Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee

THE POSITION

The State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is currently recruiting for multiple Leadership Associate positions, in the functional role of Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee, within the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). The qualified individuals for these positions will be appointed to the target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist upon completion of the applicable training period.

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

These are full time positions assigned to provide labor relations services to one or more assigned customer agency(ies) within the Executive Branch of Connecticut State Government. This recruitment may be considered for future Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee opportunities within OPM, for locations in the Greater Hartford and surrounding areas.

• Provide consultative labor relations services to your assigned customer Agency on a variety of issues that impact the mission of each organization.
• Play an integral role in managing the relationships between the State Employee Bargaining Units and the Agencies to ensure the delivery of services to Connecticut residents.
• Participate in labor relations matters such as investigations, union contract negotiations, contract grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and other labor and employment issues.
• Independently perform labor relations activities to your assigned customer Agency.

At OPM, we report directly to the Governor and provide information and analysis that the Governor uses to formulate public policy for the state. We also assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals; implement and monitor the execution of the enacted budget; and oversee the executive branch agencies that report to the Governor.

OLR serves as the Governor’s designated representative, through the Secretary of OPM, on collective bargaining matters for the majority of executive branch State employees.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of Policy and Management’s (OPM) Office of Labor Relations (OLR) as an Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee (Leadership Associate with a target class of Agency Labor Relations Specialist).

• Perform the full range of basic labor relations functions within the assigned Agency(ies), conducting a variety of investigations and recommending appropriate action;
• Administer and interpret collective bargaining agreements;
• Administer progressive discipline;
• Advise executives, administrators, managers and supervisors on collective bargaining agreements, and other employee relations issues, including contract interpretation and employee discipline;
• Conduct labor relations activities to assure consistency in the application of policies and procedures, and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements;
• Triage crisis situations and recommend appropriate action in conjunction with appointing authority;
• Conduct agency-level grievance conferences with agency and union officials, and respond on behalf of agency;
• Analyze complex workplace situations and issues and leverage solutions;
• Provide labor relations guidance, training and support to assigned agency(ies) in the administration of their performance management systems;
• Prepare and maintain relevant documentation;
• Serve as member of labor contract negotiating teams, as assigned; and
• Prepare information and testimony concerning negotiated contracts or other labor relations matters.

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