Hearing Officer

Labor Relations/Departmental Hearings and Investigations

WORK LOCATION:

FULL/PART-TIME

Full-Time

SALARY RANGE:

$90,100 - $103,795

DEADLINE:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

To assist departments in disciplinary investigations, draft disciplinary charges, hold settlement/pre-trial discussions, prepare witnesses for trials/hearings, conduct official trials/hearings, and give efficient and timely direction to departmental management with respect to progressive discipline and/or agency-wide standards that must be consistent throughout Metro-North. Provide training to managers as assigned.

• Assist managers in performing thorough and complete investigations of incidents or rule violations. Assist departments with complex investigations by taking employee and witness statements. Make a pre-trial assessment of the necessity for disciplinary action. Draft concise and accurate disciplinary charges based on the investigation and facts, and issue charges in the time frame outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Hold pre-trials and settlement conferences on behalf of departmental management and coordinate the settlement of cases with union officials and management. Negotiate and approve all waivers of discipline.
• Ensure witnesses are prepared and all relevant documents and evidence are available and produced at the trial/investigation. Ensure compliance with all contractual procedures and time limits.
• Hold trials/hearings to develop a complete and thorough disciplinary case record to ensure management’s rights and an employee’s due process rights are fully protected. Authorize postponements. Make recommendations to departments as to the credibility of witnesses and the appropriateness of discipline.
• Ensure that cases are settled and/or decided at the departmental level following progressive discipline and are consistent with agency standards across the various departments at Metro-North. Ensure fair, equitable, and consistent treatment of employees across all departments. Ensure all cases are tracked and entered into the disciplinary tracking system.
• Train managers on the consistent application of policies, how to handle complex investigations, and the disciplinary process at Metro-North. Responsible for the preparation of training and acting as the instructor of training courses for managers.
• Support the Director regarding all aspects related to investigations and disciplinary actions of Agreement employees.
• Supervise administrative staff. Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for the discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review the performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Assist with the maintenance of the disciplinary database(s) and the analysis of data.
• Other duties as assigned.

• In-depth working knowledge of investigations and hearing/trial procedures.
• Excellent investigative and interviewing skills with the ability to handle conflicts.
• Good understanding of the arbitration process.
• Must possess working knowledge of the administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent reasoning and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated effective, strong interpersonal, communication, and…