Senior Labor Relations & Employment Practices Specialist

Recruitment #032919-MACG02-160401

Summary Statement

The State of Delaware, Department of Human Resources, seeks a Specialist to represent State agencies in collective bargaining negotiations, grievance and arbitration hearings, proceedings before Delaware's Public Employment Relations Board, and related to charges of discrimination filed with the US EEOC and the Delaware Department of Labor. The position serves as a Hearing Officer for the State Merit System and provides guidance/direction to State agencies for interpreting/applying collective bargaining agreements, statutes, court decisions, Merit Rules, and other employment practices.

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

1.Possession of a Juris Doctorate OR possession of a Master's degree in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Legal Studies.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Interprets, applies and provides day-to-day leadership, guidance and training on all labor relations and employment practices and issues from the perspective of the State of Delaware as an employer to include collective bargaining agreements, Merit Rules, applicable state and federal laws, court decisions, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
     
  • Serves as chief spokesperson for employer in negotiation of labor contracts for all branches of government.
     
  • Facilitates harmonious working relationships among all parties in labor relations and employment practices related cases.
     
  • Leads and coordinates development of labor contract proposals.
     
  • Reviews and analyzes existing contracts and those of other public employers as well as pertinent grievance and arbitration awards.
     
  • Conducts and coordinates research concerning comparative contract negotiation settlements, assists in recommending economic guidelines for settlement, conducts research into pertinent labor relations issues to develop negotiating positions and strategies, reviews cost and impact analyses of union proposals and analyzes impact of non-economic proposals.
     
  • Drafts and negotiates precise technical contract language to effectuate agreements; facilitates mediation process; prepares and presents State's case at binding rights and interest arbitration; prepares exhibits and witnesses; advises and counsels agency officials in labor relations.
     
  • Conducts Merit Rule grievance hearings as Director’s designee.
     
  • Conducts pre-arbitration grievance meetings as designee of Human Resource Management Director.
     
  • Responds to unfair labor practice complaints, ensures consistency of policies and procedures and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements.
     
  • Represents State in administrative proceedings before PERB, EEOC, Delaware DOL, U.S. DOL.
     
  • Conducts projects and studies.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Senior Labor Relations and Employment Practices Specialist
Applicants must have education, training, and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or related field OR a Human Resource Certification such as NPELRA, SHRM, or IPMA, OR for current State employees, the Statewide Human Resources Certification. 
  2. At least three years experience performing professional labor relations, employee relations, employment practices, or human resource management activities. 
  3. Three years experience in interpreting labor relations or employment practices laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
  4. Three years experience in developing solutions and providing recommendations, guidance and direction to management/officials in accomplishing organizational and operational goals and objectives and identifying and resolving issues.
  5. Six months experience in developing labor relations or employment practices policies or procedures.
  6. Knowledge of strategic planning as it relates to developing key objectives, strategies and activities for accomplishing those objectives.  

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at www.delawarestatejobs.com.

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.