Position Summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Labor Relations Specialist. Under general direction, this position will provide technical assistance to management staff on all disciplinary matters and will work to ensure timeliness of case investigation, document preparation, charge development, and the scheduling and conducting of pre-disciplinary and administrative meetings. The position will counsel management on disciplinary and employee relations actions and serve as intermediary between management and Central Office Labor Relations to ensure actions and interpretations are consistent throughout the Department and in accordance with contract requirements and agency policy and practices. This position provides a great opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented person who is interested in ensuring that all facets of the bargaining unit contract are applied appropriately and consistently. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership skills. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Job Responsibilities

1. Serves as Labor Relations Specialist

2. As assigned, serves as a hearing officer pursuant to the various relevant contractual provisions at the second and third levels of the grievance process

​​​​​​​3. Serves as a labor relations liaison, providing technical assistance on all negotiated collective bargaining contracts, state and federal statutes, executive orders, and DCFS policies relating to personnel practices

​​​​​​​4. In coordination with appropriate management staff, as directed, provides input into labor/management meetings and ongoing informal discussions with union representatives to communicate Department policies and listen to employee concerns

​​​​​​​5. Conducts formal training sessions for management staff regarding contract administration, collective bargaining agreement revisions, and labor relations policies

​​​​​​​6. Serves as an active member of the management team, providing members with information on various labor relations matters

7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college

2. Requires two years of professional human resources experience

Preferred Qualifications

1. 3 years of professional experience in the field of labor relations in a public or business organization

2. 3 years of professional experience working in the administration and application of collective bargaining contracts in a public or business organization

3. 2 years of professional experience working in the administration and application of Federal Merit Standards, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, and/or the Civil Rights Act in a public or business organization

4. 2 years of professional experience serving as a hearing officer regarding contractual provisions in a public or business organization

5. 2 years of professional experience serving in a liaison capacity in a public or business organization

6. 2 years of professional experience conducting formal training sessions in a public or business organization

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check

2. Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois. The Office of Employee Services works in a supportive capacity by managing human resources functions to enable front line workers to fulfill the Department’s mission of providing services for children and youth.