Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement
LABOR COUNSEL (DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS) - SHAKMAN EXEMPT
Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
OVERVIEW
The Cook County Department of Labor Relations is seeking a Labor Counsel to provide legal representation and strategic guidance on labor relations matters. This role handles arbitrations, Labor Relations Board cases, and disciplinary issues, while advising department heads and leadership on labor policies, work rules, and organizational structure. The Labor Counsel also supports collective bargaining negotiations and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders on high-level labor matters. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled legal professional to make a meaningful impact within a large public organization.
Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY? In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:
Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
Flexible Teleworking Options
Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave)
Pension Plan
Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts - Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY
Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
2nd largest county in America
Larger than 27 states
Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
Nearly 80% unionized workforce
15 unions represented
63 separate collective bargaining agreements
Highway - Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
Land - Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
Safety - Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
LOCATION Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.
ROLE SUMMARY Represents Cook County in matters within the authority of the Labor Relations Department under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Litigation/Grievance & Discipline. Acts as a legal advisor and counsel to the County in all areas of labor relations related to the Bureau. Labor Counsel is responsible for all labor relations-related litigation that may arise, including arbitrations and Labor Relations Board matters. Provides guidance and counsel to department heads and supervisors on labor related matters including discipline, work rules and department organization. Works with outside counsel, elected officials and department heads in matters associated with arbitrations and department work. Assists in labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups; assists in the evaluation, formation, and implementation of policy directives affecting employees of Cook County. Consults with the Bureau Chief of Human Resources and Deputy Chief in matters of highest confidentiality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Evaluates, prepares, and represents Cook County in all labor arbitrations between Cook County and unions.
Reviews grievances, determines and implements litigation strategy, prepares witnesses, collects evidence, conducts thorough analysis of case and negotiates settlement when appropriate.
Coordinates hearings with opposing counsel and management, and communicates with arbitrators.
Researches pending legal issues, analyzes case laws and facts and prepares pre- and post-hearing briefs.
Counsels various Cook County departments and offices in labor relations and employment matters such as discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers and numerous other matters that may arise between Cook County management and employees/unions.
Provides advice and counsel on employment related laws and matters such as the implementation of policy and initiatives within the parameters of the CBA, grievances, arbitrations, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Affordable Care Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
Represents the County in litigation related to the collective bargaining process including duty to bargain in good faith, contract violations, and disciplinary matters as well as grievances and arbitrations resulting therefrom; and consult on strike planning.
Appears before various forums including the Illinois Labor Relations Board on matters involving union certification petitions, representation petitions, unit clarification petitions and unfair labor practice charges.
Interprets collective bargaining agreements, County policies and applicable laws and regulations.
Assists the Deputy Chief and Deputy Directors in labor negotiations and the formulation, implementation and enforcement of labor and employee policies for Cook County, and in doing so is responsible for matters of the utmost confidentiality.
Works with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment related issues.
Advises on implementation of policies and initiatives including Workers Compensation, disability, and return to work matters.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of and ability to resolve complex labor disputes through negotiations.
Strong command of the rules of evidence, civil procedure and trial advocacy, and the ability to effectively litigate complex labor and employment issues with minimal direction.
Skill in working directly and independently with elected officials, department heads, outside counsel, and labor groups to develop strategy pertaining to a wide range of matters, including discipline, contract interpretation, salaries, benefits and working conditions.
Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, county and local laws, rules and regulations including those of the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the ability to represent Cook County before various forums.
Skill in analyzing labor agreements and appropriately interpreting the terms, conditions and intent represented therein.
Skill in the use of diplomacy and confidentiality while communicating with arbitrators, attorneys, elected officials, department heads, management, employees, and union officials.
Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and conduct oneself in a professional manner. Good communication skills; good negotiation skills; ability to convey information and explain or describe County policy and procedure to others.
At the direction of the Deputy Chief, acts a liaison between the Offices Under the President and other Cook County offices and agencies.
MINIMUN QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government and the Cook County Health and Hospital System.
