L&I Industrial Relations Agent 2-Bilingual (Spanish)

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability.

*****When hired as bilingual, after passing an assessment of your ability to write and speak fluently, employees with bilingual responsibilities receive a 5% increase in pay.

Are you looking to put your skills to work in a great agency? Are you someone who can resolve unique problems and work with different teams to support the greater mission? This is your chance to bring your talents to L&I, an employer of choice.


As an Industrial Relations Agent 2 (IRA2)- Bilingual (Spanish) for L&l's Employment Standards Program, you have a direct impact in fulfilling the "Working" component of the agency's Mission. You will make a clear contribution to our Strategic Goals of Service and Value.

As a journey level IRA in the Department of Labor and Industries, you will enforce the Wage Payment Act, RCW 49.48, Industrial Welfare Act, RCW 49.12, WAC's 296-125; 296-126; and 296-128; the Minimum Wage Act-RCW 49.46, and Child Labor Laws. You will investigate wage disputes, mediate and negotiate settlements between employers and employees. You will support the organization's mission and goals by making it easier to do business with L&I and by helping honest workers and businesses by cracking down on the dishonest ones.

Duties

Some of what you’ll do:

• Independently review and investigate wage complaints, paid sick leave, tips & service charge complaints, and enforces relevant RCW's, administrative laws and agency policies (among which include RCW 49.12: 49.46; and 49.48 as well as WAC's 296-125: 296-126; and 296-128).
• Communicate with employer and employees via phone, email, in person, and letters to resolve wage disputes.
• Determine validity in wage complaints by applying rules and regulations under the appropriate statutes.
• Conduct companywide investigations for minor work violations, and agricultural meal and rest period violations as described in the Employment Standards Operations Manual and our Standard Work Process.
• When necessary, translate wage complaints. Letters and other complaint related forms from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
• Implement translation services for non-English speaking customers in need of program services.
• Compile investigation reports and recommend citations per Standard Work and Operations Manual.
• Participate in the appeal processes for WPA NOAs & DOCs and other violations such as child labor notices of violation or agricultural civil infractions.
• Participate in depositions and pre-trail conferences and interviews. Attend and testify at hearings and pretrial conferences.
• Provide additional investigation and evidence gathering while working as a team with the Assistant Attorney General handling the appeal.
• And much more!

Salary

• $54,204 - $72,924/year

Qualifications

Required:

** Qualifying experience will substitute for education at the rate of one year of experience for two years of education.

4 years of experience in one or more of the following:

• labor/employment relations and regulations
• collection of revenue/taxes from employers/businesses
• investigation of complaints of misconduct
• audit of employer financial records
• the interpretation and explanation of Labor and Industries rules and regulations regarding employment standards, wages and hours, and child labor laws
• related experience

OR

• An Associate’s Degree

AND

3 years of experience in one of more of the following:

• labor/employment relations and regulations
• collection of revenue/taxes from employers/businesses
• investigation of complaints of misconduct
• audit of employer financial records
• the interpretation and explanation of Labor and Industries rules and regulations regarding employment standards, wages and hours, and child labor laws
• related experience

OR

• A Bachelor's degree.

AND

• Two years of experience in labor/employment relations and regulations, collection of revenue/taxes from employers/businesses, investigation of complaints of misconduct, audit of employer financial records, or the interpretation and explanation of Labor and Industries rules and regulations regarding employment standards, wages and hours, and child labor laws or related experience.

Demonstration of L&I Core Competencies for all employees:

• SAFETY: Understands and is fully committed to creating and maintaining a positive safety culture by behaving safely.
• CUSTOMER-CENTERED ACTIONS: Focused on understanding and meeting customers' needs.
• TREATS OTHERS WITH RESPECT AND COURTESY: At all times respects and values others.
• ACCOUNTABILITY and DEPENDABILITY: Acts within guidelines and accomplishes job assignments; accepts personal responsibility. Performs duties in a way that reflects public service accountability.
• JUDGMENT AND PROBLEM SOLVING: Draws sound, sensible conclusions, and makes informed decisions to resolve issues. Learns and applies Lean methods to simplify work processes, improve service, reduce delays, and eliminate waste.

• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Desired:

• Knowledge of:

1. Laws governing all phases of labor relations
2. General policies, principles and practices of labor and management
3. State wage laws and related federal laws and regulations
4. Contracts and related labor relations
5. Ability to apply such knowledge to mediation, arbitration and resolution
6. Principles, standards and techniques of personal investigations
7. Rules of evidence, auditing, accounting and bookkeeping procedures

• Ability to:

1. Interpret complex laws, rules and regulations
2. Analyze issues involving wage disputes and formulate suggestions for compromise and settlement of disputes
3. Prepare written documents; organize facts, arguments and conclusions in clear and logical sequence
4. Gather, preserve and present material, relevant and pertinent evidence
5. Exercise mature judgment in wide variety of public contact
6. Travel infrequently, possibly for extended periods

• Demonstration of position-specific skills and abilities.

*****This is a bilingual position. Due to the need of Spanish communication, interpretation and translation, the employee must be able to fluently speak, read, and write in English and Spanish. All employees in a bilingual position must pass the language proficiency assessment (oral and written proficiency) at the advanced low level or higher. Other Information

Things You Need To Know

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

This position will be required to be in the service location full time for the first 6 months of employment. Upon successfully completing the 6-month training period, and upon supervisor approval, a flexible work schedule could potentially be approved.

Note: For this position, telework will not be permitted until the candidate has successfully completed their first 6 months of employment, the incumbent will be required to report to the office 5 days per week. Upon successfully completing the 6-month training period, and upon supervisor approval, a flex schedule and possible telework could potentially be approved. The assigned duty station for this position could be in Union Gap, East Wenatchee or Kennewick, Washington.


Application Process:

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Please do not attach or place any information about your vaccination status, including listing the governor’s mandate as a reason for leaving employment, within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at Hiring Process at L&I. If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.

Background Check Notice:
Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.




Other Information:

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented bytheWashington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• 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 Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. 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.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.
• Positions requiring skills assessments are proctored remotely by Zoom or MS Teams. Applicants who are selected to move forward in this hiring process will be contacted by email to schedule a skills assessment session.

Did You Know?

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.

Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov.


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

For more Information


If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Elena Emery at emee235@lni.wa.gov.

. Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022