Human Resources Manager

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a dynamic Human Resources Manager to join our team in the Human Resources Division. This position works under the general direction of the HR Administrator and will manage labor relations activities for the agency and supervise a team of labor relations specialists.

This position will be based out of our Central Office location in Hartford, CT but will require travel to DDS offices around the state.

This is a full-time forty (40) hour per week position. The work schedule is Monday through Friday 1st shift. However, must be flexible in order to meet the needs of the agency.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application.

Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system. 

If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide last two (2) service ratings and non-state employees may be required to provide two (2) letters of reference.

Incumbent in this position WILL be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Incumbents in this class will be required to do significant statewide travel.

This posting MAY require completion of addittional referral questions (RQ’s) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications. You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Daimar Ramos at Daimar.Ramos@ct.gov or (860) 263-2625.

In a state agency this class is accountable for directing the staff and operations of a human resources management program.

Oversees the DDS centralized labor relations unit, DDS grievance administration and collective bargaining administration for DDS.  Will supervising 3 Principal HR Specialists and 1 HR Specialist. Responsibilities shall include: Directing staff and operations of DDS' centralized Labor Relations Unit; coordinate, plan and manage Labor Relations activities; formulate program goals and objectives; assist in development and implementation of agency human resource policies; interpret, administer and ensure compliance with state and federal human resources, employment and equal opportunity laws, regulations, policies and procedures; evaluate staff; maintain contacts with individuals stakeholders; provide statewide staff training and assistance; interpret and ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements; advise administrative officials, managers and supervisors regarding labor relations, human resources policy and procedure, proper organizational structure and use of class specifications; partner with administrative officials in strategic planning to ensure alignment of human resources activities with organizational goals and strategies; proactively plan to address emerging agency human resources needs including workforce planning; perform related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of public human resources administration; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of labor relations; knowledge of the principles and practices of classification and organizational design; knowledge of the principles and practices of compensation; knowledge of occupational safety and health; knowledge of payroll procedures and operations; knowledge of employment practices related to civil rights, equal employment opportunity or affirmative action plans and programs; considerable interpersonal skills, considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable conflict resolution skills; considerable ability to analyze and interpret laws, statutes, regulations, policies and collective bargaining agreements; ability to apply organizational development principles and practices; ability to strategically plan including succession planning and aligning human resources to agency goals and objectives; ability to apply innovative solutions to organizational problems.

Nine (9) years of professional experience in human resource management.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the full advanced working level in human resources management. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Principal Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 3.

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 other closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
   
3. For State employees, one (1) year as a Principal Human Resources Specialist or Human Resources Consultant 3 may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

• Demonstrated experience managing and leading a large team of Human Resources professionals
• Considerable labor relations experience which includes conducting workplace investigations; preparing investigatory reports and evidence; negotiating settlements and bringing resolution to complex issues; and administering collective bargaining agreements
• Preference shall be given to individuals with managerial experience in labor relations within government, municipal and/or unionized environments
• Demonstrated experience interpreting 1199 union contract and working with District 1199
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and ensuring adherence to multiple collective bargaining agreements
• Experience providing representation on behalf of an agency (employer) at grievances, unemployment hearings and assisting with arbitration preparation
• Experience serving as a resource to all levels of supervision and management regarding contract interpretation and steps in the grievance and progressive disciplinary process and application of HR policies and programs
• Experience cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with union officials, employees, and management
• Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and human resources regulations, polices, concepts and practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to orchestrate plans to resolve issues and mitigate risks.
• Proficiency with CORE-CT and/or PeopleSoft and Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, Access and Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large volume of work and prioritize effectively to achieve results in a set timeframe
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail

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.

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.  If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Renee LaBarge, DDS EEO Director at 860-418-6022 or renee.labarge@ct.gov.