Senior Labor Counsel; Department Of Labor Relations Shakman Exempt

OVERVIEW

The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Senior Labor Counsel to serve as a legal advisor to the bureau chief or director. This role provides guidance on statutory authority, policy, and legal implications of departmental actions, and may also handle matters related to the Freedom of Information Act. The position collaborates closely with the President's General Counsel and the State's Attorney's Office on litigation, document requests, administrative reviews, and legislative matters.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits:
  Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources:
  Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts - Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks:
  Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

SALARY RANGE : $128,070 -$156,530/YEARLY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway - Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land - Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety - Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

Acts as legal advisor and counsel to the bureau chief or director in all matters related to the statutory authority and execution of powers of that department, bureau, or departments within bureau; also functions as direct legal aid to the director or bureau chief as required. Aids in interpreting the legal ramifications of proposals, policy directives and other actions planned or undertaken by department, bureau, or County Board.

May serve in the capacity of Freedom of Information Officer or advise on matters related to the Freedom of Information Act. Works with the President's General Counsel and State's Attorney's Office as necessary to evaluate litigation, respond to document requests, prepare for matters related to administrative review and address opinions related to federal, state, or local legislation. Receives legal assignments from the bureau chief or director as well as the President's General Counsel.

Reports to the bureau chief or director and President's General Counsel. Consults with the President's General Counsel and the Office of the Cook County State's Attorney as required.

• Researches pending legal issues and analyzes case law and facts.
• Reviews hearing officers' decisions in third-step employee grievance and disciplinary matters.
• Oversees matters related to the Employee Appeals Board and acts as Representative of the Employee Appeals Board.
• Counsels various Cook County departments and offices in labor relations and employment matters such as discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and numerous other matters that may arise between Cook County management and employees/unions.
• Provides advice and counsel on employment related laws and matters such as the implementation of policy and initiatives within the parameters of the CBA, grievances, arbitrations, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Affordable Care Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
• Interprets collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Works with outside counsel and…