STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Agency Labor Relations Specialist

Recruitment #220614-5257MP-001

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Introduction
ABOUT US
The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management’s (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) seeks to hire an Agency 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.   

YOUR ROLE
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 managing the relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agencies to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents. Working in OLR will provide an opportunity to assist in labor relations matters such as union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues. This position is accountable for independently performing labor relations activities to an assigned agency(ies).  

This is a full time (40 hours per week) position conveniently located in the Greater Hartford area.  This recruitment may be considered for future Agency Labor Relations Specialist opportunities within the Office of Policy and Management, for locations in the Greater Hartford and surrounding areas. 

We offer a competitive benefits package, excellent health care, generous leave policies, retirement plan, and more!  We also encourage a healthy work-life balance to all employees!

Interested in becoming a state employee?  Watch the video below to learn more:

Selection Plan

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission.  You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

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, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applicants to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Any questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: opm.recruitment@ct.gov.

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 is accountable for acting as a working supervisor or for independently performing labor relations activities that involve 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;
  • Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • 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;
  • Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
  • 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 practices within a matrixed organization;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures;
    • labor relations, collective bargaining and human resources management;
    • employee classification and compensation;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communications skills;
    • negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
  • Skill in writing technical contract provisions;
  • Ability to
    • effectively conduct investigations;
    • analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures;
    • counsel employees;
    • effectively serve as an advocate;
    • strategically plan and apply innovative solutions to workforce problems;
    • prepare for and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings;
  • 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

  • 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.
  • A Master's degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
  • A law degree may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.




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