LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Position Overview

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Human Resources Specialist to join the Office of Labor Relations, within the Office of the Director. Meets with and/or confers with agency managers, supervisors and employee representatives, answering inquiries and advising them of their rights and obligations as they pertain to labor contract interpretations, personnel rules, the state’s pay plan and agency policies and practices. Develops and conducts training, e.g. discipline, grievance handling, basic contract training, etc. Meets with and/or confers with supervisors and/or managers to obtain facts related to grievances, analyzes information and presents summary to supervisor prior to third level grievance hearings. Conducts and/or participates in third level grievance hearings as the Director’s designee drafting decisions, Memorandum of Understandings and/or resolutions, disseminates reports of grievance resolutions advising as to their application. Reports overtime, temporary assignment and personal service contract/temporary employee information to the appropriate unions. Processes employee discipline with Divisions, Department of Central Management Services’ staff, and affected unions. Provides written and verbal advice to agency managers and supervisors regarding disciplinary measures (appropriate level and ability to defend contemplated actions). Reviews, writes and approves charges for discipline. As directed; guides team members from the various divisions in developing and implementing negotiating strategies, represents district/bureau management in labor/management meetings.  Prepares response, recommendations and documentation as appropriate concerning the issues raised. Coordinates the distribution of upward mobility program information and yearly counseling opportunities.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety. 

Essential Functions

• Assists with implementation of the statewide Code Labor and Employee Relations Programs and activities of the Illinois State Police (ISP) encompassing all employees in the AFSCME, Illinois Federation of Public Employees, Illinois State Employees Associate and Trade unions.
• Independently investigates employee grievances (including non-contract code-grievances) and unfair labor practice charges.
• Coordinates and ensures preparation of agency reporting obligations.
• Processes code employee disciplinary actions.
• Participates as a member of the Department’s negotiating team at agency supplemental negotiations.
• Serves as the agency Upward Mobility Program Coordinator.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, with coursework in business administration, public administration or Labor Relations.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience in Labor Relations or a related field.
• Requires one (1) year experience working with senior level management and union representatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience with the interpretation and application of labor relations/collective bargaining principles and practices.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience in a labor relations position or a dedicated human resource position.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience interpreting and applying statutes, administrative rules and department policies.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience serving as a department representative, speaking at various meetings to management on behalf of a program.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience performing detailed research and presenting results and recommendations effectively in writing.
• Prefers two (2) years of professional experience communicating with both internal and external stakeholders orally and in writing.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience developing training content and/or conducting in-person training in a group setting.
• Prefers one (1) year of professional experience applying advanced writing techniques to develop such things as memorandum of understanding, program annual reports, after action reports, or investigative reports.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience in a professional setting exercising discretion, judgment, and confidentiality.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to successfully pass an ISP background check.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to successfully pass a drug screen.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job descriptions.

Benefits Package

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
  • 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
  • Pension Plan
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
  • Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
  • Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
  • Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
  • Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.