Labor Relations Specialist

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase home ownership throughout New York State.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Professional Services (OPS) is responsible for all administrative and support services, including Human Resources, Communications and Public Information, Legal Affairs, Fair Housing, Policy Development, Competitive Procurement and Contract Management, Fiscal Planning, Accounting and Treasury Services, Facilities and Building Management Services, Internal Audit, Project Management and Information Technology Services. OPS values professionals that enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and who have the skills required to effectively plan, direct, and coordinate HCR’s wide array of support services.

• Develop and maintain an ongoing dialogue with DC-37, PEF, CSEA and UAW
• Participation in labor/management committees and quarterly labor/management meetings;
• Participation in Health and Safety meetings and committees
• Serve as a resource for management re: labor relations techniques and practices, including collaboration with the Office of Training and Development to conduct related training for Agency staff;
• Annual WPV site reviews across the agency, including working with OTPD on yearly WPV training module;
• Conduct field visits to HCR's various locations to assess and address labor relations issues;
• Assist in administering labor contracts for DC-37, PEF, CSEA and UAW;
• Advise and assist HCR staff on the discipline process and encourage proactive practices to minimize the need for disciplinary actions;
• Investigate employee misconduct, gather information and address issues, accordingly;
• Investigate workplace violence incident reports, gather information and address issues, accordingly;
• Consult with HCR staff regarding conduct that may require disciplinary action, recommend appropriate penalties and prepare drafts of Notices of Discipline for review and approval by the Labor Relations Manager, Director of Human Resources Management and the Office of Legal Affairs;
• Represent HCR at disciplinary appeal hearings before an independent arbitrator;
• Conduct grievance hearings for contract and non- contract grievances;
• May supervise lower level professional and support staff in the Office of Human Resources Management.
• Administers employee discipline and grievance procedures in accordance with three collective bargaining agreements; coordinates with upper management from the three integrated entities that comprise Homes and Community Renewal.
• Provides advice to supervisors and managers to ensure proper interpretation and administration of contract provisions, especially in the context of an integrated agency.
• Employee Relations Liaison with HR Specialist/Agency Units;
• General Office duties – typing, filing, copying, research or file review, updating and maintaining LR policy and procedures information and online tracking;
• Review and comment on Formal Counseling's, along with tracking or approval for filing;

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience or six years of experience performing various human resources/labor relations activities such as investigations, employee relations, contract interpretation.
* An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position may be considered at the discretion of the Agency.

• Ability to manage complicated issues, act in good judgement and make informed decisions
• Union…