Retaliation Complaint Investigator

Job Description and Duties

Under general supervision of the Deputy Labor Commissioner Supervisor (Senior Deputy) in the State Labor Commissioner's Office (LCO) Retaliation Complaint Investigation (RCI) unit, the Deputy Labor Commissioner I (DLC I) interviews witnesses, takes affidavits, collects evidence, and investigates claims to determine the extent of compliance with, and to resolve disputes arising under, State labor laws and Industrial Welfare Commission orders. The DLC I assesses and collects civil penalties or initiates civil or criminal action, and meets with employers, employees, and their representatives to advise them of, and to secure compliance with, state laws. The DLC I may inspect places of employment and employers' records to determine the extent of compliance with the provisions of laws under the jurisdiction of the LCO. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to advance their investigations through early engagement and resolution of retaliation claims through restorative strategies. Further, the incumbent will collaborate with other programs and stakeholders to advance industry-specific early engagement and restorative strategies through a trauma informed lens.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this Deputy Labor Commissioner I job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin: 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position (1) is being also advertised in the following locations:

• San Diego: 

• Los Angeles: 

• Sacramento: 

• San Francisco: 

This position is located in: 2 MacArthur Place, Suite 800; Santa Ana, CA 92707.

The incumbent will spend most of the time working both remotely and at their assigned District office, with occasional travel to other offices. The District Office is an air-conditioned office building with natural and artificial lighting, and standard office equipment. Travel may be required.

Special Requirements

As part of the required application packet, candidates are to complete a Statement of Qualifications. Responses should be typewritten using 12 pt Arial font, 1.5-line spacing and no more than 1 page total. Applications received without a statement of qualifications will not be considered.

Restorative Justice is a values-based approach to addressing harm that centers repair, accountability, inclusion and dignity rather than punishment alone. In workplace contexts, restorative justice is often adapted to coexist with formal enforcement systems.

1. Describe your experience implementing restorative practices to resolve workplace disputes.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of:

• Current social and economic developments and trends in California.
• Problems of the culturally and economically disadvantaged.
• Methods of compiling and presenting data.
• Investigating and interviewing techniques and procedures.

Skill of:

• Active listening and fact-gathering to achieve comprehensive investigation.
• Questioning and clarifying skills to grasp both the facts and the areas of controversy.
• Skill of organization and time management to prioritize multiple cases and assignments. 
• Skill of decision-making and problem-solving skills to investigate cases effectively and efficiently.
• Critical thinking skills to analyze problems and successfully resolve claims.
• Skill of good judgment to maintain the integrity of the decision-making process.
• Skill to write reports and/or findings analytically and concisely.
• Summarizing skills to set out the main points of controversy and frame the issues using the correct facts, law and analysis.
• Skill of decorum to engage the parties productively and with respect.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply State and related Federal labor laws, and orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission.
• Analyze testimony and other types of evidence and draw correct conclusions.
• Hold investigatory hearings and resolve disputes.
• Deal tactfully, effectively, and impartially with employers.
• Conduct difficult and involved investigations of alleged violations of labor laws and Industrial Welfare Commission orders.
• Deal with law enforcement problems tactfully but effectively.
• Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
• Analyze data.
• Communicate effectively.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Comprehensive health benefits package with medical, dental, and vision options.
• Sick leave, vacation leave, or annual leave options available.
• Retirement plan through CalPERS. Other retirement options include 401(k) and/or 457(b) participation through State of California Savings Plus program.
• Public transportation subsidy and pre-tax parking program options.
• The personal satisfaction of knowing that you impact the daily lives of wage earners in California.

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification.

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at Show phone number.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey:  DIR Applicant Survey

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see Special requirements section of the posting for instructions on the Statement of Qualifications.