Cook County Health
posted about 1 month ago
The Senior Labor & Employment Counsel is responsible for directing the labor and employment relations functions and activities of the Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS). This role involves establishing organizational policies that support CCHHS' Mission and strategic direction. The counsel represents CCHHS in various labor and employment matters and acts as a legal advisor to CCHHS Administrators, department heads, and supervisors. The position requires collaboration with outside counsel, elected officials, and department heads on arbitrations and other labor-related issues. The Senior Counsel works closely with the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources' Deputy Chief of Labor Relations and Senior Labor Counsel during labor negotiations with collective bargaining groups that affect CCHHS employees. This role also involves consulting with the Chief Human Resources Officer and other senior officials on highly confidential matters and managing the CCHHS Labor staff. In terms of collective bargaining, the Senior Counsel reviews applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and collaborates with Labor Relations to generate management proposals. Participation in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions, and working meetings is a key responsibility. The role also encompasses documenting, recommending, and effectuating discipline at all levels, working closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to enforce applicable agreements. The Senior Counsel is expected to contribute to the management of CCH staff and the systemic development and success of CCH. The typical duties include representing CCHHS in labor and employment-related matters, conducting arbitration activities, and acting as a liaison between management, outside legal counsel, labor unions, and arbitrators. The Senior Counsel reviews collective bargaining agreements and CCHHS policies, analyzes contracts to develop interpretations, and collaborates with management on operational proposals. The position requires the ability to settle disputes related to displacements, layoffs, and promotions based on seniority rights, as well as preparing statistical reports to identify trends in grievances and arbitration cases. The Senior Counsel is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the CCHHS Labor team, directing and supervising the Labor team staff.