Introduction
The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management’s (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) seeks to hire a Labor Relations Specialist. OLR serves as the Governor’s designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, on collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch State employees. In this position you will provide consultative services to agencies and commissioners on a variety of issues that impact the mission of each organization. You will be expected to play an integral role in management of the relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agencies to insure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents. Working in OLR will provide an opportunity to assist in union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues.
Please ensure that your application is complete and have included a resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application. Candidates who do not submit the required documents above will not be considered. Questions about these required documents should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: Carolyn Kozak at (860) 418-6324 or opm.recruitment@ct.gov.
NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Office of Policy and Management, Office of Labor Relations this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of labor relations activities related to the administration of collective bargaining agreements.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Acts as a negotiator including serving as chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of labor contracts within Executive Branch; coordinates, plans and manages assigned activities; develops or assists in development of related policy; interprets and administers pertinent statutes, regulations and collective bargaining agreements; as a chief negotiator facilitates harmonious working relationships among parties in contract negotiations; develops labor relations contract proposals; reviews and analyzes existing contracts as well as pertinent grievance and arbitration awards; coordinates research concerning comparative settlements; assists in recommending economic guidelines for settlement; conducts research into pertinent labor relations issues to develop negotiating positions and strategies; reviews cost and impact analyses of union proposals; analyzes impact of non-economic proposals; drafts and negotiates precise technical contract language to effectuate agreements; facilitates mediation process; prepares and presents state's case at binding rights and interest arbitration; prepares exhibits and witnesses; conducts legal research; prepares case briefs for submission to Arbitrator; advises and counsels agency officials in labor relations; conducts grievance conferences with agency and union officials; issues written finding to settle grievance and preserve integrity of labor agreement; responds to unfair labor practice complaints; ensures consistency of policies and procedures and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements; may consult with and assist Office of the Attorney General in preparation of court action; may serve as a witness; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines; considerable knowledge of collective bargaining and labor relations; considerable knowledge of rules of evidence; considerable knowledge of rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies; knowledge of human resources administration and affirmative action; knowledge of public sector job classification, compensation and benefits; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable negotiating skill; considerable skill in writing technical contract provisions; considerable ability to interpret and apply statutes, contracts and regulations; considerable ability to apply judicial and administrative decisions to provisions of labor agreements; considerable ability to prepare and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Nine (9) years of professional experience with primary responsibility for labor relations, labor contract negotiations and/or presentation of arbitration or prohibited practice complaints.
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 law degree or a Master's degree in labor relations may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.
3. One (1) year at the level of a Labor Relations Associate may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate will have demonstrated experience effectively negotiating and working with numerous bargaining units simultaneously and is able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
If you are requesting special accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) please contact Carolyn Kozak at 860-418-6324 or carolyn.kozak@ct.gov.
