Chief of Employee Labor and Relations - Non-Merit

A non-merit vacancy exists in the Employee and Labor Relations Division, Office of Human Resources. 

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plans.

 A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.  

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.  A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position.  Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.  Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.Under the direction of the senior leadership team, administers the County's Labor and Employee Relations program in conformance with Federal and State laws and applicable County rules and policies.

• Oversees, plans and directs the Employee and Labor Relations division, including direct supervision of HR Analysts professionals. Provides guidance, support, and development opportunities to staff
• Conducts regular performance evaluations, sets performance goals and assigns work.
• Develops, implements, and maintains employee relations policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with employment laws and organizational standards.
• Oversees Employee, HR, Baltimore County Bill 98.25 Trust Act, and Baltimore County Code of Ordinances: Article 29 related investigation processes and serves as an escalation point to investigations that are complex and/or sensitive in nature.
• Coordinates with the Human Relations Committee and Human Relations Executive Director on all matter pertaining to Article 29 Investigations.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures investigations are conducted in an impartial and professional manner.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding employee relations issues, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Provides guidance and support to management on employee relations matters, helping them to understand and apply HR policies and procedures effectively.
• Advises on best practices in handling employee relations issues to mitigate risk and promote a positive work environment.
• Monitors changes in employment law and updates policies and practices accordingly to maintain compliance and minimize legal risks.
• Develops and delivers training programs for managers and supervisors on employee relations, conflict resolution, and other relevant topics.
• Promotes and fosters a positive organizational culture through training and awareness programs.
• Collects and analyzes data on employee relations metrics, trends, and disciplinary actions, to identify patterns and recommend improvements.
• Provides departmental management with recommendations and assists with handling employee misconduct issues.
• Assists with interpretation of County policies and procedures including but not limited to County grievance procedures.
• Serves as an FMLA Coordinator and Expert for Baltimore County.
• Serves as a Reasonable Workplace Accommodation (RWA) Coordinator for assigned cases.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably in human resources administration, business or public administration, education, or psychology
plus
Six (6) years' professional experience in human resources administration specifically in Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations, FMLA, Workplace Accommodations, and Policy Development. 

At least three (3) years of this experience must have been in a supervisory or management capacity.

Must hold and maintain a current HR Certification through HR professional organizations including but not limited to, Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), Human Capital Institute (HCI) and The Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA). If a strong candidate (as determined by the Department Head and Director of Human Resources) does not have a current HR certification, but does possess a Human Resources degree, they may still be considered with the understanding that an HR certification must be obtained within 6 months.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the County's labor and employee relations and human resources culture, practices, procedures and methods including the bargaining units representing employees of the County. 
• Thorough knowledge of the County organization and the functions of the operational departments. 
• Considerable knowledge of the Rules & Regulations of the County's Personnel Management System with emphasis on interpretation and application.
• Thorough knowledge of labor agreements between the County and the various bargaining units with emphasis on interpretation, application and bargaining history.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and court decisions affecting Labor Relations. 
• Thorough knowledge of investigative principles, interviewing techniques, and evidence gathering methodologies.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, including Article 29 of the Baltimore County Code, Baltimore County Bill 98.25 The Trust Act, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, PWRA, FMLA, and related employment laws.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of FMLA regulations, guidelines and standards as applicable.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of ADA, PWRA, EEOC, and ADEA regulations, guidelines and standards as applicable.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing facts and arriving at conclusions for recommending action.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, Union Officers and representatives, and others with whom the Division comes in contact in the performance of its work.
• Ability to conduct objective and impartial investigations involving sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports and summaries.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to set up and manipulate spreadsheets using one or more electronic spreadsheet software programs. 
• Ability to express oneself and document events effectively, without bias, and accurately; both orally and in writing with particular emphasis in responding to grievances.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency 
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc.

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Chief of Employee and Labor Relations
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
 
You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE 

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.