Labor Relations Specialist (Human Resources Specialist)

Job Requisition ID: PS 47976 

BPIS: 08626

Start Date: 06/16/2025

Closing Date: 07/01/2025

​Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Class Title: HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 19693 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary $6,700/monthly; Full salary range $6,700 - $8,700/monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Confidential (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC062 Collective Bargaining Coverage

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking a highly capable and experienced professional to serve as the Labor Relations Specialist in the Division of Personnel and Administrative Services. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and experienced professional, bringing sound judgment, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a keen ability to prioritize and deliver timely, accurate results. This role demands collaboration across departments and with external partners to ensure aligned goals and lasting results. Exceptional initiative, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential to advancing our mission and maintaining excellence in service delivery.

HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. 

Employees receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules are available in many program areas. (Remote work may be an option for certain positions.)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)

If you are seeking a new opportunity, and this position appeals to you, please apply today!

At the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), we value staff as our greatest asset. We work in a spirit of teamwork to help millions of Illinoisans access high quality healthcare and fulfill child support obligations to advance their physical, mental, and financial well-being. We provide healthcare coverage for children and adults through Medicaid and other medical programs, and we help ensure that children receive financial resources from both their parents through Child Support Services. The HFS Office of the Inspector General investigates, audits and reviews program activity to ensure the integrity of our programs is maintained.

HFS is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and value employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents. It is the collective sum of our individual differences that provides a broad perspective, leading to greater innovation and achievement. In recruiting for our team, we recognize the unique contributions of each applicant regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. HFS is an equal opportunity employer.

Essential Functions

• Functions as a staff labor relations specialist and assists with labor relations issues, grievances, disciplinary actions, and contract interpretations for an assigned portion of the agency’s Labor Relations program
• Consults with and advises agency management and supervisory staff regarding grievance procedures and appropriate disciplinary actions and procedures to be followed in disciplinary and discharge situations
• Prepares agency position papers and presents case to the CMS Labor Liaison in preparation for Fourth Level grievances
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with AFSCME Local 2600 and Counsel 31
• Investigates and prepares response to Unfair Labor Practices Charges filed with the Office of Collective Bargaining
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of (4) four years of college and (2) two years of professional human resources experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience working in a human resource and/or labor relations office
• Two (2) years of professional experience interpreting and explaining provisions of Personnel Rules, Personnel Code, and Union Contract provisions for a public or private organization
• Two (2) years of professional personnel experience in a private or public organization maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with professionalism
• One (1) year of professional experience drafting labor relations or human resource communications
• One (1) year of professional experience communicating with both internal and external stakeholders regarding labor relations and/or human resources matters
• One (1) year of professional experience conducting internal investigations of employee conduct

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends
• Requires the ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Work Location: 2946 Old Rochester Rd, Springfield, Illinois, 62703

Agency Contact: [email protected]

Posting Group: Leadership & Management

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Nearest Major Market: Springfield