The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is looking for individuals who are customer-service focused.
"So much of our work starts and ends with a customer, be it an employee asking about their rights, an employer asking about new requirements, or working with our vast network of stakeholders," began Jeff Mayor, communications consultant. "Our mission is to make sure every worker in Washington safely goes home at the end of the shift, and we strive to make sure workers receive the rights and protections afforded by state law."
L&I was created in 1922 when a number of agencies involved in workers' compensation, safety, medical aid, and labor were combined. Today, L&I's workforce of more than 3,000 serve the state's estimated 7.8 million citizens, 3.5 million workers, and 179,000 employers.
The department is also one of 24 executive cabinet level agencies within the state government. Joel Sacks, L&I's director, reports directly to the Governor.
"Our work also includes helping those who are injured on the job recover and return to work whenever possible. Our role as communicators is to make sure workers know their rights and protections, and employers know what is expected of them. No matter what division or program you work for at L&I, it is a pretty high calling," continued Mayor.
But in order to fulfill its mission, L&I is seeking to hire customer oriented individuals.
"Right now, we have more than 500 openings - from entry-level to team leadership positions," explained Mayor.
"We have a number of openings for positions including workers' compensation claim managers, electrical inspectors, customer service specialists, date management specialists, and safety and health specialists."
To highlight the importance of the work L&I does, Mayor related how he left a job in the newspaper industry to use his communication skills in a new environment. "Since joining the agency, I saw how important our work is; it reinforces our mission to ensure that every worked goes home safely," he said.
He added that members of the military have the skills, dedication, experience and professionalism to find and make satisfying careers with L&I. "With the variety of work L&I does, we are sure to have a position that will be of interest to a member of the military community, challenges them, and utilizes their work experience," Mayor added.
For service members, spouses and veterans, L&I is hosting a career fair on Feb. 22, from 2 to 7 p.m. at its offices, located at 7273 Linderson Way SW in Tumwater.
"L&I is a great career option for the members of our nation's military," Mayor emphasized.
Whether individuals are transitioning into civilian life, are a military spouse, or a retiree who is looking for a new career, L&I has positions that can fit their needs as they continue their remarkable service to the community and the country.
"L&I is a workplace that values you as an individual and values the experience you can bring to the department," concluded Mayor. "There are a multitude of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the best part of working for L&I is the ability to serve your community.
If interested in learning more about the career opportunities at L&I, visit www.Lni.wa.gov/Jobs. It has a full listing of all current openings, and it also provides a deep look into what working at L&I is all about as well as information about what you will experience as a new employee.