LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant's wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant's wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials .

Anna, IL, US, 62906

​ Job Requisition ID: 57022

Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 07/22/2026
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 19693
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $6,977 - $8,379 per month ($83,724 - $100,548 er year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Confidential (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC062 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce an opening for a Human Resources Specialist for the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, located in Anna, Illinois. The Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center is seeking to hire a detail-oriented individual to serve as the Labor Relations Specialist at Choate and will participate in the administering of negotiated collective bargaining agreements and serve as advisor to the Facility Director, and other management staff on Labor Relations matters involving collective bargaining agreements and provides comments on interpretation of contractual provisions.

Essential Functions

• Under direction of the Human Resources Director and Labor Relations Administrator, serves as the Labor Relations Specialist at the Choate Mental Health & Developmental Center.
• Serves as management representative for local labor-management discussions.
• Serves as consultant to facility investigators and other agencies, internal and external, regarding reporting of incidents.
• Serves as contact for Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Serves as lead worker.
• Provides materials for State negotiations and 3rd and 4th level grievances.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires two (2) years of professional human resources experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience working with human resources and labor relations, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Two (2) years of professional experience with labor relation activities, including negotiations, grievances and contract interpretations, while utilizing ethical practices and procedures.
• Two (2) years of professional personnel experience in a private or public organization maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with professionalism.
• Two (2) years of professional experience providing advice and counsel to employees and senior leaders regarding labor relations issues.
• Two (2) years of professional experience communicating with both internal and external stakeholders daily ensuring detailed and critical analysis of work performed.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience and/or lead worker experience including assigning work, providing guidance to subordinates and training staff.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
• Requires the ability to work after business hours, weekends and holidays.
• Requires the ability to utilize office equipment, including personal computers.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch

Headquarter Location: 1000 N Main St, Anna, Illinois, 62906

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Choate Mental Health & Developmental Center

Human Resources

Work County: Union

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Employee Services; Social Services

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Statement of Economic Interest

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

Salary : $83,724 - $100,548