Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

• Serves as a subject matter expert and provides guidance to the Division of Operations' employees and leaders on HCPSS policies, procedures, as well as federal and state regulations.
• Investigates and provides guidance on reports of bullying, harassment, and intimidation (BHI) in accordance with HCPSS policies and procedures. Conducts fact-finding through acquiring and analyzing documentary and testimonial evidence in order to prepare Reports of Investigation.
• Provides guidance to supervisors on workplace investigations. Conducts and/or attends due process meetings in accordance with HCPSS policy. Drafts recommendations and disciplinary letters on behalf of the Division of Operations leaders.
• Assists with the development and facilitation of training programs related to Employee and Labor Relations policies, procedures, workplace investigations, best practices, and grievance mitigation.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with labor partners (e.g., AFSCME and HCEA-ESP) and attend labor management meetings with labor partners. Serves as a key participant of the collective bargaining team.
• Facilitates reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and religious accommodations for staff assigned to the Division of Operations.
• Prepares weekly case study reports for the purpose of providing professional development opportunities to leaders within the Division of Operations.

The above list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of ADA regulations, guidelines and standards applicable to an education and/or workplace setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of related Federal and State privacy laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated skill in interview and investigation techniques, including ability to actively listen.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
• Strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Intermediate skills in the use of computers and related software applications.
• Ability to investigate, analyze information, and draw conclusions based on HCPSS policies and procedures, union agreements and the law.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and advise supervisors/leader on the application of federal and state regulations in employment.
• Ability to communicate with and relate to individuals of diverse disabilities and backgrounds.
• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive confidential issues.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with time sensitive deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to create and deliver effective presentations to large and small audiences.
• Ability to occasionally work during a second shift as required (2:30 pm -10:00 pm), approximately 3-5% of the time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of direct experience collaborating with labor partners, mitigating grievance issues, or performing professional level human resource related tasks (e.g., recruiting/staffing, benefits, compensation, payroll, classification, employee relations, Labor Relations, etc.).
• Two (2) years of experience conducting workplace or school-based/student investigations.
• One (1) year of experience interpreting union contracts and organizational policies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience interpreting union contracts and organizational policies in a PreK-12 or college/university setting.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Professional Human Resources Certification (e.g., SHRM, HRCI, IPMA, etc.).
• Certification in mediation or alternate dispute resolution (ADR).
• Master’s degree, from an accredited college or university, in human resources, legal studies, employment law, business, or a closely related field.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements and preferred qualifications of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable.
For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
This is a 12-month per year position in the Executive employee unit. The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $138,397. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.
Under the HCPSS Telework Program, this position is eligible for telework up to one day per week. Telework schedules will be determined by the department and/or supervisor. Telework during the probationary period will be subject to approval and based on the needs of the department and the school system.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Only applicants who submit all the requested information by the closing date of the vacancy will be considered for this position. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experiences and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Please note that a completed application includes:

• A complete application form that includes a listing of employment locations with dates of employment and names of direct supervisors.
• All supplemental materials (i.e.: resume, letter of introduction, transcripts) required to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications.

• Serves as a subject matter expert and provides guidance to the Division of Operations' employees and leaders on HCPSS policies, procedures, as well as federal and state regulations.
• Investigates and provides guidance on reports of bullying, harassment, and intimidation (BHI) in accordance with HCPSS policies and procedures. Conducts fact-finding through acquiring and analyzing documentary and testimonial evidence in order to prepare Reports of Investigation.
• Provides guidance to supervisors on workplace investigations. Conducts and/or attends due process meetings in accordance with HCPSS policy. Drafts recommendations and disciplinary letters on behalf of the Division of Operations leaders.
• Assists with the development and facilitation of training programs related to Employee and Labor Relations policies, procedures, workplace investigations, best practices, and grievance mitigation.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with labor partners (e.g., AFSCME and HCEA-ESP) and attend labor management meetings with labor partners. Serves as a key participant of the collective bargaining team.
• Facilitates reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and religious accommodations for staff assigned to the Division of Operations.
• Prepares weekly case study reports for the purpose of providing professional development opportunities to leaders within the Division of Operations.

The above list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of ADA regulations, guidelines and standards applicable to an education and/or workplace setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of related Federal and State privacy laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated skill in interview and investigation techniques, including ability to actively listen.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
• Strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Intermediate skills in the use of computers and related software applications.
• Ability to investigate, analyze information, and draw conclusions based on HCPSS policies and procedures, union agreements and the law.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and advise supervisors/leader on the application of federal and state regulations in employment.
• Ability to communicate with and relate to individuals of diverse disabilities and backgrounds.
• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive confidential issues.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with time sensitive deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to create and deliver effective presentations to large and small audiences.
• Ability to occasionally work during a second shift as required (2:30 pm -10:00 pm), approximately 3-5% of the time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of direct experience collaborating with labor partners, mitigating grievance issues, or performing professional level human resource related tasks (e.g., recruiting/staffing, benefits, compensation, payroll, classification, employee relations, Labor Relations, etc.).
• Two (2) years of experience conducting workplace or school-based/student investigations.
• One (1) year of experience interpreting union contracts and organizational policies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience interpreting union contracts and organizational policies in a PreK-12 or college/university setting.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Professional Human Resources Certification (e.g., SHRM, HRCI, IPMA, etc.).
• Certification in mediation or alternate dispute resolution (ADR).
• Master’s degree, from an accredited college or university, in human resources, legal studies, employment law, business, or a closely related field.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements and preferred qualifications of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable.
For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
This is a 12-month per year position in the Executive employee unit. The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $138,397. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.
Under the HCPSS Telework Program, this position is eligible for telework up to one day per week. Telework schedules will be determined by the department and/or supervisor. Telework during the probationary period will be subject to approval and based on the needs of the department and the school system.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Only applicants who submit all the requested information by the closing date of the vacancy will be considered for this position. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experiences and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Please note that a completed application includes:

• A complete application form that includes a listing of employment locations with dates of employment and names of direct supervisors.
• All supplemental materials (i.e.: resume, letter of introduction, transcripts) required to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications.