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

New York State Department of Labor; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telecommuting options

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The New York State Department of Labor is seeking an Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language) to conduct enforcement and regulatory investigations under supervision. The role involves interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and preparing detailed reports of investigative findings in accordance with agency policy.

The position requires Spanish language proficiency, travel for training, and the ability to coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors on complex cases.

Qualifications

• Four years of investigative experience; or associate degree + two years; or bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Pass Civil Service language proficiency exam for Spanish.
• Travel required for training and assignments.

Responsibilities

• Perform enforcement, regulatory and licensing investigations and report facts.
• Interview witnesses and collect affidavits with full description of facts.
• Review cases to identify applicable laws and information needs.
• Develop leads, conduct surveillance, and handle evidence per procedures.
• Prepare written reports and present findings to supervisors.

Skills

Investigative experience

Witness interviews

Evidence handling

Reports writing

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Two years investigative experience

Tools

Civil Service language exam

Job description

Duties Description

The Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language) with the Division of Labor Standards under the general direction of an Investigative Specialist 2 or other higher-level staff, will:

• Perform a wide variety of enforcement, regulatory and licensing investigative activities to gather information and report facts.
• Perform office/field visit work required in the enforcement of State Labor Laws governing minimum wages, child labor, hours of work, wage payment, farm labor and the like.
• Reviews assigned cases or complaints from the public to determine the section of law, rule or regulation that applies and to identify the issues and the types of information needed.
• May plan the scope and method of investigation based on office policy, the accessibility of information and the seriousness of the issue.
• Meets with and interviews witnesses, complainants, prospective licensees and others to obtain information relating to the investigation or to determine eligibility.
• Takes statements and affidavits from individuals in an appropriate format, taking care to include a full description of the facts needed to support the investigation.
• Identifies and searches public and private documents to locate persons of interest and may question others and follow leads to find such persons.
• Reviews documents to extract pertinent information; and verifies information obtained by checking it with other sources.
• Visits establishments to review records and ensure that they comply with laws and regulations. May assist employees, employers and others in understanding their obligations and responsibilities under these laws and regulations.
• Develops leads and informants; conducts surveillance and engages in undercover work. Uses cameras, recording devices or other equipment as necessary
• May arrest, confine and transport suspects of investigation and process them per established procedures.
• Obtains, inventories and safeguards evidence according to agency procedures and legal requirements.
• Meets and confers with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other entities to convey and obtain information relevant to an investigation, provides technical assistance and training, and develops and maintains rapport to ensure mutual cooperation in the conduct of investigations.
• Participates in joint operations with local, state and federal law enforcement in connection with complex cases.
• Prepares factual written reports of information gathered during an investigation; and may recommend an appropriate course of action consistent with the findings and agency policy and practices.
• Discusses investigative findings and recommendations with supervisor and program specialists.
• Assists with witness preparation, and fact and evidence development during trials.
• Testifies at administrative hearings and criminal proceedings regarding the details of investigations and conclusions reached.
• Employees will be required to travel, multiple days/nights, for training purposes, not to exceed one week for state programs and two weeks for federal programs.

Description

Duties Description

The Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language) with the Division of Labor Standards under the general direction of an Investigative Specialist 2 or other higher-level staff, will:

• Perform a wide variety of enforcement, regulatory and licensing investigative activities to gather information and report facts.
• Perform office/field visit work required in the enforcement of State Labor Laws governing minimum wages, child labor, hours of work, wage payment, farm labor and the like.
• Reviews assigned cases or complaints from the public to determine the section of law, rule or regulation that applies and to identify the issues and the types of information needed.
• May plan the scope and method of investigation based on office policy, the accessibility of information and the seriousness of the issue.
• Meets with and interviews witnesses, complainants, prospective licensees and others to obtain information relating to the investigation or to determine eligibility.
• Takes statements and affidavits from individuals in an appropriate format, taking care to include a full description of the facts needed to support the investigation.
• Identifies and searches public and private documents to locate persons of interest and may question others and follow leads to find such persons.
• Reviews documents to extract pertinent information; and verifies information obtained by checking it with other sources.
• Visits establishments to review records and ensure that they comply with laws and regulations. May assist employees, employers and others in understanding their obligations and responsibilities under these laws and regulations.
• Develops leads and informants; conducts surveillance and engages in undercover work. Uses cameras, recording devices or other equipment as necessary
• May arrest, confine and transport suspects of investigation and process them per established procedures.
• Obtains, inventories and safeguards evidence according to agency procedures and legal requirements.
• Meets and confers with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other entities to convey and obtain information relevant to an investigation, provides technical assistance and training, and develops and maintains rapport to ensure mutual cooperation in the conduct of investigations.
• Participates in joint operations with local, state and federal law enforcement in connection with complex cases.
• Prepares factual written reports of information gathered during an investigation; and may recommend an appropriate course of action consistent with the findings and agency policy and practices.
• Discusses investigative findings and recommendations with supervisor and program specialists.
• Assists with witness preparation, and fact and evidence development during trials.
• Testifies at administrative hearings and criminal proceedings regarding the details of investigations and conclusions reached.
• Employees will be required to travel, multiple days/nights, for training purposes, not to exceed one week for state programs and two weeks for federal programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, if they meet the below NY HELPS minimum qualifications.

