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Employee Relations Associate

University at Albany
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About University at Albany:

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages a diverse student body of more than 17,300 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City and the Adirondacks.


Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, this full-time professional Management Confidential position functions independently to serve as a resource to supervisors and managers regarding the fair and consistent interpretation of policies, and collective bargaining agreements. In addition, the incumbent will investigate and resolve issues, conduct and whenever possible, negotiate settlements on disciplinary matters and grievances. The Personnel Associate is responsible for working with the Associate Vice President for Human Resources in the administration of employee and labor relations functions for eight collective bargaining agreements covering University at Albany employees, with a focus on matters pertaining to faculty and professional staff (United University Professions). The incumbent strives to promote equitable treatment of all employees, balancing the interest of the University alongside employee rights. The Associate Vice President for Human Resources will be kept apprised of activities and issues, particularly those that rise to institutional priority.

Duties and Responsibilities

Addresses Employee Relations issues:

  • Oversees and coordinates the resolution of issues related to labor relations including advising and mediating employee grievances, representing management at Expedited Arbitrations, PERB, and full arbitrations involving issues and disputes in the Unclassified Service
  • Takes appropriate, timely action to requests from supervisors and managers for discipline; conducts a fair investigation by identifying witnesses to be interviewed and preparing questions and documentation needed for witness interviews and employee interrogations; maintains familiarity with, and adheres to, contractual requirements in conducting disciplinary investigations and completing investigations in a timely manner; prepares Notices of Discipline; seeks resolution to Notices of Discipline and where settlement is not possible, coordinates and participates in the subsequent steps in the disciplinary process, including arbitration
  • Responds to managers and employees to advise, interpret and explain provisions and obligations of the collective bargaining agreements affecting all employees in the Classified and Unclassified Service; provides advice to supervisors on counseling and evaluating potential disciplinary matters for employees covered by the Taylor law
  • Provides guidance to senior management on issues involving employees in the Classified and Unclassified Service
  • Meets with Union representation to discuss contract administration issues including potential contract grievances and workplace concerns; identifies and clarifies issues and in conjunction with the affected department, works to resolve issues
  • Provides periodic reports on outstanding grievances and disciplinary cases and other proceedings pertaining to the collective bargaining agreements in the Classified and Unclassified Service; prepares for and participates in labor/management committees
  • Pro-actively works with HR staff


Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related field from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or internationally recognized accrediting organization
  • Three to five years of experience working in Human Resources; or three to five years of experience with NYS Civil Service rules, law and procedures; or three to five years of experience working with collective bargaining agreements
  • Working knowledge of state and federal employment and labor relations regulations and laws
  • Ability to work with a variety of automated Human Resources Information Systems and proficient in operating a personal computer utilizing Windows based products and business software programs
  • Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills
  • Excellent independent judgment including sensitivity to personal and confidential information
  • Ability to develop collegial working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Must possess analytical and decision-making skills along with problem solving techniques
  • Applicants must address in their applications their abilities to work with culturally diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Human Resources experience in the public sector and/or higher education
  • Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or Law from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or internationally recognized accrediting organization
  • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP or other professional certifications a plus


Additional Information:

Professional Rank and Salary Range: Personnel Associate, MP-5

Start Date: February 2018

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.    

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER