EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST (Level based on experience)

Assists the district in achieving its goals and mission by assisting with management of relationships with the districts various bargaining units. Provides support and assistance to district administrators and supervisors in all aspects of employee relations. Conducts research on employment laws for policy and handbook updates and revisions; participates in meet and confer sessions and acts as a spokesperson when directed. Participates in grievance, complaint, and disciplinary procedures and reviews background check reports.

• Level I: $82,961.94 - 119,591.27 (Must be a recent law school graduate, up to three years of legal experience)
• Level II: $87,001.01 - 125,355.77 (Must have more than three-years of legal experience )
• Level III: $91,102.17 - 131,404.10 (Must have more than five-years of legal experience)

Applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through Thursday, February 6, 2025

A current resume must be attached to the completed application. Additionally, ALL candidates must attach transcripts confirming the required Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school. (unofficial transcripts can be submitted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire).

• If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources that you are sending hard copies. If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources that you are sending hard copies.

If you are selected for the next stage of the interview process, you will be contacted via email to submit three electronic professional references. Identified references will receive an online reference check to complete.

No applications or application materials will be accepted after the deadline date.

Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.

For further information or any questions, please call LaQuita Hoskin - Office of Human Resources at (414) 475-8224 or email at hoskinlr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

• Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school is required.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of WI preferred.
• Cannot be in poor standing with any state bar.
• Public sector experience is preferred.
• Experience in labor & employment or school law is desired.

• Assists in negotiations by serving on bargaining teams and acts as the spokesperson for the Board. Collects and reviews data, plans negotiating strategy, prepares and presents proposals and counter proposals, represents the Board in mediating sessions and prepares final offers.
• Hearing officer for first step grievances and complaints. Investigates the facts, drafts dispositions, and directs implementation of dispositions.
• Presides over emergency misconduct/disciplinary hearings. Determines if employee will return to work pending the resolution of the matter and ultimately drafts the disciplinary decision.
• Represents the Board in the final steps of the grievance procedure by interviewing potential witnesses, research and planning, preparing exhibits, representing the Board at hearings, questioning witnesses at hearing, presenting oral arguments and directing award implementation.
• Advises administrators on the implementation of MPS Employee Handbook, Board policies and procedures and work rules.
• Acts as hearing officer for Central Office level employee disciplinary proceedings. Issues final written disciplinary decision.
• Assists administrators in employee disciplinary matters, including investigating the facts and preparing for the disciplinary hearing.
• Attends and provides support to MPS administrators in disciplinary hearings.
• Evaluates evidence with administrators to determine appropriate levels of discipline for violations of administrative work rules, policies and procedures.
• Meets with employees and/or employee representatives to discuss the resolution of employment relations matters and to outline settlement alternatives.
• Meets with administrators to help them create and manage the process of having employees on performance improvement plans.
• Prepares and presents employment relations in-service courses; represents the department at Board and committee meetings; prepares materials to train administrators on policies and procedures as well as various employment handbook processes.
• Performs research as directed on employment relations matters.
• Represents the department in various meetings and on committees as directed.
• Reviews background check reports conducted on classified and certificated staff, contracted schools employees, and various contractors and vendors in the District.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.