PERSONNEL ASSISTANT 3, (EMPLOYEE RELATIONS)

Definition

Under the direction of a Human Resource Manager or other supervisory officer in a state department, agency, or institution, functions as the designee of the department head in the hearing of contractual and non-contractual grievances and in the review of the administration of the agreements and contracts for the state-wide negotiations units and the grievance processing.

Examples of work

• As directed, conducts grievance hearings as the designee of the commissioner, in accordance with the applicable grievance procedures, of the various agreements and contracts as well as those policies, procedures and practices of the department and state and promulgates decisions thereto.
• As directed, acts in a limited capacity as liaison with the Governor's Office of Employee Relations to assure correct and consistent interpretation of contractual provisions.
• Participates in the preparation of cases for grievance and disciplinary arbitration hearings and may act as departmental representative at such hearings.
• Provides advice and guidance on employee relations and contractual matters to agency representatives.
• Reviews disciplinary action recommendations.
• Prepares disciplinary action charges.
• Collects information and gathers evidence used to substantiate claims.
• As directed, assists in the preparation of the department's position on issues subject to negotiations.
• May act as a liaison between the department and the various certified majority representatives in the day to day application of the contract and agreements.
• May review with the appropriate representatives of the institution or agency those contractual provisions which have been cited in a grievance before decisions are rendered by the hearing officers.
• As directed, acts as a liaison between the Employee Relations Section and appropriate management representatives of an institution or agency and provides routine advice and guidance on contractual or employee relations matters.
• As directed, participates in the planning and administration necessary for the timely and efficient implementation of obligations contained in collectively negotiated provisions.
• Assists in the preparation of departmental employee relations bulletins and Interpretive Circulars which serve as the official source of employee relations guidelines, policies, procedures, and practices.
• May conduct special investigations and field studies concerning employee relations problems.
• Assists in periodic audits to assure compliance with departmental labor relations policies, procedures, and practices.
• As directed, may participate in the training programs concerning employee relations, grievance processing, and disciplinary procedures.
• Prepares specialized and routine memorandums, reports, and correspondence as required in the course of official duties.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience

Two (2) years of technical work experience in the administration of negotiated contracts, grievance, and disciplinary processing programs.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of New Jersey Public Employee Relations Act (Chapters 123 and 303, as amended) after a period of training.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the conduct and procedures of grievance and disciplinary hearings after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the department concerning grievances and disciplinary hearing processes after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the grievance and disciplinary contractual provisions of the state-wide negotiated unit contracts after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the department's position on contractual provisions of the state-wide negotiated unit contracts after a period of training.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret Civil Service Commission, Department of Treasury and Office of Employee Relations directives and other rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to handle matters concerned with departmental employee relations administration and the preparation and maintenance of the required records.
• Ability to take and maintain a firm and courteous stand when differences of opinion and interpretation arise and to work effectively with associates, union, or association representatives, supervisors and with those individuals interested in or with the programs and services of the department.
• Ability to prepare detailed statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain the essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional experience as indicated on a year for year basis.

A Master's degree in business administration, public administration, personnel, labor relations, economics, finance, or accounting may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.