Senior Coordinator, Employee Relations

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general direction, responsible for conducting full-life cycle employee-based investigations. Designs, plans, and coordinates employee-based investigations while ensuring compliance with established investigation procedures, policies, federal, state, and local labor laws, and other related regulations. This position also compiles and analyzes relevant employee relations-based data and reporting to identify trends as warranted. The senior employee relations coordinator will identify HR-based intervention needs such as training, employee engagement activities, or other opportunities to promote a positive work culture.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Investigates workplace employee relations issues concerning CTA policy violations and ensures proper follow-up and timely resolution.

o Fosters a fair and consistent approach to investigations and promotes a positive work culture while minimizing risk.

o Ensures programs and procedures implemented are in compliance with professional standards, federal and state regulatory requirements, relevant laws, Authority guidelines and the Collective Bargain Agreements.

o Oversees the implementation and application of procedures and policies throughout the Authority.

o Maintains and proposes updates to related CTA policies and procedures. Advises, trains, and informs employees on related policies to promote positive employee relation practices.

o Directs and provides oversight to Authority managers in matters relating to dispute resolution and training as needed.

o Confers with Authority management, union representatives, labor relations, and/or legal team in addressing employee issues and proposing related resolutions.

o Coordinates with managers to investigate employee relations issues and complaints to properly address employees abusing Authority rules and guidelines.

o Provides advice and counsel to managers and supervisors regarding personnel practices, policy and employment laws.

Conducts investigations and mediations.

o Travels to field locations throughout service area where incidents occur.

o Interviews involved parties and relevant personnel (employees/supervisors/witnesses, etc.).

o Gathers evidence, prepares and documents findings, and presents recommendations for resolution.

o Leads mediations between disputing parties and assists employees in reaching a mutual agreement.

o Creates and maintains records of past incidents, findings, and resolutions.

Creates and develops training protocols for employee relations best practices.

o Travels to/from various Authority field locations in order to facilitate training sessions.

o Creates toolkits and manuals to supplement the trainings as needed.

o Regularly evaluates training needs and the success of training programs currently implemented.

Evaluates and/or develops internal outreach initiatives and projects that support a positive work culture that align with the Authority's policies.

Maintains and analyzes data for employee relations complaints related functions.

Performs related duties as assigned.

CHALLENGES

• Keeping abreast of policies and practices that address the broad range of employee relations laws and best practices.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and five (5) years of direct employee relations experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• HR related certification is preferred.

• Previous experience in generating and analyzing employee relations related reports for internal and external reporting purposes.

• Previous experience conducting full cycle employee relations-based investigations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Detailed knowledge of principles and methods of conducting investigations.

• Detailed knowledge of Local, State and Federal employment laws and or policies (i.e. EEOC, IDHR, DOL, ILRB, FLSA, etc.).

• Detailed knowledge of labor unions and contracts.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong listening skills, independent judgment, and decision-making ability.

• Strong research and analytical skills.

• Good Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to resolve conflicts, disputes, and negotiate with others.

• Ability to establish and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them over time.

• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Ability to extract and review information from records, including studies, memoranda, and reports and draw conclusions or recommendations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment.

• Subject to normal garage, shop, and terminal hazards such as noise, dust, grease, moving vehicles, etc. when working in bus/rail workshops, garages, and terminals.

• Position will report to headquarters (567 W. Lake Street) and will also commute to all garage, terminal, and workshop locations as needed.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment.

• Personal computer and related software.