STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Labor Relations Specialist

Recruitment #230608-5256MP-001

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Introduction

THE POSITION
The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Labor Relations Specialist within the Office of Labor Relations (OLR).

HIGHLIGHTS
This is a full time (40 hours per week) position conveniently located in Hartford, CT.  This recruitment may be considered for future Labor Relations Specialist opportunities within OPM. 

  • LOCATION: OPM, Office of Labor Relations
  • ADDRESS: 450 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
  • WORK HOURS: Full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week
  • SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
  • Independently perform a full range of labor relations activities related to the administration of collective bargaining agreements.
  • Provide counsel to agencies on labor relations matters and interpretations of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) for the majority of executive branch agencies in the State of Connecticut. 
  • Work as lead or second negotiator on a CBA. 
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU 
  • You will get to work with a team that will appreciate your creativity and ability to problem-solve.
  • Every day will present something new, different, and interesting.
  • To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
  • We offer a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year. 
  • We encourage a strong work/life balance for all state employees, including to the potential for hybrid telework options. 
  • We offer opportunities for professional and personal growth. 
ABOUT US
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.   

YOUR ROLE
In this position you will be accountable for independently performing a full range of labor relations activities related to the administration of collective bargaining agreements. 

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to create and maintain ongoing relationships with various stakeholders and parties, including commissioners, union representatives and agency employees, will have a willingness to present oral arguments in person, will have a desire to work in a team environment with flexible assignments and evolving priorities, and will be able to make independent decisions and defend complex factual and legal matters in legal proceedings. 

Learn more about making an impaCT by serving the state of Connecticut by watching the video below:

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.
To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • Please select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location.
  • 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 opm.recruitment@ct.gov.
After You Apply: 
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board daily to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders daily in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam. 
  • 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, 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. 
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
Connect With Us:
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. 
  • If have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact opm.recruitment@ct.gov. 
  • Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn. 

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

In this position the incumbent will perform the following duties:
  • Hear grievance appeals at the OLR level;
  • Represent the State in arbitrations and administrative hearings;
  • Provide counsel to agencies on labor relations matters and interpretations of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA);
  • Work as lead or second negotiator on a CBA;
  • Handle a large caseload bringing numerous issues to resolution under specific time frames dictated by statute, regulation or CBA; and 
  • Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines;
    • collective bargaining and labor relations;
    • rules of evidence;
    • rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies;
  • Knowledge of
    • human resources administration and affirmative action;
    • public sector job classification, compensation and benefits;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • negotiating skill;
    • skill in writing technical contract provisions;
  • Considerable ability to
    • interpret and apply statutes, contracts and regulations;
    • apply judicial and administrative decisions to provisions of labor agreements;
    • 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

  • 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.
  • A law degree or a Master's degree in labor relations may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.
  • For state employees one (1) year of experience at the level of a Labor Relations Associate may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will have the following:
  • An active State of Connecticut law license;
  • Experience presenting oral arguments in formal legal proceedings before independent fact-finders such as arbitrators, administrative bodies and in mediations; and
  • Experience drafting legal briefs or other advocacy writings.

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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