What Types of Jobs at the US Department of Labor Can I Get with Human Resources Background?

The U.S. Department of Labor, (DOL) has many options available for those with an HR background seeking to advance their career. Having an HR background gives you a lot of experience in several different areas. Are you a generalist looking to specialize in one area? Do you have a passion for a particular subject matter that you would like to explore outside the corporate setting? The divisions and agencies within the DOL provide ample opportunities for HR specialists in roles that, at first glance, do not appear HR related. Below is a summary of a few agencies and their HR related positions.

HR Jobs at the U.S. Department of Labor

Employee Benefits Security Administration, (EBSA) focuses on the review of health care and employee benefit plans. This agency hires Investigators, Benefits Advisors and Employee Benefit Law Specialists. If your experience is in benefit plans and you understand ERISA, GINA, FERSA, HIPAA and similar legislation, this agency would allow you to continue to develop expertise in these areas. You would be involved in the agency’s operations and initiatives in various investigative and advisory capacities.

Employment and Training Administration, (ETA) specializes in employment and training. Workforce Development Specialists and Program Analysts are responsible for the research, analysis and reporting of employment and training programs. If you have experience in on-boarding and employee development, and enjoy creating these policies as opposed to implementing them, this agency would allow you to focus on the review and analysis of training programs.

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, (OASAM) focuses on operations and management. HR related careers here include Personnel Management Specialists and Equal Opportunity Specialists. Management Specialists recruit and train employees. If you enjoy or excel in this hands-on aspect of human resource work, then this position would allow you to interface with the workforce as opposed to doing behind the scenes type work. Equal Opportunity Specialists focus on the compliance side of employment laws. If you enjoy investigating complaints and conducting audits, this is a great position to consider.

Additional HR Jobs at the U.S. Department of Labor

As an HR professional, applicant flow logs, hiring practices, overtime, and on the job injuries are things dealt with on a daily basis. There are additional agencies within the DOL that would allow you develop an expertise in any one of these functions. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) conducts equal employment related audits. Wage and Hour Division (WHD) conducts wage and hour investigations. Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) handles the settlement of workers’ compensation claims.

If you are considering working for the government, there are also federal agencies outside the DOL that you could consider. You may also want to check your local or state government for opportunities as well. Your HR background offers you many opportunities for specialized government work in areas such as benefits, training and development, or compliance and investigations to name a few.