STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Principal Human Resources Specialist

Recruitment #180808-6168MP-001

Introduction

This position is located in the Labor Relations Unit of the Department of Correction, Human Resources Department. It offers great professional experience and growth working within a very dynamic unit of the Department of Correction. The Department of Correction is a 24/7 environment which employs staff in nine bargaining units.  This position is based out of our Central Office in Wethersfield, CT, but may require travel to correctional institutions around the state.  The workweek is Monday through Friday, first shift, 40 hours per week.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current state 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. 

All applicants must include a resume within the “Resume Tab” of the application. (Note: In order to upload document you must ensure that your internet browser’s ‘pop-up’ blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.) During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.  

Please ensure that your application is complete.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.  Candidates who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.  Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Lori Kolakowski at Lori.Kolakowski@ct.gov.

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

This is not an entry level position.  Preference will be given to candidates who have considerable experience in the following areas:  in interpreting multiple collective bargaining agreements as well as ability to understand complex policies, statutes, and regulations; advocating agency position(s) verbally and in writing, negotiating agreements, and presenting information to a variety of audiences. Superior interpersonal skills and ability to interact with diverse stakeholders also preferred.

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 State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.