Investigative Specialist 1/Trainee (Labor Standards, Spanish Language) - Brooklyn (NY HELPS)

About the Role

The Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language) performs a wide variety of enforcement, regulatory, and licensing investigative activities under the general direction of an Investigative Specialist 2 or higher-level staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform office and field visits to enforce State Labor Laws governing minimum wages, child labor, hours of work, wage payment, farm labor, and related regulations.
• Review assigned cases or complaints to determine applicable laws, rules, or regulations and identify necessary information.
• Plan the scope and method of investigations based on office policy, information accessibility, and issue severity.
• Interview witnesses, complainants, prospective licensees, and others to gather information and determine eligibility.
• Take statements and affidavits, ensuring a full description of facts to support investigations.
• Identify and search public and private documents to locate persons of interest, following leads as needed.
• Review and verify documents to extract pertinent information and cross-check with other sources.
• Visit establishments to review records and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Assist employees, employers, and others in understanding their obligations under labor laws.
• Develop leads and informants, conduct surveillance, and engage in undercover work using necessary equipment.
• Arrest, confine, and transport suspects, processing them according to established procedures.
• Obtain, inventory, and safeguard evidence following agency procedures and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other entities to share and obtain relevant information, provide technical assistance, and maintain cooperative relationships.
• Participate in joint operations with local, state, and federal law enforcement for complex cases.
• Prepare factual written reports of investigative findings and recommend appropriate actions.
• Discuss findings and recommendations with supervisors and program specialists.
• Assist with witness preparation and evidence development during trials.
• Testify at administrative hearings and criminal proceedings regarding investigative details and conclusions.

Requirements

• Proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading Spanish, demonstrated via a Civil Service language proficiency exam.
• Six years of experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews, taking statements, collecting and analyzing evidence, and preparing detailed written reports; or completion of a two-year traineeship.
• Substitutions: An associate degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security can substitute for two years of specialized experience. A bachelor’s or higher degree in these fields can substitute for four years of experience.
• Investigative experience must involve gathering and securing information and evidence through independent, non-structured activities, including detailed narrative reports. Experience in auditing, routine inspections, or security surveillance does not qualify.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle to meet transportation needs.
• Willingness to travel for training, including multi-day overnight trips not exceeding one week.
• Availability for occasional altered work schedules, including evenings and out-stationed assignments.
• Fingerprint background check may be required prior to appointment.

Qualifications

This position is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program and may be filled via a non-competitive appointment if the following qualifications are met:

• Investigative Specialist Trainee 1: Four years of investigative experience; or an associate’s degree and two years of investigative experience; or a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Investigative Specialist Trainee 2: Five years of investigative experience; or an associate’s degree and three years of investigative experience; or a bachelor’s degree or higher and one year of investigative experience.
• Investigative Specialist 1: Six years of qualifying investigative experience or completion of a two-year traineeship.

Examples of qualifying investigative experience include roles such as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed private investigator, federal/state/municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, or military investigations. Non-qualifying experience includes routine police patrol, security guard, tax collector, legal assistant, parole officer, correction officer, or foster care placement.

Degrees must be awarded by an accredited institution. If awarded outside the U.S., independent verification of equivalency is required.

Additional Notes

• Employees hired under NY HELPS may have their non-competitive status converted to competitive status in the future.
• Additional location pay is available for specific counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, NYC-Manhattan, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam.
• Telecommuting options may be discussed during the interview.
• NYS Department of Labor does not sponsor visa applications; valid work authorization is required.

Eligibility Pathways

• 55 B/C Qualifications: Position is designated 55b/c; provide a copy of your 55b/c letter when applying.
• Reassignment: Current Department of Labor employees with at least one year of permanent service in an Investigative Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2 role (or reachable on the current eligible list).
• 70.1 Transfer: One year of permanent or contingent-permanent service as a Grade 12 or higher, determined similar by Civil Service.
• 70.4 Transfer: One year of permanent or contingent-permanent service as a Grade 12 or higher and a passing score on the Investigative Specialist 1/Trainee exam. Candidates must not have failed the most recent examination for this title.