Labor Relations Supervisor

Title: Labor Relations SupervisorCHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the General Direction of the Director of Human Resources, functions as the Human Resources labor/employee relations administrator for the Chicago Park District and performs related duties as required.EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:• Supervises labor/employee staff in executing labor/employee relations functions as described below.• Performs the full range of employee and labor relations functions including administering bargaining unit contracts and the employee grievance and disciplinary processes.• Provides guidance and advises management staff on the provisions of collective bargaining agreements to ensure proper and effective contract administration.• Coordinates and provides training for departmental supervisory personnel in the areas of progressive discipline, grievance processing and contract administration.• Advises management and Human Resources Managers on requests for disciplinary action to ensure timely, applicable, consistent, and sound responses.• Supports management in the effective delivery of employee counseling.• Investigates and prepares findings for alleged violations of the code of conduct, and/or violations of agency policy, labor contract and/or employment law.• Attends grievance and disciplinary meetings with managers or supervisors.• Prepares and reviews a variety of written reports and correspondence.• Provides innovative options to resolve complex employee performance problems and facilitates conclusion/resolution, including facilitating meetings with supervisors, employees and unions.• Administers the employee grievance and disciplinary process at the departmental level.• Monitors and assists in the investigation of grievances at the pre-arbitration level.• Establishes working relationships and meets with union representatives to communicate information regarding city work rules, practices and operations impacting on the administration of collective bargaining agreements.• Attends collective bargaining negotiations and researches issues arising out of the collective bargaining process for use by the Park District's negotiating team.• Collaborates with legal counsel in vetting recommendations for discipline.• Makes recommendations and oversees the process for terminations and reductions in force to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and District personnel rules.• Prepares management reports on labor/employee relations activities.• Reviews applicants' criminal backgrounds and failure of drug and alcohol screens.• Monitors developments in the employee and labor relations field, evaluates their impact on Park District activities and recommends policy and procedural improvements.• Conducts research and ensure compliance with policies, labor contracts and employment law.NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Training and Experience:• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, plus four years of employee relations, industrial relations or professional personnel experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience, provided that the minimum degree requirement is met.• Law degree conferred by the American Bar Association in the areas of labor law, including employee discipline, personnel, administrative or municipal law is preferred.• License Requirement: Valid State of Illinois Driver's LicenseKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:• Knowledge of rules and practices governing labor relations agreements.• Understanding of collective bargaining concepts and contract administration.• Ability to investigate and analyze information and recommend resolutions.• Well-developed communication and writing skills.• Proficiency in MS Suite.• Ability to interpret and apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements, basic labor laws, statutes, ordinances and precedents.• Exceptional analytical skills, negotiation skills, judgement and decision making.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:This job requires the employee to frequently sit and talk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand and talk. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is generally performed primarily in an office setting. Driving to Park District events and meetings may be required.Career Service: Exempt EEO: Professional FLSA: Exempt