investigator

claims examiner

safety technician

pharmacist

economist

US Department of Labor

This review is for the San Francisco regional office of US DOL ETA.

A typical day as a Federal Project Officer (project/grant manager) is very fast paced with many, unexpected priority changes.  Work can range from 60,000 foot, broad visioning to gnat's eyebrow technical decisions. I may spend an hour reviewing performance or financial data to analyze trends and then connect with my grantees to provide technical assistance, then shift to research and resolve a job or training seeker's complaint, then participate in a team meeting to discuss the latest change ordered by the political appointees, then review a piece of draft operational guidance and provide substantive comments to strengthen and clarify the guidance before it is published and our grantees are required to follow it.  At some point in most days I  research politically sensitive and technically difficult grantee questions - with The Law on one side of my desk, the Final Rule in front of me and agency guidance on my right - then synthesize all in writing to share with my stakeholder. There is also some administrivia and at least one fire drill where something unexpected pops up and we all need to shift our priorities again.  I rely upon my colleague in my regional office and in the five other regional offices and in the various program offices in DC.  Overall, it is a very dedicated and mission-driven group.  The best part of my work is supporting the state workforce system leaders who work tirelessly to create positive changes with the little funding that Congress appropriates for them.  I know that because of my work, there are hundreds if not thousands more people who got the help they needed to improve their careers and businesses.

If you enjoy complexity, learning, and change, this could be a good fit for you.  The pay and benefits provide a living wage (if you are working at the more senior levels (GS-9 and above) and at the moment we have a great deal of schedule and telecommute flexibility.  That, however, can change with new regional leadership and with new national leadership.  If you like the up and coming Tenderloin area, cubicles, and modern architecture, you'll likely enjoy the neighborhood and office atmosphere.

If, however, you work best in an atmosphere of certainty with knowledgeable management and clear communication, this workplace may not be a source of happiness for you.  For example, a key component of effective grant management is conducting on-site compliance monitoring reviews.  However, the constantly changing message regarding the availability of funds to travel to the monitoring sites makes it nearly impossible to plan for these critical activities.  Another example of poor management is the lack new staff training.  We had the good fortune to bring several new staff into my unit in the last two years, but none of them received a cogent training plan or consistent "on-boarding" support from management.  While peer support was provided as much as possible, it has not been sufficient for our these new hires resulting in under performing and frustrated teammates and an uneven distribution of work.  
 
I suppose you could say that the good news is that there's job security, but then, the bad news is that there's job security, so those unskilled managers may just outlast you.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Benefits that include great retirement package, life insurance, tsp matching contributions, leave and remote work.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Most of the time you will assigned to a manager that will micromanage you why you're trying to clear dozens of cases at any given time.  The performance standards become harder every year, which makes it more about trying to keep your job and not about the claimant's themselves.  If you even do miss a few days of work, your work just piles up and stays there for you to complete upon return.  I once lost my house due to a fire and came back 3 weeks later to my work untouched.  Given all that, the MOST stressful would be that the policies and procedures can change at any moment of the day and that is forever constant which makes your job extremely difficult.  You're constantly having to learn how the top wants things done and reach your performance goals.  I reached the highest GS promotoble position and the job only got harder, not easier.  They will always want more or they will just find some new person eager enough to start the process all over again.  They do not care about you, your health or your family, don't forget that and just maybe your mental health won't decline like so many others do.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Bureaucratic as it can get but that's the nature of working for the government.  Favorites have favorites and if you're not a favorite, you might as well quit while you're ahead.  Supervisors, some the same GS level as you, have too much power, which can create a toxic work environment.  The job itself is interesting, definitely stressful, but manageable if the other key players didn't make you want to quit every morning you came in to work or logged on if you will.  Now if you are assigned to a great supervisor, you're in luck for about a year until the Director moves all the units around just because he/she feels like it.  Working from home is great, but then the phone calls/emails from the top increase, meetings and just everyday random micromanaging also increases bc the higher up have to do something to fill up their time while you're managing a case load of about 70 claims and trying to stay afloat.  Easily someone from the top can make or break your career if they don't like you for so much as the way you smiled at them the first moment you saw them and they didn't like it.  And I'm not joking.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Muli-managing an extreme caseload while answering dozens of emails/phone calls/texts/Microsoft chat/meetings from your bosses.  Everything has a due date or a goal so everyday in this job you cannot fall behind or you will fail.  Even if you meet all your goals, the supervisor can't put your performance appraisal at minimally successfully in any particular section bc he/she audits your "random" writings throughout each quarter and if it's not up to their standards then they can disapprove your promotion.  Yes, even if you meet ALL your goals and the goals in the job are some of the toughest to obtain so that's saying a lot of you get a meets on performance standards.

