Labor Relations Specialist

Labor Relations Specialist

ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE AND THOSE THAT ARE REACHABLE ON THE ASSOCIATE LABOR RELATIONS ANALYST CIVIL SERVICE LIST ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. Division/Program Summary: The Division of Administration Bureau of Human Resources and Labor Relations provides effective human resource management by developing and implementing polices, programs and services in support of the values, vision and mission of the agency. Position Summary: The Labor Relations Specialist will play a critical role in developing and implementing a newly developed conflict resolution component within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene by helping to create a mechanism to handle and resolve internal conflict. This role will be tasked with creating a mechanism where issues involving conflict can be addressed though means of conflict resolution to address employee relation issues. Reporting directly to the Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following:

• Coordinate agency grievance review and disciplinary appeals proceedings and assist in the case preparation for Step 2 and Step 3 hearings, labor hearings and related issues.
• Participate in Labor Management meetings to discuss and attempt to resolve issues of mutual concern and serve as a liaison between NYC Office of Labor Relations and the agency with regards to all labor related activities.
• Maintain ongoing liaison with all union representatives and coordinate and participate in all labor management meetings as requested by union or management.
• Prepare and update the Monthly Labor Relations Report.
• Serve as a resource for employee training programs in labor relations.
• Advise all levels of management on the proper handling of general labor problems, existing or anticipated.
• Evaluate and recommend options available for resolution of union-management differences.
• Serve as a resource for employee training programs and provide trainings as needed on labor relation issues' and conducting effective feedback sessions on performance management.
• Assist in the Employee Evaluation Appeal process.
• Identify basic issues, legal and contractual obligations.
• Manage internal working relationships; coordinate and schedule conflict resolution sessions with employees; serve as the primary liaison with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) on external trainings and counsel; provide training for Supervisors and Managers and oversee the various aspects of conflict resolution within the Office of Labor Relations.
• Handle workplace disputes between supervisors and subordinates.
• Conduct conflict consultations to assist DOHMH employees in identifying and thinking through difficult conflicts in the workplace and helping them determine which are appropriate for handling through alternative means.
• Conduct data collection on internal disputes between Managers and/or Supervisors and employees, produce statistical reports as required.
• Develop and implement education techniques to promote the conflict management services agency-wide to all employees.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Why you should work for us:

• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
• a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
• a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• a tax-deferred savings program and
• a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise. Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

Commitment to Equity: The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A master's degree from an accredited college in business or public administration, economics, labor or industrial relations, statistics, industrial psychology or a closely related social science field and one year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in labor research and analysis, employee benefit design and benefit program evaluation, compensation analysis, labor economics, economic planning, or a related area; or 2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and three years of professional experience as described in "1" above; or 3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.