Labor Conciliator - Fair Labor Standards, Spanish-speaking

Position Overview

The Labor Conciliator positions are located in Chicago, IL. As a Labor Conciliator, you will assist citizens in recovering unpaid wages as required by the various laws enforced by the Department. Investigates cases where employers, employees, and/or other witnesses speak Spanish. This unique opportunity offers an exceptional benefit package that includes health insurance, including eye care and dental, Deferred Compensation, life insurance, and retirement. If you are interested in helping your fellow citizens recoup the wages they are owed, are interested in helping achieve our mission, and possess the qualifications listed above, we invite you to apply for this position.

Essential Functions

• Independently investigates potential violations of the labor and employment laws enforced by the Department, including the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, Illinois Minimum Wage Law, the One Day Rest in Seven Act, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Child Labor Law, and other relevant acts.
• Performs expert level analysis of the most advanced, complex and unusual labor issues and cases through strategic and proactive investigations. 
• Travels to conduct on-site investigations to gather evidence and information regarding potential violations of state labor and employment laws.
• Develops and prepares documents and reports regarding analyses, findings, and recommendations related to investigations.
• Independently facilitates appropriate case resolution and monitoring.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, or equivalent work experience specifically in areas of workplace standards such as: monitoring compliance with public construction, occupational safety, or other workplace protection standards; ensuring adherence to wage and hour, leave, or equal pay regulations; overseeing other statutory labor requirements.
• Requires ability to speak and write Spanish at a colloquial level.

Specialized Skills

• Two (2) years of experience conducting investigations into alleged violations of laws and policies.
• Two (2) years of experience negotiating, mediating, and/or settling issues between parties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience conducting investigations into alleged violations of laws and policies.
• Two (2) years of experience negotiating, mediating, and/or settling issues between parties.
• Two (2) years of experience preparing comprehensive reports with recommendations.
• Intermediate proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and case management tools such as Microsoft SharePoint.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires ability to utilize the Spanish language in the performance of all duties.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Agency Statement

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is one of Illinois' most important and dynamic Agencies. With an annual budget of $27.5 million, and an authorized staff of more than 143 full-time employees, IDOL has the capacity and capability to provide administration and enforcement of over 25 labor and safety laws. 

Through enforcement, education, compliance assistance, and community partnerships, IDOL works to protect workers’ wages, welfare, working conditions, and workplace safety while helping employers understand and meet their legal responsibilities.  The Department of Labor is committed  to fostering safe, fair, and equitable workplaces for all Illinois workers and safeguarding the public through the regulation of amusement rides and to ensure compliance with all other labor standards.