Labor Investigator Senior/Investigation Specialist 2

About the role

The Labor Standards Division of the Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) plays a critical role in achieving compliance with labor and employment laws that are applicable to Minnesota's workforce. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in the Labor Standards Division to help prevent violations as well as pursue enforcement activity related to the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act, employment protections under Minnesota’s Paid Leave law, the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act, the Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time law, misclassification, various anti-retaliation provisions, and other state labor and employment laws and rules.

Responsibilities

• Investigate violations and administer and enforce the provisions of the state’s labor standards laws, including: the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act and Prevailing Wages Act (M.S. Chapter 177), the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act (M.S.181.01-181.1721), the Women's Economic Security Act (M.S.181.172 and 181.939-181.944), the Earned Sick and Safe Time law (M.S.181.9445 – 181.9448), the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act (M.S. Chapter 181A), Misclassification of Employees (M.S.181.722-181.723), employment protections under Minnesota’s Paid Leave law (M.S.268B.09 and 268B.14), various laws that impact specific industries or workforces, including agriculture, food processing, and nursing homes, the associated Administrative Rules issued by DLI (Minn. R. 5200) and federal and municipal laws establishing more protective pay rates than those established under state law.
• Conduct complex civil investigations of violations of the laws under the Labor Standards Division’s jurisdiction.
• Conduct mediations of disputes; respond to formal and informal complaints of possible violations of labor standards laws; conduct on-site inspections; perform reviews of employment records and workplace policies; prepare and issue written determinations of findings of fact that explain the results of investigations, including calculation of back wages and other redress for damages caused by violations of law; and determine the proper method to achieve future compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bilingual Qualifications Required: Fluency (written, spoken, and reading comprehension) in Spanish.
• Two (2) years of experience that demonstrates the following:
• Experience includes internships, fellowships, volunteering, and work experience that are directly related to the job duties.
• Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associates degree may substitute for six months of experience.
• Experience with interviewing, fact gathering, or other evidence gathering, which may include applying this evidence to laws, regulations, policy, or procedures.
• Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to produce reports, memos, findings of fact, or other written work product; to preserve evidence and statements collected during investigations; and to respond to inquiries from and otherwise communicate with stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who may not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of State employment and labor laws, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, Minnesota’s Prevailing Wage law, the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act, the Minnesota Child Labor Standards Act, the Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time law, Minnesota’s Paid Leave law, misclassification laws, or other state employment and labor laws for which DLI is responsible or knowledge of comparable laws.
• Language skills other than English and Spanish (Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Karen or ASL).
• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of executive branch agencies and public enforcement authorities.
• Knowledge of public information dissemination practices and laws and regulations related to government data practices.
• Experience working in low- or lower- wage industries or working for organizations or other entities that serve those working in those industries.
• Knowledge of Excel.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care