Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Department of Labor Careers

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers internships and other types of entry-level opportunities. The Department provides a variety of internships, traineeships, and apprenticeships in a wide range of fields and occupations. These opportunities are available both in Washington, DC, and across the country. For more information, please visit the Department's website at www.dol.gov.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers medical, dental, and vision insurance to its employees. These benefits are typically available through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program provides part-time paid work experience to individuals age 55 and over who have difficulty finding employment due to age. Participants in the program gain work experience and learn new skills that can help them re-enter the job market.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers several special programs and benefits for women. The Women’s Bureau is a division of the Department of Labor that is specifically dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in the workplace and providing resources to women in the workplace. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) works to ensure that women and minorities are treated equally in the workplace and have access to equal opportunities. Additionally, the Department of Labor offers a variety of career resources, job training programs, apprenticeships, and other resources for women.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers a variety of special programs and benefits for minorities. The Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) enforces laws that make it illegal for federal contractors and subcontractors to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. The OFCCP also encourages federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for minorities and women. Additionally, the Department of Labor provides grants and other resources to help minority businesses, individuals and communities.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor provides programs and benefits for disabled employees. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps employers provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, while the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) offers resources and guidance to employers, including best practices, policies, and technical assistance. Additionally, the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) enforces nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements for those with disabilities who are employed by companies with federal contracts and subcontracts.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers several programs and benefits for veterans. These include the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which provides services for homeless veterans, the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), which provides employment and training services for veterans, the Veterans' Employment and Training Service Transition Assistance Program (VET TAP), which provides assistance to veterans transitioning from active duty to the civilian workforce, and the Veterans' Employment and Training Service Education and Training Program (VET SET), which provides education and training assistance to veterans.

The U.S. Department of Labor has established policies on dress code and personal appearance for its employees. These policies are intended to ensure that employees present a professional appearance in the workplace, promote public confidence in the Department and its employees, and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. The Department’s policies on dress code and personal appearance generally require employees to dress in a manner that is neat, clean, and appropriate for the work environment. The policies generally do not impose specific restrictions on clothing, but instead allow the supervisor to determine the appropriate attire for the particular job duties and work environment. The Department’s policies also generally prohibit employees from wearing clothing or accessories that display profanity, violence, sexually explicit material, or other inappropriate messages or images. In addition, the policies generally prohibit employees from wearing clothing or accessories that are associated with organizations or activities that are incompatible with the mission of the Department. Finally, the Department’s policies generally require employees to refrain from wearing any type of head covering, including hats and caps, unless it is necessary for religious or medical reasons.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers a Performance Management System which includes awards for employees. Awards may include recognition of noteworthy or exceptional performance, cash bonuses, time off, or other forms of recognition. Additionally, the Department has established several programs to recognize excellence among its employees, including the Secretary’s Awards for Excellence, the SES Awards for Excellence, and the Secretary’s Honor Awards.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor provides paid vacation and sick leave for eligible employees. The amount and type of leave available depends on the type of job and the employer's policies.

Yes, employees of the U.S. Department of Labor have access to employee assistance programs (EAPs). The Department of Labor offers a range of services to employees, including mental health counseling, financial advice, life coaching, and other employee-support services.

No, the U.S. Department of Labor does not offer retirement plans or other financial planning services. However, the Department does offer a number of resources and publications to help workers understand their retirement options and plan for their financial future. These resources and publications can be accessed on the Department's website.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers paid parental leave and other family-friendly benefits. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 allows eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for certain family and medical reasons. Additionally, the Paid Leave Analysis Tool from the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau provides information about state and local paid family and medical leave laws.

No, the U.S. Department of Labor does not offer relocation assistance to new employees.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers several tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs. The Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) offers tuition assistance grants to states to provide job training and educational opportunities to unemployed and underemployed workers. Additionally, the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers a number of programs to help veterans gain employment and educational opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Labor offers a wide range of positions, including: -Human Resources Specialists -Labor Relations Specialists -Safety and Health Inspectors -Training and Development Specialists -Career Development Specialists -Employment and Training Specialists -Employment Law Attorneys -Employment Standards Investigators -Job Developers -Public Affairs Specialists -Research Analysts -Workers’ Compensation Claims Examiners -Workers’ Compensation Program Directors -Wage and Hour Investigators -Workers’ Compensation Administrators

Yes, the U.S. Department of Labor offers telecommuting and flexible work arrangements. These arrangements may be available to full-time, part-time, and intermittent employees, and can include a variety of options such as telework, flexible hours, and job sharing. The Department of Labor encourages agencies to use these arrangements to help increase employee productivity and morale, reduce costs, and promote work-life balance.

1. Promotion to higher-level positions within the Department of Labor. 2. Leadership development and training opportunities. 3. Participation in special projects and committees. 4. Tuition assistance for job-related education and training. 5. Cross-training and job rotation opportunities to gain a broader view of the organization and its operations. 6. Networking and mentoring programs. 7. Special assignments and temporary assignments outside the department. 8. Awards and recognition for exemplary service.

The average tenure of a U.S. Department of Labor employee is approximately 4.4 years.

The culture of the U.S. Department of Labor is focused on serving the public and creating a workplace of respect, fairness, and integrity. The agency encourages collaboration, transparency, and open communication among its employees as well as with external stakeholders. Employees are encouraged to take initiative and be creative while embracing diversity and inclusion. The Department strives to create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable and valued for their unique contributions.