STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Agency Labor Relations Specialist

Recruitment #200805-5257MP-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

With the centralization of Human Resources under the State's Department of Administrative Services and the redeployment of Labor Relations functions under the Office of Labor Relations (OLR), this position will be assigned to support the Department of Mental Health and Addition Services.  

We seek a dynamic and experienced individual for the position of Agency Labor Relations Specialist, PCN 101037.  We are conveniently located in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position with work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, with occasional extra hours in order to meet the demands of this high - volume environment.  

Are you a hardworking, motivated Labor Relations professional looking to make a difference while working with a collaborative team in the public sector?  If so, we want you to join us!

Please ensure that your application is complete and you have included your resume in the “Resume Tab” of your application as you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system.  Individuals considered for interview will be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc.  You do not have to attach these documents to your application.     

Note: The certification list generated from this recruitment may be considered for future Agency Labor Relations Specialist opportunities at other State Agencies.            

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov. or (860) 262-6745.

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 the Office of Policy and Management, Office of Labor Relations, this class is accountable for independently performing labor relations activities.

In a state agency this class will be accountable for acting as a working supervisor or for independently performing labor relations activities that involves collective bargaining agreements not under the jurisdiction of the Office of Labor Relations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Agency:

  • Conducts a variety of investigations and determines appropriate action;
  • Administers and interprets collective bargaining agreements;
  • Administers progressive discipline and conducts grievance hearings;
  • Advises executives, administrators, managers and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements and other employee relations issues;
  • Analyzes complex workplace situations and issues and leverage solutions;
  • Oversees performance management system;
  • Prepares and maintains relevant documentation;
  • Serves as a member of labor contract negotiating teams; as assigned;
  • Triages crisis situations and recommends appropriate action in conjunction with appointing authority;
  • May administer agency employee assistance program and recommend counseling to employees;
  • Performs related duties as required.

Office of Labor Relations:

  • Acts as a negotiator;
  • Coordinates labor relations contract proposals;
  • Conducts research into current labor relations issues and assists in recommending economic guidelines for settlement;
  • Prepares information and testimony concerning negotiated contracts or other labor relations matters;
  • Conducts grievance conferences with agency and union officials and responds on behalf of state employer;
  • Facilitates dispute resolution through mediation;
  • Prepares and presents state's case at grievance arbitrations and hearings before State Board of Labor Relations and other administrative bodies;
  • Assists in preparing and presenting interest arbitration cases;
  • Assists in coordinating labor relations activities of state agencies to assure consistency of policies and procedures and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements;
  • May advise agency officials in matters of contract interpretation or employee discipline;
  • 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

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques, within a matrixed organization; 
  • Knowledge of: labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources management, and relevant state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures; employee classification and compensation; 
  • Considerable: interpersonal skills, oral and written communications skills, and negotiation and conflict resolution skills;   
  • Ability to: effectively conduct investigations, and analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and counsel employees; effectively serve as an advocate, supervise, and strategically plan and apply innovative solutions to workforce problems; prepare for and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings; 
  • Skill in writing technical contract provisions, and some supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of professional experience in labor relations or human resources management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in the administration of investigations, progressive discipline, or handling of grievances and arbitrations. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling 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 human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or other closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

3. A law degree may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates who possess:

  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Excel, Access and Outlook);
  • Exemplary written communication skills;
  • Experience conducting research;
  • Experience in preparing reports;
  • Experience in state government, municipal and/or in a unionized environment;
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution abilities;
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to manage a large volume of work and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines;
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
  • Ability to cultivate and maintain effective working relationships;
  • Ability to problem solve/exercise critical thinking and detail oriented;
  • Experience working with the 1199 Bargaining Unit. 

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.