Agency Labor Relations Specialist

The State of Connecticut is seeking a talented Agency Labor Relations Specialist to provide employee and labor relations services to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  The successful candidate will have strong leadership abilities, and will be able to independently guide and advise agency leadership, managers, supervisors, and employees on complex labor relations issues.

While this position will be physically located in DMV, it will report to the State of Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management's (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR), which serves as the Governor's designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, for collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch state employees.

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. (Note: 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, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. State employees currently holding the above title or those who have previously attained permanent status in this class may apply for a lateral transfer. Questions about these required documents or any other phase of this recruitment should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: Tracey.Butler@CT.Gov .  

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.  

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. *For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before individuals are certified for appointment.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. 

Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. 

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position.   · 

If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide last 2 service ratings and non-state employees may be required to provide 2 current letters of professional reference.

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 will be accountable for acting as a working supervisor or for independently performing labor relations activities that involves collective bargaining agreements not under the jurisdiction of the Office of Labor Relations.

Examples of duties:

• Conducts a variety of investigations/inquires 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, including contract interpretation and employee discipline;
• Coordinates labor relations activities to assure consistency in the application of policies and procedures, and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements;
• 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; ·        Coordinates labor relations contract proposals;
• Prepares information and testimony concerning negotiated contracts or other labor relations matters;
• Facilitates dispute resolution through mediation;
• May administer agency employee assistance program and recommend counseling to employees;
• Performs related duties as required.    

• Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques, within a matrixed organization; 
• Knowledge of: labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources management, and relevant state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures; employee classification and compensation; 
• Considerable: interpersonal skills, oral and written communications skills, and negotiation and conflict resolution skills;   
• Ability to: effectively conduct investigations, and analyze and interpret collective bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures, and counsel employees; effectively serve as an advocate, supervise, and strategically plan and apply innovative solutions to workforce problems; prepare for and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings; 
• Skill in writing technical contract provisions, and some supervisory ability.

Eight (8) years of professional experience in labor relations or human resources management.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in the administration of investigations, progressive discipline, or handling of grievances and arbitrations. 

1. 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.

2. A Master's degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, public administration or other closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

3. A law degree may be substituted for two (2) additional years of the General Experience.

The successful candidate will possess:     

• Experience conducting investigations/inquiries and advising management on appropriate action;
• Experience administering and interpreting collective bargaining agreements, statutes, and HR policies and procedures;
• Experience administering progressive discipline;
• Experience hearing and presenting grievances at multiple steps;
• Experience advising and collaborating with executives, administrators, managers and supervisors and HR staff on collective bargaining agreements and other employee relations issues to minimize risks;
• Experience advising on performance management;
• Experience triaging crisis situations and recommending action;
• Experience identifying creative solutions to complex employee relations issues; 
• Experience negotiating and drafting settlement agreements.

1.    Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

2.    Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

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.