Agency Information: Kansas Department of Labor

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) assists in the prevention of economic insecurity through unemployment insurance and workers compensation, by providing a fair and efficient venue to exercise employer and employee rights, and by helping employers promote a safe work environment for their employees. This facilitates compliance with labor laws while enabling advancement of the economic well-being of the citizens of Kansas.

At KDOL, our employees are our most valuable resource. We encourage our employees to grow and advance by participating in job shadow/training opportunities within KDOL. We value work-life balance and offer flexible schedules and telework opportunities.

As a quickly growing agency, we are always looking for passionate, talented and creative people to join our team. If you’re looking for a challenge that will lead you to the next level of your career, you’ve found the right place. Come grow with us!

Learn more @ dol.ks.gov

About the Position

Who can apply: External. Open to all who meet the minimum requirements.

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veteran and/or Disability Preference Eligible: Yes. See below for description.

Office Location: Onsite: Topeka

Application Due: Monday, March 2, 2026 *Previously submitted applications remain under active consideration pursuant to the revised deadline. Candidates are welcome to submit any relevant updates directly to the recruiter: KDOL.humanresources@ks.gov

Employment Benefits:

• First day of employment coverage under the State’s comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage and dental plan.
• Additional voluntary options including vision, hospital indemnity, accident and critical illness insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• We celebrate employee appreciation and host socializing events

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities: Ombudsman

The Kansas Department of Labor, Workers Compensation, is actively recruiting two Ombudsmen. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in public service by helping Kansas workers, employers, and providers navigate the workers compensation system with clarity, fairness, and confidence. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who values public service, enjoys problem-solving, and excels at guiding diverse stakeholders through complex processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a knowledgeable, impartial point of contact for inquiries related to workers compensation from injured workers, employers, insurance representatives, attorneys, medical providers, and other stakeholders.
• Research and provide accurate information on workers compensation laws, rules, and regulations, including coverage requirements, injury reporting, claim filing, medical treatment access, benefit calculations, rights and responsibilities, mediation services, and the litigation process.
• Deliver information clearly and professionally through in-person interactions, telephone, email, mail, and fax, consistently representing the State of Kansas with integrity and without bias.
• Facilitate communication among parties involved in work injury claims to promote understanding and early dispute resolution, helping reduce the need for litigation and easing the burden on the court system.
• Act as a liaison to address concerns, connect parties with appropriate mediation services, and remove procedural barriers where possible.
• Maintain thorough, timely, and accurate documentation of all contacts and assistance provided within the workers compensation OSCAR system.
• Identify when issues fall outside the workers compensation system and refer individuals to appropriate internal divisions, state agencies, or external resources, drawing on a broad working knowledge of available local, state, and national support services.
• Remain alert to potential fraudulent or abusive practices and make referrals to the Fraud and Abuse Unit when warranted.
• Recognize coverage and compliance issues and refer matters to the Coverage and Compliance Unit as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four years of experience communicating with the public on technical, regulatory, or specialized topics, or providing services within public-sector or public-facing programs.
• At least one year of experience, or equivalent training, using office computers and standard business software such as the Microsoft Office suite.
• Working proficiency with internet browsers and related applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Health Services Administration, or a closely related field (preferred but not required).
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Pre-Employment background screening
• State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate. The successful applicant (even non-residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.

Contact Information:

Email: KDOL.HumanResources@ks.gov
Mailing Address: 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603

Job Application Process:

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• Résumé

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

Preference Eligibility:

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

2024 Senate Bill 333 creates an employment preference for qualified job applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities when applying for state jobs. The preference is available to individuals who are not currently working for the State of Kansas who apply for a State job, as well as to current State employees who apply for a different job or promotion.

Learn more about claiming Disability Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS either by fax, email or post office mail as indicated:

These documents should be sent by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed or delivered in-person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison St Suite 260
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.