LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

POSITION: LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN RESOURCES, LEGAL COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR

SUPERVISES: OTHER STAFF AS ASSIGNED

BARGAINING UNIT: NON-BARGAINING

Summary of Responsibility:

Under the direct supervision of the Department Director, this position assists with confidential employee relations, strategic collective bargaining, and risk management functions across the municipal organization, applying the letter and spirit of laws related to fair employment practices and collective bargaining. The position promotes departmental goals and advocates for a productive management-union working environment, while balancing the diverse interests of internal and external stakeholders, including leadership of the Town and Board of Education.

Essential Functions:

1. Assists Director in the planning and implementation of a strategic program of employee and labor relations to build a positive work environment, and prevent and mediate employee disputes and grievances. Assists with administration of internal systems and processes that ensure compliance with fair employment practice laws, labor relations/contract administration regulations and the municipal classification system.

2. Works with department directors, internal/external stakeholders (e.g., Town leaders, staff and leadership of the Board of Education and other public agencies) on organization-wide policies, programs, and collective bargaining strategy. May assist with community engagement and public inquiries, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

3. Helps to execute bargaining strategy to reach binding agreements and recommends strategy on bargaining language and settlement options while building a consensus and balancing multiple stakeholders’ interests. Represents management in labor-management and administrative meetings.

4. Conducts and supports fact-findings, administrative reviews, and internal investigations, and prepares reports and response documents. Conducts research (including legal research) and analysis and recommends effective options for conflict resolution and/or progressive discipline. Works with Town legal counsel on matters filed in state and federal courts, or administrative agencies.

5. Proactively stays abreast of trends related to currently assigned and new job functions, attends training for new regulations and reporting requirements and may participate in the development and delivery of training programs for supervisors and staff.

6. Engages in special assignments and performs related duties as assigned. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or a logical assignment to the position.

Human Resources – Labor Relations Specialist

Qualifications and Competencies:

1. Applicants must possess a J.D. at the time of hire, and secure Connecticut bar admission within one year of hire.

2. Strong writing and analytical abilities, with a demonstrated understanding of legal research and writing principles and strong oral communication skills. Proficient use of Microsoft Office products, including MS Word.

3. Must demonstrate an interest and aptitude for the principles and theories of fair employment practice laws and civil rights regulations, and must demonstrate good judgement in applying the same in the public employment arena.

4. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop trusting relationships with staff at all levels within and outside of the organization, while working with information and records that are highly confidential and complex in nature.

5. Commitment to implement initiatives that help managers foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

6. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing needs and issues, and work in a collegial manner as an individual contributor, teammate or team leader.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

2. Frequently is required to walk and sit.

3. Ability to lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds.

4. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

5. The dexterity necessary to utilize a computer keyboard on a regular basis is essential.

6. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work that may be performed.

The Town of Rocky Hill is an EEO/AA employer and complies with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act.