Labor Relations Specialist

New York State Housing Finance Agency•Town of Guilderland, NY

About The Position

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. The Office of Professional Services (OPS) is responsible for all administrative and support services, including Human Resources, Communications and Public Information, Legal Affairs, Fair Housing, Policy Development, Competitive Procurement and Contract Management, Fiscal Planning, Accounting and Treasury Services, Facilities and Building Management Services, Internal Audit, Project Management and Information Technology Services. OPS values professionals that enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and who have the skills required to effectively plan, direct, and coordinate HCR’s wide array of support services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience or six years of experience performing various human resources/labor relations activities such as investigations, employee relations, contract interpretation. An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position may be considered at the discretion of the Agency.
Ability to manage complicated issues, act in good judgement and make informed decisions
Experience in conducting workplace investigations and drafting reports on said investigations
Demonstrated problem solving abilities
Must possess high credibility and commitment to confidentiality and professional integrity
Must be able to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
Excellent interpersonal skills
Demonstrated research, analytical and time management skills
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with verbal and written communication.
Ability to navigate Word, Excel, Share point, Webex and other Microsoft Office programs.

Nice To Haves

Union experience in both public and non-profit sector preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain an ongoing dialogue with DC-37, PEF, CSEA and UAW
Participation in labor/management committees and quarterly labor/management meetings;
Participation in Health and Safety meetings and committees
Serve as a resource for management re: labor relations techniques and practices, including collaboration with the Office of Training and Development to conduct related training for Agency staff;
Annual WPV site reviews across the agency, including working with OTPD on yearly WPV training module;
Conduct field visits to HCR's various locations to assess and address labor relations issues;
Assist in administering labor contracts for DC-37, PEF, CSEA and UAW;
Advise and assist HCR staff on the discipline process and encourage proactive practices to minimize the need for disciplinary actions;
Investigate employee misconduct, gather information and address issues, accordingly;
Investigate workplace violence incident reports, gather information and address issues, accordingly;
Consult with HCR staff regarding conduct that may require disciplinary action, recommend appropriate penalties and prepare drafts of Notices of Discipline for review and approval by the Labor Relations Manager, Director of Human Resources Management and the Office of Legal Affairs;
Represent HCR at disciplinary appeal hearings before an independent arbitrator;
Conduct grievance hearings for contract and non- contract grievances;
May supervise lower level professional and support staff in the Office of Human Resources Management.
Administers employee discipline and grievance procedures in accordance with three collective bargaining agreements; coordinates with upper management from the three integrated entities that comprise Homes and Community Renewal.
Provides advice to supervisors and managers to ensure proper interpretation and administration of contract provisions, especially in the context of an integrated agency.
Employee Relations Liaison with HR Specialist/Agency Units;
Scheduler for Interrogations, hearings, mtgs for various LR matters;
General Office duties – typing, filing, copying, research or file review, updating and maintaining LR policy and procedures information and online tracking;
Review and comment on Formal Counseling's, along with tracking or approval for filing;

Benefits

Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits [https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement] with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals
Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays
Opportunity for compressed scheduling
12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave
Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling
As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service] (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans] and while working full-time for an eligible [https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment] employer.
Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses
Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)
Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300