Board of Education Labor & Employment Attorney

City of New Haven
Within Executive Management & Confidential Range E6: $120,000 - $123,600 annualized
United States, Connecticut, New Haven
165 Church Street (Show on map)
Jan 25, 2025
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS The Board of Education Labor and Employment Attorney is accountable for independently performing a full range of labor relations activities related to public sector bargaining and employment & labor law. The primary function of this position will be to interpret and render advice on laws and regulations that pertain to schools, students, parents, teachers, supervisors, school boards and the New Haven school districts. Work is performed under the general direction of the Corporation Counsel and direct supervision from the Director of Labor Relations and Board of Education Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment and is reviewed through meetings and evaluation of results. May lead/supervise lower level employees as assigned. May lead management negotiating teams during collective bargaining. TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Acts as a negotiator including serving as chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of labor contracts for the City. Advises and counsels Board of Education officials in labor relations matters. As a negotiator, facilitates harmonious working relationships among parties in contract negotiations. Assists in recommending economic guidelines for settlement. Conducts grievance conferences with Board of Education and union officials. Investigate charges of unfair labor practices related to the Board of Education. Coordinates and conducts internal investigations regarding violations of district employment policy, claims of discrimination, harassment, bargaining unit contract violations or other improper conduct and consults on matters related to employee discipline. Conducts legal research. Conducts research into pertinent labor relations issues to develop negotiating positions and strategies. Coordinates research concerning comparative settlements. Coordinates, plans and manages assigned activities. Develops or assists in development and/or revision of labor relations related policy. Interprets and administers pertinent statutes, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. Develops labor relations contract proposals. Drafts and negotiates precise technical contract language to effectuate agreements. Ensures consistency of policies and procedures and uniform interpretation and administration of agreements. Facilitates mediation process. Issues written findings to settle grievances and preserve integrity of labor agreement. Prepares and presents BOE's case at binding rights and interest arbitrations, grievance arbitrations, and civil litigation. Prepares case briefs for submission to Arbitrator, Hearing Officer, or Judge. Prepares exhibits and witnesses. Provides guidance to management concerning all labor/union related matters including contract interpretation and administration. Responds to and represents the BOE in unfair labor practice complaints. Reviews and analyzes existing contracts as well as pertinent grievance and arbitration awards. Reviews cost and impact analyses of union proposals and analyzes impact of non-economic proposals. May represent the BOE in court and other legal proceedings. May serve as a witness. Performs other related work as required. EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Must possess a law degree, and have a minimum of three years of professional experience with primary responsibility for labor relations matters, labor contract negotiations and/or presentation of arbitration or prohibited practice complaints. Ideal candidate will have considerable experience with collective bargaining and with state labor boards. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Considerable knowledge of collective bargaining and labor relations; Considerable knowledge of rules of evidence; Considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes, regulations and guidelines; Considerable knowledge of employment law; Considerable knowledge of rules of practice and procedures before administrative bodies; Knowledge of human resources administration and affirmative action; Knowledge of public sector job classification, compensation and benefits; Considerable negotiating skill; Considerable skill in writing technical contract provisions; Considerable ability to apply judicial and administrative decisions to provisions of labor agreements; Considerable ability to interpret and apply statutes, contracts and regulations; Considerable ability to prepare and present cases at arbitration or other administrative hearings and court; Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Ability to demonstrate computer literacy at a level needed for daily use; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city, state and federal officials, subordinates and representatives of allied and cooperating agencies. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must possess a law degree and be a member in good standing with the Connecticut Bar and the Federal Bar. Must possess a valid CT drivers' license with a good driving history as travel may be required. SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT This is a "General Fund," tested position. This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE. Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employee will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana. Selection Plan Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date. Candidates are required to submit their comprehensive resumes, academic records, certifications, professional accomplishments, and any other relevant documents, so that we may assess qualifications.This credential review will evaluate the practical skills, experience, expertise, and achievements of the candidates. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions will be evaluated and scored while the application period is open. Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE. Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department. We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position. Conclusion To apply for this opportunity: Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use. You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting. MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application! Review or modify your application for that position Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation Click "Send to City of New Haven" You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION" You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.