Graduation from an accredited law school as Juris Doctor.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Three (3) years of work experience in labor relations, human resources, litigation, or other related field.
Physical Requirements Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County's career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.
Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.
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Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY? In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:
Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
Flexible Teleworking Options
Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave)
Pension Plan
Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts - Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY
Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
2nd largest county in America
Larger than 27 states
Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
Nearly 80% unionized workforce
15 unions represented
63 separate collective bargaining agreements
Highway - Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
Land - Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
Safety - Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
LOCATION Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.
ROLE SUMMARY Represents Cook County in matters within the authority of the Labor Relations Department under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Litigation/Grievance & Discipline. Acts as a legal advisor and counsel to the County in all areas of labor relations related to the Bureau. Labor Counsel is responsible for all labor relations-related litigation that may arise, including arbitrations and Labor Relations Board matters. Provides guidance and counsel to department heads and supervisors on labor related matters including discipline, work rules and department organization. Works with outside counsel, elected officials and department heads in matters associated with arbitrations and department work. Assists in labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups; assists in the evaluation, formation, and implementation of policy directives affecting employees of Cook County. Consults with the Bureau Chief of Human Resources and Deputy Chief in matters of highest confidentiality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Evaluates, prepares, and represents Cook County in all labor arbitrations between Cook County and unions.
Reviews grievances, determines and implements litigation strategy, prepares witnesses, collects evidence, conducts thorough analysis of case and negotiates settlement when appropriate.
Coordinates hearings with opposing counsel and management, and communicates with arbitrators.
Researches pending legal issues, analyzes case laws and facts and prepares pre- and post-hearing briefs.
Counsels various Cook County departments and offices in labor relations and employment matters such as discipline, layoffs, terminations, transfers and numerous other matters that may arise between Cook County management and employees/unions.
Provides advice and counsel on employment related laws and matters such as the implementation of policy and initiatives within the parameters of the CBA, grievances, arbitrations, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Affordable Care Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
Represents the County in litigation related to the collective bargaining process including duty to bargain in good faith, contract violations, and disciplinary matters as well as grievances and arbitrations resulting therefrom; and consult on strike planning.
Appears before various forums including the Illinois Labor Relations Board on matters involving union certification petitions, representation petitions, unit clarification petitions and unfair labor practice charges.
Interprets collective bargaining agreements, County policies and applicable laws and regulations.
Assists the Deputy Chief and Deputy Directors in labor negotiations and the formulation, implementation and enforcement of labor and employee policies for Cook County, and in doing so is responsible for matters of the utmost confidentiality.
Works with outside counsel and retained experts on a variety of employment related issues.
Advises on implementation of policies and initiatives including Workers Compensation, disability, and return to work matters.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of and ability to resolve complex labor disputes through negotiations.
Strong command of the rules of evidence, civil procedure and trial advocacy, and the ability to effectively litigate complex labor and employment issues with minimal direction.
Skill in working directly and independently with elected officials, department heads, outside counsel, and labor groups to develop strategy pertaining to a wide range of matters, including discipline, contract interpretation, salaries, benefits and working conditions.
Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, county and local laws, rules and regulations including those of the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the ability to represent Cook County before various forums.
Skill in analyzing labor agreements and appropriately interpreting the terms, conditions and intent represented therein.
Skill in the use of diplomacy and confidentiality while communicating with arbitrators, attorneys, elected officials, department heads, management, employees, and union officials.
Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy and conduct oneself in a professional manner. Good communication skills; good negotiation skills; ability to convey information and explain or describe County policy and procedure to others.
At the direction of the Deputy Chief, acts a liaison between the Offices Under the President and other Cook County offices and agencies.
MINIMUN QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of the law pertaining to local and municipal government in Illinois, particularly with respect to Cook County government and the Cook County Health and Hospital System.
Graduation from an accredited law school as Juris Doctor.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois.
Three (3) years of work experience in labor relations, human resources, litigation, or other related field.
Physical Requirements Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County's career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.
Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.
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