·	Provide employment services to applicants using knowledge of labor market  
conditions, conducting data base searches, consulting with employers when necessary to confirm their specific needs.
·	Work with Alternatives Inc. in assisting job search specific material to readily assist the offenders re-enter the job market on a bi-weekly basis and on a walk in basis and to assist in overcoming any barriers.
·	Interview and assess applicant and employer needs and refer to applicable program(s).
·	Interview and observe applicant, performing an initial assessment of physical, mental and educational abilities identifying any potential employment barriers.
·	Conduct workshops to enhance job seekers skills in such areas as interviewing, resume writing, self-esteem, appearance and/or reentry into the workforce.
·	Develop and/or administer training materials that assist employers and/or job seekers in finding and/or retaining employment/employees.
·	Coordinate with local office services with VA Vocational Rehabilitation for job- 
ready disabled veterans.
·	Provide case management to programs that provide assistance to the job seeker to gain viable employment and/or reenter the workforce.
·	Act as a resource to co-workers, employers, and veterans.
·	Provide job seekers with vocational guidance in making limited occupational choice, change and adjustment using knowledge of applicant’s interests, abilities and current labor market.
·	Administer valid, reliable tests to evaluate applicant’s interests, skills, aptitude and personality.
·	Remain current on Federal, State labor/employment laws to provide accurate and timely assistance and/or referrals to job seekers and/or employers.

A typical day at Employment USA involved intense attention to detail from soliciting approval from the USA Department of Labor to obtaining documentation for US Immigration to allow South African labors to be employed seasonally. I may be working on getting approval from the DOL which meant in effect writing a proposal for a grant--very detailed information regarding the nature of the work and the conditions, but most of all the reasons why the Department should grant a farmer or business person a permit to hire a foreign person. I accepted international calls from prospective workers. The most challenging part of the job was the exacting nature--there was not room for error. All the documentation had to be perfect or a request would be denied.

I learned much about working for a person from another country. It was interesting to learn about their customs and way of doing things. It proved that there are more than one way to get something done--that different does not mean it is wrong.

My employer was from South Africa. At times it was difficult to understand her logic. She also liked to wait to the last minute to do things which caused a lot of stress. I like organization and prefer to pace myself where my boss thrived on the "adrenalin rush" of getting things done just under the wire.

I had no coworkers at this job.

The hardest part of the job was trying to understand people calling in from other countries who were not fluent in English.

The most enjoyable part of the job was seeing applications being approved and helping employers secure dependable, hardworking employees.

What is the best part of working at the company?
I value the opportunity to work in an environment where you can interact with students and contribute positively to their lives. Feeling respected and valued in return likely enhanced your experience.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I left the job because I felt the director of the Loring Job Corps did not value people and did not create a positive work environment. This lack of respect and appreciation for individuals has influenced my decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment at Loring Job Corps is currently quite challenging. Many employees seem to feel depressed and unhappy with the current Center Director. This sentiment suggests a lack of professionalism and potentially toxic dynamics within the workplace. It might be beneficial for the organization to consider changing leadership to foster a healthier and more supportive work culture.



What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day at Loring Job Corps might involve facing challenges related to the unhealthy environment for both students and employees. This could include addressing issues such as lack of support, ineffective leadership, and possibly even instances of misconduct. Unfortunately, navigating such an environment may require considerable resilience and a commitment to advocating for positive change.

