Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is currently recruiting for multiple Leadership Associate positions, in the functional role of Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee, within the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). The qualified individuals for these positions will be appointed to the target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist upon completion of the applicable training period. These are full-time positions assigned to provide labor relations services to one or more assigned customer agency(ies) within the Executive Branch of Connecticut State Government. This recruitment may be considered for future Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee opportunities within OPM, for locations in the Greater Hartford and surrounding areas. OPM reports directly to the Governor and provides information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. OLR serves as the Governor’s designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, on collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch State employees. In this position you will be trained to provide consultative services to assigned customer Agency(ies) on a variety of issues that impact the mission of the organization. You will be expected to play an integral role in managing the relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agency to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents. Working in OLR will provide an opportunity to participate in labor relations matters such as investigations, union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues. This position is accountable for independently performing labor relations activities for the assigned customer Agency.

Requirements

Considerable oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Considerable ability to understand and apply state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
Ability to analyze and solve problems
Ability to effect and manage change
Ability to plan for and implement excellent customer service
Ability to learn a new knowledge base in functional area
Ability to learn and apply policy and procedure
Managerial aptitude
Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated class at the completion of the development program.

Nice To Haves

Experience in labor relations and/or human resources
Experience analyzing and interpreting Collective Bargaining agreements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures
Experience conducting employee investigations and making recommendations for corrective action
Experience with performance management and conflict resolution for employees
Experience with the grievance and arbitration process
Experience working in a high-volume working environment

Responsibilities

Perform the full range of basic labor relations functions within the assigned Agency(ies), conducting a variety of investigations and recommending appropriate action
Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements
Administer progressive discipline
Advise executives, administrators, managers and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements, and other employee relations issues, including contract interpretation and employee discipline
Conduct labor relations activities to assure consistency in the application of policies and procedures, and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements
Triage crisis situations and recommend appropriate action in conjunction with appointing authority
Conduct agency-level grievance conferences with agency and union officials, and respond on behalf of agency
Analyze complex workplace situations and issues and leverage solutions
Provide labor relations guidance, training and support to assigned agency(ies) in the administration of their performance management systems
Prepare and maintain relevant documentation
Serve as member of labor contract negotiating teams, as assigned
Prepare information and testimony concerning negotiated contracts or other labor relations matters