STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Agency Labor Relations Specialist

Hybrid

Recruitment #251211-5257MP-002

Introduction



Are you looking for an opportunity to join the largest high school system in the state? If so, then the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) might just have the opportunity you've been looking for!

At the  State of Connecticut, CTECS we are recruiting for a motivated and talented candidate to join our team as an Agency Labor Relations Specialist! This position will serve as the sole mediator for the Agency as an outgrowth of the Labor-Management conflict resolution partnership in an effort to ameliorate conflict at the lowest level.   

For over 100 years, we have been the leading force in Career Technical Education (CTE) in the State of Connecticut. CTECS operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, one technical education center and two airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance programs. The school system provides a direct employment pipeline for high school students and adult learners.

What we can offer you:

  • View our State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
  • The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.  Click here for more information.
What you will be doing:
In this position, you will provide consultative services to our CTECS high schools throughout the State, as well as the staff at the CTECS Central Office in Hartford.   You will play an integral role managing the relationships between the CTECS and the State Employee Bargaining Units to ensure the delivery of services to our employees and students.  

Working in the CTECS will provide an opportunity to assist in labor relations matters such as conducting investigations, overseeing the performance management system, union contract negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues. This position is accountable for independently performing labor relations activities within the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System.
        Position Highlights:
        • Full-time 40 hours per week
        • Hybrid
        • Work Shift: First
        • Location: Hartford with the opportunity to telework. Some travel may be required.

        Selection Plan

        FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

        Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?  Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

        BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

        • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
        • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting. 
        • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
        • Preferred Shift/Location: 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 or shift. 
        • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
        • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
        • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

        AFTER YOU APPLY: 

        • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
        • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
        • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
        • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
        • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

        QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

        Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Ethan Ives at Ethan.Ives@ct.gov 

        Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

        PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

        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.

        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.

        PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

        • Bachelor's Degree or above
        • Experience independently conducting fact-finding meetings and investigations
        • Experience writing investigatory reports
        • Experience interpreting and advising on State of Connecticut policies, procedures, statutes, and bargaining unit contracts
        • Experience providing labor relations-related consultation to an agency’s senior leadership team on employee relations matters
        • Experience providing labor relations support in a matrixed agency or organization
        • Experience collaborating with Human Resources and Equal Employment Opportunity staff on labor relations matters

        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.


        Click on a link below to apply for this position:

        Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.