(1) The department has the following responsibilities related to covered employers, as provided in this chapter:
(a) Educate participating employers of their administrative duties under this chapter;
(b) In the case of noncompliance with employer administrative duties, investigate complaints, educate employers about how to come into compliance, and, in the case of willful violations, issue citations and collect penalties;
(c) In the case of impermissible withholding of amounts due to employees, investigate and enforce the complaint as an alleged violation of a wage payment requirement, as defined in RCW 49.48.082; and
(d) Facilitate a process in which employers may appeal complaints.
(2) Collections of unpaid citations assessing civil penalties by the department under this chapter must be made pursuant to RCW 49.48.086.