STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Agency Labor Relations Specialist

Hybrid

Recruitment #260204-5257MP-001

Introduction



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

The State of Connecticut, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), for a motivated and talented candidate to join our team as an Agency Labor Relations Specialist! This position will serve as a labor relations specialist within the CTECS labor relations unit.

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
  • LOCATION: Hartford, CT - with the opportunity to telework. Some travel may be required.
  • SHIFT: Full-time, first shift, 40 hours per week
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU 
OUR MISSION
Through exemplary trade and academic programming, CTECS prepares trade-bound students to meet the skilled workforce needs in Connecticut.

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.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library 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 Pamela Rochette at Pamela.Rochette@ct.gov

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

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.

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.


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