Human Resources Specialist (Labor and Employee Relations)

Description Opening Date:  September 11, 2009

Closing Date:  September 12, 2011

Openings (1)

The District of Columbia Public Schools is seeking a high-energy problem solver to work as a Supervisory Human Resources Specialist in the Office of Labor Management & Employee Relations (LMER) focusing on Equal Employment Opportunity programs and other employee support programs. LMER supports DCPS’ commitment to maintaining a supportive, productive, discrimination-free workplace environment for all of its employees and students. The incumbent reports directly to the Director of LMER.

Position Overview
The purpose of this position is to serve as the senior Labor Relations and Employee Relations advocate, LMER.

Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing the overall objectives and specified goals related to ensuring compliance with employee rights laws and regulations, and independently carries out and administers the assigned functions and programs.

In conjunction with the supervisor, the incumbent develops or revises guidelines and procedures as well as establish standard operating procedures and processes for the subordinate staff.

Communicate and interact effectively orally and in writing with a wide variety of people and demonstrate tact and diplomacy.

Mastery and in depth knowledge of and skill in the interpretation of EEO and civil rights regulations and laws, including without limitation, Title VI, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504, the rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, and the DC Human Rights act of 1977.

Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in mediation and negotiation skills and techniques in order to effectively deal with and provide solutions to complex EEO cases and issues.

Expert skills in fact finding, analysis, problem solving, writing and consulting to identify problems and recommend solutions within assigned organizational component.

Skill and ability to manage coordinate and monitor the operations and adjudication of EEO complaints/cases to ensure compliance with regulations, procedures and policies.

Provides advisory services to management officials, supervisors and employees on labor and employee relations regulations statutes and DCPS policies and procedures.

Serves as a member of management negotiating teams, meets with union negotiators, analyzes union proposals and researches case law and precedents related to specific internal cases. Identifies, investigates and resolves many labor-management relations matters.

Independently coordinates internal investigation activities or assists the Office of the General Counsel with investigation and the preparation of appealed cases. Gathers background information and prepares formal agency case file. Assures that official cases are properly maintained with complete documentation to support proposal or final actions/decisions.

Interprets policy and regulatory requirements and provides guidance and recommendations to upper management regarding developing new policy, personnel reviews and/or procedural guidance for labor and employee relations programs.

Plans, directs, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the total civil right, affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs for DCPS to ensure compliance with regulations and legislation.

Oversees and directs the preparation and maintenance of a variety of statistical reports, records and files related to EEO and ADA activities and cases.

Adjudicates complaints and equal employment opportunity matters; develops affirmative action plans based on technical information and advice provided by HR specialists

Requirements

The successful candidate is motivated by the mission to transform DCPS into the nation’s highest-performing public school system.  This position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to have a profound and lasting impact on the continued growth and development of the human resources team.  Candidates should possess the following professional qualifications:

  

• J.D. degree with at least five years of significant labor, EEO, discrimination and civil rights law experience
• Written and verbal skills to communicate factual and procedural information 
• Technical mastery and skill in and use of judgment in the application of labor and employee relations, EEO laws, civil rights and discrimination law, regulations, principles and practices, as they relate to labor and employee relations and equal opportunity
• Broad knowledge of laws affecting DCPS programs such as other equal employment opportunity laws and collective bargaining law, including an understanding of the underlying principles related to their enforcement
• Skill in fact finding, analysis, problem solving, writing and consulting to identify problems and recommend solutions within assigned organizational components
• Conflict resolution techniques sufficient to interact in occasional highly charged emotional situations ~cb~

Educational Requirements
J.D. degree required.

How To Apply
Please email a current resume and cover letter citing vacancy announcement 09-OHR-032 to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé]. For additional vacancies, visit the DCPS homepage at www.dcps.dc.gov.

Notice of Non-Discrimination. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, District of Columbia Official Code Section 2-1401.01 et seq. (Act), the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an interfamily offense, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited. Discrimination in violation of the aforementioned laws will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Equal Employment Opportunity Unit, District of Columbia Public Schools, 825 N. Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 442-5424.