Public Service Coordinator I - Labor Relations Specialist

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Employee Relations is by law the Governor's designee to carry out the employer functions of the State under the State Employees Labor Relations Act ("SELRA"). Accordingly, the Office is responsible for all matters concerning the collective bargaining process and for the development and implementation of employee relations policies for all departments and agencies within the Executive Branch of State Government. As a Labor Relations Specialist in the Office of Employee Relations, you will: Represent the Executive Branch in collective bargaining, grievances, mediation and arbitration; Provide guidance on the State’s eight collective bargaining agreements; Hear grievances of State employees and write decisions based on the presentations of the parties; Mediate resolutions to grievances and collective bargaining disputes; Research bargaining history and case facts; Act as chief negotiator in impact bargaining and labor/management committees. In carrying out the duties described above, it is critical to establish and maintain professional relationships with State HR professionals, agency heads and managers, arbitrators, and Union representatives. In addition to the competencies below, this position requires strong oral and written communication skills, ability to maintain effective working relationships, critical thinking ability, the ability to multi-task and travel statewide as necessary. Candidates must be able to demonstrate competencies in the following areas: Analytical Thinking - The ability to identify key issues in a problem or situation, examining interpersonal, personal, political and situational variables. Creativity -The ability to recognize and make recommendations when there is a need for new/modified approaches. Customer-Focused – The ability to probe for the real, underlying needs of employee or manager seeking assistance and to match those to available options. Effective Communications – The ability to negotiate solutions to problems or obstacles while maintaining positive relationships with others. Integrity – The ability to choose actions in accordance with agency vision and applicable laws, even when in conflict with personal preference. Sound Judgment – The ability to evaluate facts, analyze information, reach logical conclusions and make sound recommendations. Supportive Coaching – The ability to share experiences to help others recognize what has worked well in the past and what can be improved.

Requirements

strong oral and written communication skills
ability to maintain effective working relationships
critical thinking ability
the ability to multi-task and travel statewide as necessary
Analytical Thinking - The ability to identify key issues in a problem or situation, examining interpersonal, personal, political and situational variables.
Creativity -The ability to recognize and make recommendations when there is a need for new/modified approaches.
Customer-Focused – The ability to probe for the real, underlying needs of employee or manager seeking assistance and to match those to available options.
Effective Communications – The ability to negotiate solutions to problems or obstacles while maintaining positive relationships with others.
Integrity – The ability to choose actions in accordance with agency vision and applicable laws, even when in conflict with personal preference.
Sound Judgment – The ability to evaluate facts, analyze information, reach logical conclusions and make sound recommendations.
Supportive Coaching – The ability to share experiences to help others recognize what has worked well in the past and what can be improved.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated understanding and experience working with collective bargaining agreements.
Experience in Human Resources in a unionized workplace is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Represent the Executive Branch in collective bargaining, grievances, mediation and arbitration
Provide guidance on the State’s eight collective bargaining agreements
Hear grievances of State employees and write decisions based on the presentations of the parties
Mediate resolutions to grievances and collective bargaining disputes
Research bargaining history and case facts
Act as chief negotiator in impact bargaining and labor/management committees

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 18.91% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.