Manager of Labor Relations

Title: Manager of Labor Relations

Pay Grade: Senior Management 1

Starting Pay:  $105,858.26 - $156,116.43

Departmental Mission Statement: The Human Resources (HR) Department partners with Trial Court management to create and maintain a talented, qualified workforce by recruiting a diverse applicant pool, by facilitating the fair merit-based selection for appointment of the most qualified candidates, by developing appropriate workforce training (in consultation with the Trial Court's Judicial Institute), by fostering positive management-employee relations, by promptly addressing workplace issues, and by developing performance based measures to ensure the continued excellence of the workforce. The HR Department will use best practices to ensure that this collaborative effort advances the mission of the Trial Court. The HR Department also provides information and assistance to all Trial Court employees on a variety of work place issues.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial-court-human-resources-department

Notes: 

This position will remain open until filled, preference given to candidates that apply within the first 14 days.

This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. 

Salary is based upon applicant experience. 

Position Summary: Working within the Human Resources Department of the Office of Court Management, the Manager of Labor Relations is responsible for maintaining an ongoing professional dialogue with all Trial Court unions, using both formal and informal methods to address issues and grievances. The Manager also clarifies management policies, performs conflict resolution, provides contract and personnel policy interpretation, and provides assistance and direction on a variety of other human resources matters. The Manager of Labor Relations initiates a variety of Human Resources led investigations and other inquiries concerning conduct and disciplinary matters; the Manager also supervises less senior human resources staff in the performance of work related to labor relations and investigations. The Manager of Labor Relations also contributes to the Human Resources Department in the ongoing formulation and negotiation of policy as outlined in the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and collective bargaining agreements.

Supervision Received: Reports to the Director of Human Resources and receives general supervision in performing duties which require independent judgment and initiative.

Duties: Under the direction of the ACHRO for Labor Relations, the Manager of Labor Relations is responsible for the following:

Serves as the hearing officer for all grievances at Step III of the union grievance procedure;

Initiates investigations and related inquiries concerning workplace misconduct and disciplinary matters;

Investigates claims of workplace conflict and prepares reports of findings.

Assists in the development, negotiation, and implementation of collective bargaining provisions and personnel policies and procedures;

Drafts a variety of legal memoranda and documents related to employment litigation as needed;

Provides assistance and advice to judges, department heads and employees concerning employee relations, contract administration and interpretation, personnel policy and procedure interpretation, and general human resources management;

Plans, develops and conducts training sessions for department heads and supervisors;

Provides interpretation of personnel policies and procedures to managers and employees;

Consults with Talent Acquisition to research and resolve questions about the hiring process including screening and interviewing of union candidates;

Assists in instructing appointing authorities or their designees on a variety of labor issues, provisions of collective bargaining agreements, and human resources policies and procedures;

Manages multiple complex labor relations matters or employee investigations simultaneously;

Leads special projects;

Responds to inquiries for information and attends proceedings at the Department of Unemployment Assistance;

Performs related duties as required.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to prove efficiency in the following areas:

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Human Resources Department and the Trial Court.

Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Human Resources Department missions.

Applied Knowledge: Demonstrated experience using knowledge of employee relations to resolve issues, to properly administer personnel policies and procedures in a unionized employee environment, and to oversee investigations.

Problem Solving: Accurately assesses workplace problems in the Trial Court and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.

Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.

Minimum Requirements: REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Manager of Labor Relations & Investigations:

A Bachelors degree in a related field and demonstrated ability to identify and address labor relations issues, developing creative and feasible solutions, while interacting effectively and professionally with others as acquired through at least (6) years of professional labor relations experience, at least three of which must be management work experience.

A law degree and admission to the practice of law in Massachusetts, or a related graduate degree is preferred.

Professional Development: Must have a background that demonstrates a history of regular professional development; demonstrating a record of initiating best practices, the consistent application of policies, and innovative approaches to labor relations and conducting employment related investigations.


OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS:


Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with persons at all levels, including judges, and to maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to negotiate with union officials and Trial Court staff to reach agreements, propose remedies, and resolve conflicts.

Comprehensive knowledge of labor relations and Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures;

Demonstrated ability to perform human resources related activities of the most complex and non-routine nature, including researching issues and recommending feasible solutions;

Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related software, including HR/CMS (Oracle/PeopleSoft) and MS Office.

Ability to understand and administer policies and procedures of the Human Resources Department and the Massachusetts Trial Court;

Ability to multi-task and manage a variety of assignments at once;

Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and develop workarounds for issues that require timely resolution;

Ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis;

Ability to maintain accurate records;

Ability to communicate very clearly and effectively in oral and written form;

Ability to work independently and with an attention to detail; and

Ability to travel within the Commonwealth if necessary.