OLR Investigator (Employee Discipline) - 24728

New York City Department of Education; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated OLR Investigator to support legal and labor matters related to employee misconduct. This role involves analyzing case files, preparing reports, and coordinating hearings while collaborating with attorneys and various officials. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, along with the ability to manage case databases effectively. Join a dynamic team within the Department of Education, where your contributions will help ensure a fair and efficient process for handling employee grievances. If you're passionate about legal processes and making a difference in the educational sector, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience in relevant fields or a bachelor's degree required.
• Strong computer skills for maintaining databases and generating reports.

Responsibilities

• Analyze documentation and maintain case records for DOE hearings.
• Coordinate disciplinary hearings and assist in trial preparation.

Skills

Legal Research Skills

Communication Skills

Writing Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

LexisNexis

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Office

Job description

OLR Investigator (Employee Discipline) - 24728

Position Summary: Under supervision, with latitude for independent action and decision-making, the Investigator will be responsible for supporting the unit head and the staff attorneys in the scheduling, processing, and preparation of legal and labor matters related to employee misconduct and incompetence and contractual grievances. The Investigator will be responsible for the maintenance and preparation of documents and written reports that are prepared in conjunction with administrative proceedings. The Investigator works collaboratively with the unit head and the other staff attorneys and personnel to ensure an efficient and systematic approach to legal services and may serve as liaison to city, state, and federal departments, as well as other agencies and officials within the Department of Education (DOE). Performs related work.

Reports to: Director of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

Direct Reports: Assignment to positions in Level 2 and Level 3 may require supervision of other investigators and/or support staff.

Key Relationships: Serves as liaison to the field locations and various union officials regarding disciplinary hearings and investigative personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Analyzes and evaluates documentation, case files, and legal filings in connection with various Department of Education (DOE) administrative hearings.
• Maintains case records, prepares reports, and analyzes personnel records.
• Reviews case records and documentation necessary to respond to requests for disciplinary hearings; makes recommendations as to the course of action.
• Assembles evidence and assists in researching issues for the DOE Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining and the NYC Office of the Corporation Counsel.
• Coordinates disciplinary hearings and implementation of monetary penalties; coordinates and organizes trial assignments and arbitrator calendar.
• Assists hearing officers in obtaining personnel and salary information relevant to grievance cases.
• Responds to inquiries from administrative officials at various DOE offices and schools.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining a computer database of cases for the unit.
• Assists attorneys in trial preparation including drafting charges, maintenance and preparation of documents for trial, witness preparation, and evidence gathering.
• Primary point of contact for principals to request and schedule case conferences.
• Serves as liaison to American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), arbitrators, and parties on initial case scheduling, adjournments, additional hearing dates, and related matters.
• Maintains an accurate, updated master calendar of all arbitration hearings, as well as proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board ("PERB").
• Assists in the implementation of a new case management software system and assumes primary responsibility for its administration regarding arbitration and PERB cases.

In addition to Assignment Level 1 responsibilities performs the following:

• May supervise other investigators and/or support staff.
• Guides subordinates on best investigative techniques to utilize based on each individual case.
• Responsible for reviewing and analyzing statistics and data findings to make recommendations and establish goals and workflow processes to ensure timely and quality service and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Interprets DOE administrative rules and regulations and policies, as well as labor contract provisions related to due process procedures.

In addition to Assignment Level 2 responsibilities performs the following:

• Supervises subordinate investigators and administrative staff.
• Independently generates reports utilizing all functions, such as input, edit, and manipulation of data, to produce detailed documents to assist with the tracking of special complaints and grievances.
• Oversees the day-to-day scheduling of grievances and grievance processes to ensure compliance with labor contract provisions and Department of Education rules and regulations.
• Monitors and maintains the grievance database.
• Compiles and analyzes data regarding grievance processes.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum:

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in one or more of the fields of accounting, auditing, correction administration, criminal justice administration and planning, forensic science, and security, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above.

Preferred:

• Strong computer systems skills needed to maintain case databases and generate case reports using LexisNexis, Adobe Acrobat, and other software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing and organizational skills.
• Efficient legal research skills.
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

* New York City Residency is NOT Required *

We encourage all applicants from the New York City tri-state area to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DOE Non-Discrimination Policy: The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.