ASSOCIATE LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS)
About The Position
Serves as a liaison between union representatives and management. Supports labor relations efforts during contract negotiations, impact bargaining sessions, and documents proceedings. Assists with collective bargaining issues and helps determine negotiation positions, policies and strategy. Coordinates and attends strategy meetings, negotiation sessions, and assists in the compilation of negotiation proposals. Documents all management proposals and assists in documentation of union negotiation proposals and maintains control of all tentative agreements in negotiations. Provides assistance to Labor Counsel, the Assistant State's Attorneys outside counsel, union representatives and other entities regarding various labor related issues. Maintains accurate record keeping of databases, records, and information from past grievance files, personnel records, salary grades of specific union job classifications, and previous union labor agreement files. Consults with senior leadership in matters of highest confidentiality and may assist in policy changes and courses of action.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree or higher
- One (1) year of business administration, public administration, labor relations, human resources or directly related experience
- An equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.
- Knowledge of labor laws, government regulations, and labor relations functions, including collective bargaining agreements and applicable legal frameworks.
- Skilled in basic negotiation strategies with unions, government officials, managers, and legal teams to resolve disputes, manage grievances, and reach mutually beneficial agreements on labor matters.
- Ability to effectively maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain standard policies, negotiate with various parties, and handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ability to provide basic insight, advice and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in an assigned functional area.
- Ability to operate as a team player and communicate specialized knowledge team members, managers, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to analyze and interpret CBAs, in public administration and healthcare operations, ensuring compliance with labor laws.
- Ability to travel throughout Cook County.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a liaison between union representatives and management.
- Supports labor relations efforts during contract negotiations, impact bargaining sessions, and documents proceedings.
- Assists with collective bargaining issues and helps determine negotiation positions, policies and strategy.
- Coordinates and attends strategy meetings, negotiation sessions, and assists in the compilation of negotiation proposals.
- Documents all management proposals and assists in documentation of union negotiation proposals and maintains control of all tentative agreements in negotiations.
- Provides assistance to Labor Counsel, the Assistant State's Attorneys outside counsel, union representatives and other entities regarding various labor related issues.
- Maintains accurate record keeping of databases, records, and information from past grievance files, personnel records, salary grades of specific union job classifications, and previous union labor agreement files.
- Consults with senior leadership in matters of highest confidentiality and may assist in policy changes and courses of action.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- Voluntary Benefits
- You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
- hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