Organize accounting information, assign the proper accounting codes for reported costs, and assign the proper accounting codes for the funds requested form the states.
Maintain the cost accounting reporting for the grants and contracts of the Region. The cost reports are collected from the states according to the Department Regulations, OMB Circulars A-87 and A-102.
Reconcile the accounting systems each month and prepared a summary of findings in order to make corrections if needed.
Prepare the required SF-224 Financial Reports monthly for the U.S. Treasury and the National Office.
Perform financial and cash management reviews/audits when visiting the states in the Region for the Job Training Partnership Act programs and the State Employment Security Administration programs. The purpose of these review’s are to determine the extent to which the states practices comply with the Law, Department of Labor Regulations, the U.S. Treasury Department Circulars and the Office of Management and Budget Circulars.
An oral exit overview is given before leaving the state agency to avoid a misunderstanding of the written report.
Perform financial training to the states on the programs that the Employment and Training Administration is responsible for

Primary Contact for incoming telephone calls requiring technical assistance.
Screen incoming calls and forward non- related Wage Hour inquiries to appropriate agencies.
Receipt and evaluation of complaints to determine if these fall within Wage and Hour's jurisdiction.
Assist investigators when conducting investigations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); Davis Bacon Acts (DBRA); Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other legislation pertaining to Wage and Hour Standards.
Participate with investigators conducting employee interviews personal or by phone.
Review Investigation reports submitted by investigators for accuracy of back wage computations; oversees that complainant has been properly notified.
Monitor back wage checks and when appropriate forward them to treasury.
Set up computer information systems to track mailings to the Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic organization.
Assist investigators with field investigations by providing technical support, backwage computations, interviews, etc.
Functioned as translator for Wage and Hour solicitor and senior investigators in depositions of litigation cases
Assist District Director, and Assistant Director for the Northern New Jersey District Office in their meetings, office normal procedures, travel arrangements


A typical workday would be focusing on completed tasks, collaborating with diverse teams, and learning about labor relations.
I have learned that the DOL has a strong, service-oriented mission to protect the American people, improve working conditions, and advance opportunities for employment.
The hardest part of the job is navigating tense negotiations, resolving complex disputes, and managing potentially long work periods to settle conflicts or prepare for meetings.
The most enjoyable part of the job is using problem-solving and communication skills to resolve workplace conflicts and improve conditions for employees. However, this role is not without difficulties. The ability to genuinely help people is often cited as a deeply rewarding part of the job. By resolving grievances and ensuring fair treatment, LR Officers can make a tangible difference in employees' lives. So, working for the DOL allows me to contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on ensuring fair labor practices and a supportive work environment.



Working with other staff to teach, motivate, and model employment skills, academic and trade training for learners.   As manager, I provided support and direction to instructors.  Provided training and support to staff and students.  Ensured that company goals and measures were met in my department.

Enjoyable part of job is seeing that learners are achieving their learning goals.  Helping people to succeed in the workplace.  I enjoy maximizing my potential my utilizing all of my trade and educational experience to design a program that promotes learning.

The hardest part of this job is finding ways to retain learners to stay on task, meet their and the companies goals.  

The management here understands the areas of opportunities that staff face in working with the learners.  Team work is important here and we try to work together to get the job done in an environment where employees and learning are happy.  This is important to me.

Interview clients seeking employment, Employers seeking Employees. I learned to work with employers needing to fill job orders of many various fields. I learned to assist them in every possible way including arranging and conducting job fairs. I learned to work with job seeking applicants assiting in matching their skills with employers needs. During my earlier years in the Job service office I managed the reception area, I supervised and trained the staff that manned the area. I worked and inter-acted with other staff in my job catagory, supervisors, office managers, and other staff with in the agency. I worked well with them and maintain a personal relationship with some of them still.  
The  hardest part of the job for me was to not be able to find everyone a job that wanted one. The most enjoyable part of the job for me was to get that call from a satisfied employer saying they filled their position, or a satisified job seeker saying they got the job..

I worked for the state of Maryland from 1973, til 2005. I did not include old jobs on my resume.  

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Investigator 6 salaries reported	$76,456 per year
Claims examiner 3 salaries reported	$65,000 per year
Safety technician 1 salary reported	$27.00 per hour
Pharmacist 1 salary reported	$305 per day
Economist 1 salary reported	$112,105 per year

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