ASSISTANT EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL

LOCATION: John H. Stroger Hospital

DEPARTMENT: General Counsel

SHIFT: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on Cook County Health (CCH) policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at CCH. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

JOB SUMMARY NON-UNION

Under direction, supports Operations Counsel as internal legal advisor to CCH Leadership on employment policy and laws. Will provide assistance in interpreting legal ramifications of proposals, policy directives and other actions planned or undertaken by CCH. Works with the State's Attorney's Office as necessary in order to evaluate employment litigation, responds to document requests, prepares for matters related to administrative review, and addresses opinions related to federal, state or local legislation in connection with employment-related matters. Researches and drafts policies and procedures, as necessary. May assist in the negotiation and drafting of various contracts.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITES

Collective Bargaining

*Review applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consult with Labor Relations to generate management proposals
*Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions and working meetings

Discipline
*Document, recommend and effectuate discipline at all levels
*Work closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements
*Initiate, authorize and complete disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures and provision of applicable collective bargaining agreements

Supervision
*Direct and effectuate CCH management policies and practices
*Access and proficiently navigate CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements

Management
*Contribute to the management of CCH staff and CCH' systemic development and success
*Discuss and develop CCH system policy and procedure
*Consistently use independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs and perform the following functions as necessary; hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, direct or discipline employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements

* Work with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Provides legal advice regarding employment and operational matter.
• Helps formulate and define legitimate and appropriate positions to be taken by Senior Leaders.
• Conducts legal research and advises as necessary or requested.
• Acts in tandem, when necessary, with legal advisors in the State's Attorney's Office.
• Reads, analyzes and answers correspondence pertaining to a variety of legal questions.
• Handles special projects of specific purposes and confidential nature.
• Reports matters of legal relevance to Senior Leaders.
• Develops, manages and evaluates CCH policy activities and initiatives in relation to employment law mandates.
• Develops and/or amends existing internal employment policies based on subject matter research.
• Assists with the research and analysis required to produce policy memos and key reports on Human Resources/employment matters.
• Works closely with Operations Counsel and Human Resources Leadership to ensure consistent policy development.
• Assists Operations Counsel as liaison between the CCH Human Resources Department and the rest of the organization to develop, draft, and communicate policy changes based on research of current and impending employment laws.
• Assists Operations Counsel as liaison between CCH and the Cook County Bureau of Human Resources to develop new policies based on existing and changing local, state or federal laws.
• Ensures consistency with the CCH Employment Plan and all employment laws.
• Coordinates with management to review employee policies.
• Identifies current research tools/methodologies to develop best practices for policy formation and adherence.
• Maintains working knowledge of significant or potential employment law developments and identifies their impact on CCH.
• Supports CCH management in matters related to the discipline and separation of non-union personnel.
• Collaborates with Human Resources on implementing policies, developing training programs and participating in training events.
• Supports Operations Counsel in providing current updates and emerging issue briefings to the General Counsel-CCHHS and to Human Resources Leadership.
• Answers employment policy inquiries by management, employees and external agencies
• Complies with all employment law policies.
• Attends internal training seminars as the subject matter expert.
• Supports Operations Counsel to ensuring CCH management is trained and knowledgeable on the CCH Leave Program and corresponding laws, policies, Collective Bargaining provisions, etc.
• Works with the County's Department of Risk Management and CCH EEO team in connection with worker's compensation / duty disability claims.