Hearing Officer

Description

• 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 a pre-trial assessment of the necessity for disciplinary action. Draft concise and accurate disciplinary charges based on the investigation and facts, and issue charges in the time frame outlined 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 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 the credibility of witnesses and the appropriateness of discipline.
• Ensure that cases are settled and/or decided at the departmental level following progressive discipline and are consistent with agency standards across the various departments at Metro-North. 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 Metro-North. Responsible for the preparation of training and acting as the instructor of training courses for managers. 
• Support the 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 the discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review the 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.

• In-depth working knowledge of investigations and hearing/trial procedures.
• Excellent investigative and interviewing skills with the 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, investigative, 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. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Labor Relations or related field. An equivalent combination of education from an accredited college and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of 2 years related administrative professional experience performing labor-management functions in a large organization, to include trial work and investigations. A Law Degree may substitute for experience.

• A Law Degree may substitute for experience.