Job Title

OVERVIEW:The Department of Labor Relations seeks a Special Assistant to assist the Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerDirector of Labor Relations in the implementation of policies, standard operation procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and labor programs.Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois' population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.How do I apply?Please submit a Cover letter and Resume to County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois' population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY:Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.Health Care - Cook County established the nation's first blood bank in 1937. Cook County Hospital was the first to have a dedicated unit for trauma services. Today our healthcare system treats more cancer patients than any other provider in the metropolitan area.Technology - Cook County's Bureau of Technology provides technology support to Cook County offices and employees, with its wide area network providing service to more than 120 municipalities.Courts - Cook County oversees one of the nation's largest unified criminal and civil justice system and administers the largest single jail site in the country.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 motorist, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclist.BENEFITS:Cook County employees have access to a variety of benefits, including:Medical and Pharmacy PlansDental PlansVision PlanFlexible Spending Accounts - Health Care and Dependent CareLife Insurance - Group Term and Supplemental LifeCommuter BenefitsPre-paid Legal ServicesRetirement BenefitsKEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:Assists the Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerDirector of Labor Relations in the implementation of policies, standard operation procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and labor programs.Provides administrative and strategic support as needed through collaborative efforts with the Bargaining and Policy Training Team to aid in determining negotiation positions, policies, and strategy.Keeps the senior leadership informed about best practices and recommends data program and process improvements within the Department.Reviews reports, data analysis, and managerial studies of the highest confidentiality to make recommendations to the Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerDirector of Labor Relations.Assists with implementation of confidential and strategic initiatives and policy decisions as directed by senior leadership.Monitors work projects assigned by the Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerDirector of Labor Relations to ensure labor divisions have the necessary resources to perform their expected functions and timely completion.Executes special projects of confidential nature as required.Reads, analyzes, and answers correspondence of a highly confidential nature pertaining to a variety of questions of immediate concern to the Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerDirector of Labor.Provides support for the Deputy Chief Human Resources OfficerDirector of Labor's meetings, gathering project requirements, assigning work and monitoring follow up and deliverables.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal relations skills. Broad understanding and familiarity with labor relations issues, human resources policies and collective bargaining procedures.Skill in supervising and directing the activities of professional, technical, and other support personnel engaged in a variety of labor activities, as well as developing policies and standard operating procedures relative to large-scale projects, especially in connection with Departmental goals and objectives.Strong work ethic. Must be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy dealing with employee issues in a wide range of diverse situations.Skill in coordinating and managing multiple projects effectively and simultaneously and providing effective managerial and administrative direction.Discretion and the ability to make policy decisions in alignment with bargaining strategies.Ability to review data reports, budgets, financial projections, and statistical analysis.Knowledge of Cook County Government's functions and purpose.Ability to institute problem solving techniques in diverse and sometimes emotional situations.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.Familiarity with the various labor unions in the region.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, PLUS a minimum of three (3) years professional administrative experience OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training, and education.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Master's degree in business or public administration.Five (5) years of professional administrative experience.Prior supervisory or managerial experience.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Sedentary Work 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 TERMSRESIDENCY 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.