Staff and Labor Relations Specialist

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

October 23, 2026 HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom. STAFF AND LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST To assist in the management of all facets of staff relations, including collective bargaining, labor relations, contract administration, legal compliance, and employee appeals and grievances. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position. Assists in the administration and interpretation of employee contracts and negotiated agreements, including the processing and resolution of employee appeals, grievances, and arbitrations. Provides advice and counsel to school personnel and administrators on matters related to staff and labor relations, particularly those involving support personnel, under the direction of the Director of Staff and Labor Relations. Serves as a member of the Board of Education's collective bargaining teams and assists with the preparation, research, analysis, and implementation of collective bargaining proposals and negotiated agreements. Coordinates the processing of unemployment claims, including the preparation of supporting documentation and participation in hearings, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with applicable Maryland laws and regulations. Coordinates and monitors personnel evaluation processes to promote timely completion and compliance with established policies, procedures, and negotiated agreements. Present, interprets, and assists in implementing applicable federal, state, and county laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including Human Resources policies and negotiated agreements. Assists in investigating, analyzing, and resolving employee complaints, grievances, and allegations of misconduct in accordance with applicable laws, negotiated agreements, and established policies and procedures. Provides guidance and technical assistance to administrators and supervisors regarding employee discipline, corrective action, performance concerns, and the consistent application of personnel policies and negotiated agreements. Monitors compliance with negotiated agreements and assists in identifying, interpreting, and resolving issues related to contract provisions, working conditions, and established employment practices. Prepares for and participates in grievance meetings, administrative conferences, mediation, arbitration, and other formal or informal employee relations proceedings as required. Researches and analyzes applicable employment laws, regulations, negotiated agreements, and relevant decisions to support the resolution of staff and labor relations matters and promote legal compliance. Coordinates the annual review and updating of the HCPS Employee Handbook and monitors implementation and compliance with established policies and procedures. Participates on the medical case management team and collaborates with appropriate personnel to address employee-related matters within the scope of the position. Coordinates employee personnel file reviews to promote accuracy, completeness, confidentiality and compliance with applicable records management requirements and established procedures. Collaborates with Human Resources personnel, school administrators, legal counsel, and other departments to address complex employee relations matters and ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and negotiated agreements. Assists in developing and delivering training and guidance for administrators and supervisors regarding employee relations, contract administration, grievance procedures, employee discipline, and relevant personnel policies. Maintains documentation and prepares reports regarding grievances, employee complaints, disciplinary matters, unemployment claims, and other staff and labor relations activities to support timely resolution, compliance, and informed decision-making. Analyzes employee relations data and identifies trends in grievances, complaints, and other labor relations matters to recommend strategies for addressing recurring issues and improving organizational practices. Assists in coordinating labor-management meetings and related follow-up activities to promote communication, address workplace concerns, and support constructive relationships between the school system and employee representatives. Assists the Director of Staff and Labor Relations with special projects, policy and procedure development, and the implementation of initiatives designed to improve staff and labor relations practices. Performs other work-related duties as assigned. SALARY This is a twelve-month position. Salary range based on the FY 2026-2027 AHCATSP (Grade D) Salary Schedule for Non-Certificated Administrative, Technical and Supervisory Professionals. Starting Salary: $96,196 - Maximum Earnings Potential $126,929. Full salary schedules can be found at HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more. For a complete list of benefits, please visit the Employment Benefits section: For more information on holidays and paid time off, please refer to the Holidays and Leave Provisions sections of the AHCATSP Negotiated Agreement: FLSA: Exempt TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. Three years of professional level experience, Human Resources or labor relations experience is preferred. Public school sector PK-12 education experience is preferred. Experience interpreting and implementing federal, state, county, Human Resources, and educational policies and procedures, including negotiated agreements. Proficient in the use of business software applications, including Microsoft Office software programs. Able to compile, analyze, and interpret data to align with system goals and initiatives. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. DEADLINE Online employment applications will be accepted for this vacancy until 11:59 PM on November 4, 2026. AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE The Board of Education of Harford County is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We adhere to the principles of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Board of Education of Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. The Board of Education of Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX, Title VI, or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Internal Investigations, Dr. Renee McGlothlin, at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Harford County Public Schools' non-discrimination policy can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS website under Board of Education Policies and Procedures. Harford County Public Schools' non-discrimination statement can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on HCPS' homepage. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harford County Public Schools