Labor Relations Specialist

Job Summary: The Labor Relations Specialist is responsible for assisting in the administration of labor relations policies. This includes interviewing and evaluating employee relations matters, such as work complaints, harassment or discrimination allegations, performance and conduct concerns, preparing disciplinary documents,  settling disciplinary cases prior to hearing or  addressing union relations matters.  The candidate is responsible for providing guidance to departments to ensure compliance with personnel rules and procedures, network policies, contractual agreements, labor and employment laws (Taylor Law, Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, New York State Civil Service Law, etc.),  Equal Employment Opportunity compliance, and applicable health regulations governing the staffing of hospitals.  These duties require establishing and maintaining close and effective working relationships with executive level and middle management positions. Does related work as required.

Responsibilities:

·         Investigates, interviews, collects information and evaluates employees relations matters such as harassment allegations, workplace complaints, performance deficiencies, or other concerns, , to determine course of action to be taken.

·         Prepares documents related to employee performance concerns, collective bargaining agreements, and disciplinary charges.

·         Prepares reports, collects data develops summaries, and reports status of Labor Relations matters, case activity, and analysis.

·         Prepares witnesses and evidence to be used in disciplinary hearings, arbitration, or other legal matters. Manages disciplinary cases through all steps of the Civil Service Section 75 procedures.

·         Interprets and administers all labor agreements and assists in resolving grievances, including serving as hearing officer for grievances.

·         Maintaining ongoing liaison with unions and union representatives.

·         Serve as Hearing Officer for grievances.

·         Interprets and implements procedures for compliance with New York State Civil Service Law, the Taylor Law, Fair Labor Standards and Americans with Disabilities Acts.

·         Acts as a representative of the Medical Center in the settlement of informal and formal labor grievances.

·         Trains, advises and counsels supervisory and management staff on effective labor relations, affirmative action, and personnel practices to ensure compliance to laws, regulations and policies, and to effectively motivate the workforce.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience where the primary function of the position was in human resources and/or labor relations, one year of which must have included handling employee relations matters, required.

Education:  A Bachelor's degree, required (preferably in industrial or labor relations, human resources, public administration or business administration, or a combination of education and related experience) A Master's degree in one of the above mentioned fields may be substituted for one year of experience. Education beyond the secondary level must be from an institution recognized or accredited by the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department as a post-secondary, degree-granting institution.

Licenses / Certifications:  

Other:  Thorough knowledge of the general principles and practices and procedures of modern labor relations, such as mediation, fact-finding, arbitration, contract administration and interpretation, contract negotiation and public personnel administration; good knowledge of labor and employment laws including the Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Family Medical Leave Act; knowledge of the organizational and operational structure and functions of a large organization; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with executive managers, medical, administrative and supervisory staff; interviewing skills; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments; ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position; sound professional judgment; tact; discretion; initiative; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.