Assistant Legal Counsel - Labor And Employee Relations

Position Type:
Human Resources/Labor Relations/Legal Counsel
Date Posted:
12/20/2023
Location:
Central Office
Date Available:
December/2023
Assistant Legal Counsel - Labor & Employee Relations
Central Office
2023-2024
Reports to: Executive Director of Human Resources and Legal Counsel
Position Overview:
The Assistant Legal Counsel - Labor and Employee Relations will report to the Executive Director of Human Resources and Legal Counsel. In coordination with the Executive Director/Legal Counsel, the Assistant Legal Counsel will represent Norwalk Public Schools (the District") in grievance and other labor proceedings, administrative matters and hearings, and other related legal matters. The Assistant Legal Counsel will also conduct investigations concerning staff misconduct, sexual harassment complaints, and allegations of discrimination and provide Legal Counsel to District and school leaders.
The summary below describes the general nature and scope of work performed in this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represents the District in: Grievance hearings, State labor hearings, internal investigations, CHRO and EEOC matters, court proceedings, and assists the Executive Director in meetings with union leaders.
• Conducts investigations of staff misconduct, allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, and other issues.
• Responsible for responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
• Provides training to the district and school administrators and staff on federal and state employment and labor laws
• Provides advisory services to District officials, school principals, and other leaders on Labor and Employee Relations regulations, statutes, policies and procedures.
• In cooperation with the Executive Director/Legal Counsel, ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements, employee rights laws and regulations, and carries out responsibilities under the supervision of the Executive Director/Legal Counsel.
• Advises the HR team, District officials, and school leaders on questions of union contract interpretation. In cooperation with Executive Director/Legal Counsel, interfaces with union representatives and Employees regarding grievances and other formal and informal complaints.
• Issues disciplinary communications and other adverse employment actions under the direction of the Executive Director/Legal Counsel and on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools.
• In conjunction with the Executive Director/Legal Counsel develops or revises guidelines and procedures as well as establishes standard operating procedures and processes for the district staff.
• Communicates and interacts effectively with a wide range of stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Director/Legal Counsel and/or the Superintedent.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director/Legal Counsel, provides support and direction for workers' compensation and district unemployment programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools, the Executive Director/Legal Counsel, and/or the Board of Education.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree required
• Adminitted to Practice Law in Connecticut
• At least two years of labor, EEO, discrimination, and civil rights law experience.
• Education law experience preferred
• Excellent written and verbal skills to communicate factual and procedural information.
• Skill in the application of Labor and Employee Relations, EEO laws, civil rights and discrimination law, regulations, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of law affecting District programs such as equal employment opportunity laws, collective bargaining, including an understanding of the underlying principles related to their enforcement.
• Skill in fact finding, analysis, problem solving, writing, and consulting to identify problems and recommend solutions.
• Conflict resolution techniques sufficient to interact in occasional highly charged emotional situations.
• Knowledge of and experience in mediation and negotiation skills and techniques in order to effectively address complex Labor and EEO cases and issues.

Work Year: 12 Months (260 Days) (July 1 - June 30)
Salary: Competititve Salary Based on Experience
Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision/401(a)
Group: Unaffiliated
Apply at
www.norwalkpublicschools.org
Click "Employment"
NORWALK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of the Norwalk Board of Education to ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals and to prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, transgender status, or physical or mental disability.
12-20-23