EEO/Labor & Employee Relations Specialist

EEO/Labor & Employee Relations Specialist

District Office at 180 N. Wabash

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, is made up of seven colleges. We provide more than 80,000 students each year access to a quality, affordable education. CCC supports students in meeting their goals – whether that is in pursuit of a credential to head into or advance in the workforce, an associate degree with the intention to transfer to a four-year college, free GED or ESL courses, or continuing education. CCC seeks candidates committed to our students’ success and offers a unique opportunity for faculty and staff to have a lasting impact in our students’ lives.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director-Labor and Employee Relations, the EEO/Labor & Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment, administering human resources rules, policies and procedures, implementing progressive discipline across multiple bargaining units, conducting necessary employee relations training sessions, and interpreting collective bargaining agreements. This position serves a vital role to ensure City Colleges of Chicago remains compliant with legal and contractual obligations in employment matters.

Your Responsibilities

• Investigates alleged violations of City College of Chicago’s Equal Opportunity and Title IX Policy.
• Conducts thorough investigations of complaints, which consists of interviewing parties and witnesses and gathering evidence as necessary; prepares investigative reports with analysis, findings and recommended disciplinary or corrective actions.
• Investigates labor relations problems and assists with the coordination of appropriate responses to effectuate satisfactory resolution.
• Serves as a representative at hearings, grievances, and meetings regarding labor relations matters.
• Consults with and advises senior leadership, managers and supervisors regarding adherence to collective bargaining agreements, as well as the responsibilities of management and employees with respect to discipline and other personnel issues.
• Determines the appropriateness of proposed disciplinary action to address employee misconduct, and oversees the disciplinary process to ensure compliance with District policies, federal, state, and local laws and/or regulations.
• Works with senior leadership, managers and supervisors to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and City Colleges of Chicago policies.
• Researches issues arising out of the collective bargaining process, and may attend bargaining negotiations.
• Serves as the primary contact to respond to questions from staff and management regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (‘ADA’) compliance and accommodation requests. Evaluates, researches and administers employee requests for workplace accommodations. Facilitates and participates in the interactive process to identify and assess options for providing reasonable accommodations and access to eligible employees in accordance with ADA and other disability laws.
• Conducts training sessions on employment related matters, including discipline, personnel policies, mandated work rules, EEO and Title IX, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Prepares new or amended policies and procedures to respond to new laws and to ensure continued compliance with relevant laws, policies, and regulations.
• Adheres to CCC Customer Service Excellence standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Your Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Labor Relations,
• Employee Relations, Human Resource Administration or similar field required.
• A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is highly preferred.
• Three to five years of relevant professional work experience demonstrating knowledge in the field of labor relations, employee relations, equal opportunity, equal access, and discrimination.
• A combination of education and experience may be taken into consideration based on the
• applicant’s credentials.
• Experience working in a higher education environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting investigations and the ability to assess evidence and arrive at a fair conclusion in accordance with the District’s Equal Opportunity Policy and other policies, work rules, and applicable laws.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques. Knowledge of the concepts of collective bargaining and of the grievance process.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a high volume of diverse assignments, effectively handling competing priorities, maintaining a high level of confidentiality, and maintaining attention to detail.
• Must be able to work well with employees at all levels of the organization, student, and individuals working outside of City Colleges of Chicago. Must be able to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy. Must possess flexibility to adjust to a dynamic work environment.
• Must be self-directed and able to prioritize assignments. Must be able to meet deadlines.
• High-level of human relations skills, maturity and considerable discretion in handling confidential matters required.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and take initiative in pursuing responsibilities.
• Ability to perform moderate to complex research.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus but not required.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

We offer: excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Thank you for your interest in City College of Chicago!