DOC Labor Relations Specialist

State of Illinois • Springfield, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a representative of Management in the Labor Relations setting. This position performs highly confidential, sensitive administrative tasks in a diverse agency. This position serves as the liaison of Management for employee grievances and contract issues. The ideal candidate will be able to process information and materials in a timely manner and convey information effectively through both written and oral reporting. This position is responsible for handling 3rd level grievances on a monthly basis and providing direction and sound recommendations to Executive staff. The ideal candidate would be a self-motivated, task oriented, organized individual with strong interpersonal and communication skills. A background in policy and procedure, as well as working knowledge of the Union contracts would be a plus for our ideal candidate. We are looking for an energetic candidate looking to be an integral part of the Managerial Team, working with both administrative staff at the institution level as well as executive staff at the Department of Corrections.

Requirements

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in Labor Relations, business or public administration
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization
• Requires ability to travel occasionally; overnight stays may be required
• Requires valid and current driver's license
• Requires ability to carry a state cell phone
• Requires ability to work overtime on as needed basis
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience working in a Correctional agency and/or facility
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience hearing grievances
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience implementing an employee discipline process at a public or private organization
• Prefers at least three (3) years of communicating and interacting with management representatives of government, private industry, and/or the general public.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience researching and interpreting bargaining unit contracts
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience negotiating within a union setting
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience working with and maintaining confidential information
• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional working experience in a State Government labor relations office
• A background in policy and procedure, as well as working knowledge of the Union contracts would be a plus for our ideal candidate.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a Labor Relations Specialist performing professional labor relations functions for the Department of Corrections
• Serves as spokesperson for the Assistant Manager and Manager of Labor Relations, and the Department of Labor Relations issues affecting respective facilities and other specific Labor Relations cases and assignments
• Hears third level grievances for the facilities
• Provides training and functional direction to Employee Review Hearing Officers and second
• Participates in master contract negotiations, supplemental negotiations, etc
• Represents the Assistant Manager and Manager of Labor and the Department as the coordinator with Central Management Services, Labor Relations, and Legal staff, for the arbitration process on cases within the facilities
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules in some program areas (flexible time and hybrid options)
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
• Full 20-year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefits programs
• Paid state holidays 13-14 days annually
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12-hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level