standards.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Conducting investigations to determine employer compliance with Virginia’s worker protection laws including properly paying workers and affording them their rights as required by the law.
Helping ensure that law-abiding employers are not undercut by employers who violate the law.
Promoting compliance through outreach and public education initiatives.
Supporting efforts to combat worker retaliation and worker misclassification as independent contractors.
Protecting young workers
Conducting comprehensive investigations, issuing findings, reaching compliance agreements, and resolving cases at the administrative level, and sometimes through court proceedings.