Note: To be considered for appointment you will be required to pass a Civil Service language proficiency exam to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the Spanish language at a level that will ensure your ability to perform the duties of the position.

NY HELPS Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications

• Investigative Specialist Trainee 1 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language); Four years of investigative experience*; or an associate’s degree and two years of investigative experience*; or a bachelor’s degree or higher degree
• Investigative Specialist Trainee 2 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language); Five years of investigative experience*; or an associate’s degree and three years of investigative experience*; or a bachelor’s degree or higher degree and one year of investigative experience*
• Investigative Specialist 1 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language); Six years of experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings; 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; and a bachelor's or higher 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 four years of experience.

• Investigative experience is defined as gathering and securing information and evidence from a variety of sources through independent, non-structured activities including the preparation and submission of detailed narrative reports describing the method of gathering the evidence and the results of the investigations. Experience in auditing, interviewing, building security surveillance, traffic enforcement, or performing routine inspections or surveys will not be considered investigative experience. Types of Investigative experience that could be considered qualifying: experience in such positions as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed and registered private investigator, federal investigator, state investigator, municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, in an investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports, or investigations within a branch of the Armed Services are examples which meet the Minimum Qualifications. Examples of non-qualifying experience include but are not limited to: experience in routine police patrol work, security guard or related security position, tax collector, collector of delinquent accounts, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel or store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, guard, inspector, or experience in adoption and/or foster care placement.

Your degree must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You will be required to provide this information to the hiring agency at the time of interview.

It is expected that employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status in the future, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Note: It is essential that you describe your qualifying education and/or experience as completely as possible on your application; your application should describe in detail the kind of service and information you provide to the general public. Omissions or vagueness may not be interpreted in your favor. Additionally, in accordance with Civil Service Law, provisional service immediately prior to a permanent appointment to this title is now credited towards the completion of probation upon permanent appointment.

As this position requires travel, the appointee must have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have a motor vehicle or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

55 B/C Qualifications

This position is designated 55b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Please provide a copy of your 55b/c letter when applying. You must meet the open competitive qualifications from the most recent examination announcement.

Reassignment Qualifications

Current Department of Labor employees only, with at least one year of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service in an Investigative Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language); if you have less than one year, you must be reachable on the current Investigative Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2 (Labor Standards, Spanish Language) eligible list for this location, if one exists.

70.1 Transfer Qualifications

One year of permanent or contingent-permanent as a Grade 12 or higher determined to be similar by Civil Service.

70.4 Transfer Qualifications

One year of permanent or contingent-permanent service as a Grade 12 or higher and a passing score on Investigative Specialist 1/Trainee (Labor Standards, Spanish Language).

Note: Candidates must not have failed the most recent examination for this title. Appointments are made at the Trainee 1 level.

Note: For all transfers noted, a comprehensive list of titles approved for transfer is available through Civil Service GOT-IT at https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit

Note: To be considered for appointment you will be required to pass a Civil Service language proficiency exam to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading the Spanish language at a level that will ensure your ability to perform the duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders.

Additional Comments

This position may require a fingerprint background check prior to appointment.

Position specific job duties may include occasional altered work schedule or job assignments which require availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and/or out-stationed assignments.

Employees will be required to travel, multiple days/nights, for training purposes, not to exceed one week for state programs and two weeks for federal programs.

This position may require a fingerprint background check prior to appointment.

Position specific job duties may include occasional altered work schedule or job assignments which require availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and/or out-stationed assignments.

Candidates with no previous state service will begin at the starting rate of the salary range listed above.

Additional location pay is available for the following counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, NYC-Manhattan, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, and Putnam.

If you are a current NYS employee and have questions regarding salary, please contact the Business Services Center (BSC): 518-457-4272, [e-mail].

Telecommuting is available and can be discussed during the interview.

Employees will be required to travel, multiple days/nights, for training purposes, not to exceed one week for state programs and two weeks for federal programs.

NYS Department of Labor does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

Employment at the Department of Labor is contingent upon the maintenance of a valid work authorization and necessary documentation to work legally in the United States.

Please note: Due to operational requirements and funding considerations of various divisions/positions, there could be occasions in the future where unit assignments may change. Should this occur, it will not impact your title, salary or location.

We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

• 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, and a minimum of 13 vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave (CSEA and PEF employees- 13 days; M/C employees- 8 days plus free enrollment into the Income Protection Program for short-term and long-term disability coverage).
• Choice of several affordable and competitive health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans at no additional cost
• Membership in the NYS Employee’s Retirement System
• NYS Deferred Compensation Investment Plan
• Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) (full-time employees)
• Eligibility to apply for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses
• Paid Parental Leave

Our mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers - the workers and business that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find careers they will love. We build and support New York’s businesses. We empower and protect New York’s workers. To learn more about our mission and the exciting work of the DOL, please visit: https://dol.ny.gov/about-us

DOL is committed to fostering employee engagement and work-life balance. We offer telecommuting and alternative work schedules to eligible employees. Eligible employees may be approved to telecommute, if operationally feasible, up to 2 days per regular work-week, and not to exceed 4 days per two-week pay period. Telecommuting can be discussed at the time of interview. Our exciting training and development opportunities, including Coursera and our formal Employee Recognition Program allow us to develop, recognize, and celebrate our workforce.

Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, length of State service, and program area.