STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Principal Human Resources Specialist

Recruitment #190204-6168MP-002

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) has a vacancy for a Principal Human Resources Specialist within the Human Resources Section.  This position will report directly to the Human Resources Administrator, and will be responsible for coordinating agency wide labor and employee relations activities.  As the Employee Relations Manager for DPH, this incumbent will be fully responsible for high level and sensitive labor relations issues, conducting a wide range of investigations and recommending appropriate actions, and interpreting collective bargaining agreements.  DPH places a high value on collaboration, and a key role for this position will be to guide and advise administrators, managers, supervisors, and HR professionals regarding labor relations issues, through one-on-one interactions and group training activities.  

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sue Ciccaglione at sue.ciccaglione@ct.gov or (860)509-7183.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor over a full range of human resources management functions or for performing as a specialist responsible for performing highly complex agency wide labor and employee relations activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Develops or assists in development, coordination and implementation of agency human resource policies; plans workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; provides training and assistance to staff; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; oversees payroll function; conducts a variety of investigations and recommends appropriate actions; interprets collective bargaining agreements; advises executives, administrators, managers and supervisors regarding labor relations issues, human resource policies and procedures; administers progressive discipline; represents agency at hearings or most complex grievances; serves as a member of labor contract negotiating teams; conducts difficult recruitment involving high level positions; ensures compliance with equal opportunity, union contracts and state policy and procedure regarding recruitment and selection process; partners with and advises agency staff on appropriate organizational structure and use of classifications; develops and recommends new or revised job classifications; proactively plans to address emerging agency human resources needs; teams with agency staff to ensure human resource alignment with organizational strategies and goals; consults with the Department of Administrative Services and the Office of Labor Relations on classification, compensation, policy and collective bargaining agreement related issues; analyzes and resolves complex situations and issues; participates in workforce planning and business planning efforts; oversees performance management system; prepares or directs preparation of reports, manuals and correspondence; counsels employees in areas of career development, upward mobility and various classification and benefit issues; may implement and/or oversee an agency wide training and staff development program; may serve on reclass grievance panels; may prepare and ensure compliance with agency affirmative action plan; may administer agency employee assistance program and recommend counseling to employees; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of public human resources administration including recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, career counseling and employee relations; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations; considerable knowledge of labor relations; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of occupational safety and health; knowledge of and ability to apply organizational development principals and practices; knowledge of payroll regulations, procedures and operations; knowledge of equal opportunity policies and procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communications skills; considerable negotiation and conflict resolution skills; considerable ability to analyze and interpret laws, statutes, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements; considerable ability to counsel employees; ability to effectively serve as an advocate; supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years professional experience in human resources management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the full working level in human resources management. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public administration, human resources management, labor relations, industrial/organizational psychology or closely related field or law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For state employees one (1) year as a Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 2 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience providing advice, counsel, and training to supervisors, managers, and HR professionals regarding complex employee relations matters;

• Experience conducting complex investigations into employment-related matters, including disciplinary investigations, and administering progressive discipline;

• Experience researching, preparing and presenting grievance cases;

• Experience interpreting and administering the terms of collective bargaining agreements;

• Experience providing general HR support to employees, managers and supervisors in a team environment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes.  If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.