Hearing Officer

JOB TITLE:

Hearing Officer

DEPT/DIV:

Labor Relations

SUPERVISOR:                    

Senior Director, Administrative Trials & Hearings and Labor Cost Control

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK:

9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day, or as required)

FULL/PART-TIME

FULL

SALARY RANGE:

$93,000 - $103,796

DEADLINE:

Until filled

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.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary:

Under direction and with some latitude for the exercise of independent action and judgment, the successful candidate conducts and presides over pre-arbitration Step discipline, expedited, and contract interpretation grievance hearings, as provided in collective bargaining agreements between the Authority and labor unions representing Authority employees for collective bargaining purposes, at various Authority locations, including bus depots and other remote locations. The successful candidate also investigates complaints, including interviewing employees, gathering facts, conducting research, and issuing written decisions, as well as assisting in scheduling cases for hearings. The candidate may also act as department liaison, as well as present expedited grievances pertaining to medical disputes, differential pay cases, and money shortages, as applicable.

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 the 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Knowledge/Skills/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 the 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, communication, 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 counseling and training management staff.

Required Education and Experience:

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

The Following is/are preferred:

• 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 the 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, communication, 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 counseling and training management staff.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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 those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

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