LABOR CONCILIATOR, Polish

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is one of Illinois' most important and dynamic Agencies. With an annual budget of $22.6 million, and an authorized staff of more than 110 full-time employees, IDOL has the capacity and capability to provide administration and enforcement of over 25 labor and safety Laws. At IDOL, we take pride in our Agency's mission: to promote and protect the rights, wages, welfare, working conditions, safety, and health of Illinois workers, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, color, or sexual orientation, through enforcement of state labor laws, and to safeguard the public through regulation of amusement rides and to ensure compliance with all other labor standards.

Position Overview

This position is in the Conciliation and Mediation Division. As a Labor Conciliator, you will assist citizens in recovering unpaid wages as required by the various laws enforced by the Department. This position will utilize Polish speaking abilities in the performance of duties. 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, we invite you to apply for this position. If you are interested in helping achieve our mission and you possess the qualifications listed above, we invite you to apply for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably supplemented by courses in labor law and industrial relations.
2. Requires three years of professional experience with Illinois Labor Laws and conducting audits.
3. Requires the ability to speak, read, and write in Polish at the colloquial skill level.

Essential Functions

1. Independently investigates, reviews, mediates, and settles complaints and alleged violations of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, and the Employee Classification Act. Reviews payroll records of employees to ensure that employers are paying the Illinois Prevailing Wage Rate in the area in which labor is being performed. Investigates and audits employers’ records for wages and fringe benefit payments, which are due to employees under the Prevailing Wage Act. Reviews employer tax, 1099 records and other employee information to determine if employers are appropriately classifying employees as required under the Employee Classification Act. Reviews Public Body contracts/documents to ensure proper Prevailing Wage Notice was provided in writing to the Contractor ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of Public and grants funds while reducing the administrative burden on public entities (GATA). Serves as division Polish speaking representative. Translates both incoming and outgoing phone calls, incoming mail, and provides translation services for hearings that take place in the agency.

2. Prepares report of findings and recommendations related to investigations conducted under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, and the Employee Classification Act. Responds to inquiries related to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, and the Employee Classification Act. Researches and develops a variety of information related to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, and the Employee Classification Act and presents this information to contractors/employers, public bodies, labor organizations, and the public. Testify and serve as an expert witness in court proceedings with the Attorney General’s Office for penalties, fines and potential Class A and Class C Misdemeanor criminal charges. Review administrative rules, research case law to determine compliance of willful violations. Issue subpoenas, for noncompliance of record request. Draft settlement agreements. Reviews and registering Employers with 100 or more employees working in Illinois under EPARC.

3. Investigates, researches, mediates and settles complaints and alleged violations of the Worker Adjustment and retraining Notification Act (WARN), whistleblower protections under the Environmental Protection Act and the Child Care Act, VESSA, PRRA and other IDOL Labor Laws and related statues.

4. Record/Enter investigation/case progress on case management tool log program. Receives, evaluates, and responds to written, telephone and in person inquiries. Reviews, Certified Transcript of payroll portal for accuracy of Prevailing wage records submitted as required by law.

5. Travels to represent the agency at various governmental, educational, business and workforce related meetings.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two (2) years of experience working with Labor Law rules, Acts, and regulations.
2. Two (2) years of professional experience in labor conciliation and/or labor mediation.
3. Two (2) years of experience preparing comprehensive reports with recommendations.
4. One (1) year of experience conducting investigations and conducting hearings and conferences.
5. One (1) year of experience processing and storing confidential documents.

Conditions of Employment

1. 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 requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
2. Requires the ability to carry and use a state-issued phone and laptop.
3. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
4. 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.

5.The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Competitive Selection