LABOR & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Announcement No.:

3340001

Department: Human Resources Affiliation: Non- Union FLSA: Exempt

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DESCRIPTION

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, upholds its commitment to quality public services and fiscal stability through the Human Resources Department. We manage recruitment, training, payroll, benefits, collective bargaining, and risk management. The Labor and Employee Relations Specialist will join our dynamic, fast-paced team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Labor and Employee Relations Specialist manages labor relations, administers labor contracts, policies, and procedures, resolves grievances, and provides assistance with various Human Resources matters. This individual reports to the Director of Employee Services. Additional responsibilities include:

• Handles routine labor relations inquiries related to the administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements; refers complex matters to appropriate management staff.
• Advises and trains management in labor relations matters related to City policies, employee discipline, effective management practices, and industry trends.
• Serves as designated grievance hearing officer and issues written decisions based upon the facts presented at the hearing and a fair and reasonable interpretation and application of the applicable contract provision(s).
• Holds regular labor-management meetings with all bargaining units and acts as a liaison between management and unions to foster positive relationships and address grievances and unfair labor practices.
• Assists with mediations, arbitrations, and litigation alongside the Law Department.
• Create and maintain various databases to provide statistical insights into grievances, arbitrations, and bargaining history.
• Collaborates with management and outside counsel to develop data-driven negotiation strategies to support operational needs and goals.
• Coordinates with the Learning and Development Coordinator to deliver training to the workforce.
• Performs all related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a bachelor's degree in human resource management, labor and industrial relations, or a related field. Four (4) years of experience in labor or employee relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a demonstrated ability to perform the job responsibilities.

Preferred: HR/Labor relations certification (SHRM, HRCI, IPMA, CLRP, etc.)

• Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of labor/employee relations and contract negotiations. Proficiency in the application of federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, rules, and regulations (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, etc.).

• Skills: Solid workplace investigation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills. Excellent communication skills (written and oral); strong critical thinking and project management skills.

• Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft suite, strong attention to detail, excellent listener, collaboration and trust; maintains confidentiality and high ethical standards

• Licenses: Possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the applicant materials, certification of qualified applicants, a work sample, and a panel interview.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and a pre-employment physical.

• Work is normally performed in a quiet office, seated at a desk, utilizing a computer.
• Work requires the employee to frequently sit, talk, or hear.
• Occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands or arms.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Location and Schedule: Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. in the City/County Building, 800 North French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. During peak periods or times of increased workload, the position may require additional hours beyond the standard work week.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:

• Salary Administration New employees are hired at the starting salary up to the median salary step four based on qualifications and internal equity within the classification. Merit increases are given after a satisfactory performance review.
• Benefits A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

• To apply online visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available for interested candidates in the Department of Human Resources, City County Building, 800 N French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Contact Human Resources at 302-576-2460 to schedule computer use.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.
• City code provides a preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
• The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Human Resources at 302 576 2466.

BENEFITS

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA's, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City's and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City's unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city's teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

• Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.