As a labor commissioner in Deschutes County, Oregon, I have witnessed the struggles that parents and teenagers face when trying to obtain a work permit for minors. The process can be overwhelming and confusing, but it is crucial for both employers and minors to understand the steps involved in obtaining a work permit.
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit, also known as a youth employment certificate, is a document that allows minors under the age of 18 to legally work in the state of Oregon. It is required by law for minors to have a work permit before they can start working. The purpose of a work permit is to ensure that minors are not being exploited or put in dangerous working conditions. It also helps to regulate the number of hours and types of jobs that minors can work.Who Needs a Work Permit?
In Deschutes County, Oregon, any minor under the age of 18 who wants to work must obtain a work permit.This includes minors who are employed by their parents or guardians. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as minors who are working on their family's farm or those who are participating in certain types of volunteer work. However, it is always best to check with the labor commissioner's office to determine if a work permit is required.
The Process for Obtaining a Work Permit
The process for obtaining a work permit in Deschutes County, Oregon involves several steps. It is important to follow these steps carefully to ensure that the application is processed quickly and accurately.Step 1: Obtain an Offer of Employment
The first step in obtaining a work permit is for the minor to obtain an offer of employment from a potential employer. This can be in the form of a job offer letter or an application for employment. The offer of employment must include the following information:- Employer's name and address
- Job title and duties
- Number of hours per day and days per week the minor will be working
- Rate of pay
Step 2: Complete the Work Permit Application
Once the minor has an offer of employment, they can then complete the work permit application.This can be done online through the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries website or in person at the labor commissioner's office. The application will require personal information such as the minor's name, address, date of birth, and social security number. It will also ask for information about the employer and the job being offered.
Step 3: Obtain Parental Consent
Minors under the age of 18 are required to have parental consent before they can obtain a work permit. This can be done by having a parent or legal guardian sign the work permit application. If the minor's parents are divorced or separated, both parents must sign the application unless one parent has sole legal custody.Step 4: Submit the Application
Once the application is completed and signed by both the minor and their parent or guardian, it can be submitted to the labor commissioner's office. If applying online, the application can be submitted electronically.If applying in person, the application can be dropped off at the labor commissioner's office. It is important to note that the application must be submitted at least three days before the minor's first day of work. This allows time for the application to be processed and the work permit to be issued.
Step 5: Receive the Work Permit
If the application is approved, the minor will receive their work permit either by mail or in person. The work permit must be signed by both the minor and their employer before it is considered valid. The work permit will include information such as the minor's name, date of birth, and the type of work they are allowed to do. It will also include any restrictions on hours or types of jobs.Renewing a Work Permit
Work permits in Deschutes County, Oregon are valid for one year from the date they are issued.After one year, they must be renewed in order for the minor to continue working. To renew a work permit, the minor must complete a new application and submit it to the labor commissioner's office. The process is similar to obtaining a new work permit, but there is no need for an offer of employment or parental consent.
