HEARING OFFICER

Position at MTA Headquarters

JOB TITLE : Hearing Officer

SALARY RANGE : $85,000 - $100,000

HAY POINTS : 479

DEPT / DIV : Labor Relations

SUPERVISOR : Senior Director Admin Trial & Hearings & Labor Cost Control

LOCATION : 2 Broadway

HOURS OF WORK : 9 : 00 am - 5 : 30 pm (7 1 / 2 hours / day)

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire. *

SUMMARY :

Under direction with some latitude for the exercise of independent action and judgment, conducts and presides over discipline and contract grievance hearings at various Transit location, including depots and remote locations.

Conducts investigations of complaints, including employee interviews and fact gathering and issues written decisions to form the basis of Transit's position at arbitration proceedings.

Conducts research to assist in preparation for arbitration proceedings. Assists with scheduling of discipline and grievance cases.

Presents expedited arbitration cases and / or adjudicates expedited hearing concerning shortage, medical disputes and differential pay cases.

Liaises with client departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Assist managers in performing thorough and complete investigations of incidents or rule violations. Assist departments with complex investigations by taking employee and witness statements.

Make pre-trial assessment of necessity for disciplinary action. Draft concise and accurate disciplinary charges based upon the investigation and facts.

Issue charges in the time frame set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Hold pre-trials and settlement conferences on behalf of departmental management and coordinate the settlement of cases with union officials and management.

Negotiate and approve all waivers of discipline.

Ensure witnesses are prepared and that all relevant documents and evidence are available and produced at the trial / investigation.

Ensure compliance with all contractual procedures and time limits.

Hold trials / hearings to develop a complete and thorough disciplinary case record to ensure management's rights and an employee's due process rights are fully protected.

Authorize postponements. Make recommendations to departments as to credibility of witnesses and appropriateness of discipline.

Ensure that cases are settled and / or decided at the departmental level in accordance with progressive discipline and are consistent with agency standards across the various departments within MTA.

Ensure fair, equitable, and consistent treatment of employees across all departments. Ensure all cases are tracked and entered into the disciplinary tracking system.

Train managers on the consistent application of policies, how to handle complex investigations, and the disciplinary process at MTA.

Responsible for preparation of training and acting as the instructor of training courses for managers.

• Support the Senior Director regarding all aspects related to investigations and disciplinary actions of Agreement employees.
• Supervise administrative staff. Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates.

Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling.

• Responsible for discipline / termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Assist with the maintenance of the disciplinary database(s) and the analysis of data.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of New York City Transit labor contracts, rules, regulations, and policy / instructions.
• Proficient computer skills including PeopleSoft / EIS and MS Office.
• In depth working knowledge of investigations and hearing / trial procedures.
• Excellent investigative and interviewing skills with ability to handle conflicts.
• Good understanding of arbitration process.
• Must possess working knowledge of the administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent reasoning and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated effective, strong interpersonal, communications and organizational / administrative skills and ability to effectively interact with both management and labor organizations at all levels.
• Perceptiveness to identify and solve problems, sound judgment and strong analytical, investigating and research skills.
• Ability to effectively influence decision making to ensure fair and consistent application of labor agreements and company policies and procedures.
• Experience in counselling and training management staff.
• Good computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and / or comparable software applications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

REQUIRED

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; or
• Bachelor's Degree in Business / Labor Relations, Public Administration, Personnel Administration, Industrial Management, Business Administration or closely related field.
• Five (5) plus years' of full-time professional experience
• Three (3) plus years' experience managerial / supervisory capacity.
• A satisfactory equivalent of education and experience.

PREFERRED :

A Law Degree may substitute for experience.

OTHER INFORMATION :

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the Commission)

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.