Review Vacancy
AgencyLabor Management Committees, Joint
TitleEmployee Relations Associate
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $86773 to $108413 Annually
Duties Description Under the supervision of the Employee Benefit Management Unit (EBMU) Director, the Employee Relations Associate will assist in the development, implementation and oversight of benefit programs resulting from negotiations with the state employee unions. Assignments will involve working with the various benefits administrators (vendors) for the NYS Health Insurance Programs (NYSHIP). The Employee Relations Associate will represent the NYS Office of Employee Relations at various health benefits program meetings. They will develop a deep knowledge of the NYSHIP benefits and eligibility requirements. The Employee Relations Associate will assist in researching and developing proposals for OER to use in negotiations with the state employee unions, analyze the impact of proposed health insurance legislation, and research emerging developments in health care and employee benefits. The Employee Relations Associate may also work with the WellNYS Program Associate to develop and implement wellness programs and benefits.
Duties include but are not limited to:
• Program oversight to ensure that benefits are aligned with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements with the state employee unions.
• Develop working relationships with program vendors, state agency staff and the representatives of each union.
• Work with vendors and other agency staff to resolve member and participant issues and answer questions that come to the unit’s attention.
• Work with the union representatives to schedule and hold Joint Committee meetings with appropriate staff and vendor attendance.
• Provide support for Unit activities and participate in the implementation of any negotiated benefit design changes or new benefit programs.
• Help develop and review communications and promotional materials explaining existing benefits, benefit changes, or new benefit programs to potential and current enrollees, being sure to coordinate with the various union counterparts to ensure content accuracy.
• May develop and deploy a comprehensive communications and marketing plan to promote employee benefits programs, conduct employee informational meetings, and make in-person or remote presentations.
• Participate in the development of collective bargaining proposals by conducting benefit and cost analyses and preparing argumentation for proposals.
• Participate in collective bargaining by attending negotiating sessions, maintaining negotiations notes, tracking proposal status and making presentations as necessary.
• Understand the State’s procurement process and work with OER staff and staff from DCS, DOB and OSC to develop and review requests for proposals including developing program specifications and rating criteria. Review and evaluate bids submitted in response to RFPs.
• Review and analyze vendor reports on enrollment, utilization and cost projections.
• May supervise and train unit staff.
Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience *
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, and PowerPoint
• Ability to manage competing priorities
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Experience in labor relations or employee benefits preferred
*Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
Additional Comments Work Hours and Telecommuting will be discussed during the interview.
The Office of Employee Relations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected class status in the admission to, access to, or employment in their programs or activities.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The Office of Employee Relations/Labor Management Committees provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify HR@oer.ny.gov or 518-473-3467.
NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: The Office of Employee Relations/Labor Management Committees employees may be approved for a maximum of 50% telecommuting, however, they are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with The Office of Employee Relations/Labor Management Committees Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.