POSITION PROFILE
SPECIAL ASSISTANT
COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS GOVERNMENT
May 2024
POSITION PROFILE
POSITION: Special Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Labor Relations
REPORTS TO: Deputy Bureau Chief of Human Resources – Labor Relations
SALARY RANGE: $79,633 - $97,329
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov
OVERVIEW
The Department of Labor Relations seeks a Special Assistant to Assists the Deputy
Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor Relations in the implementation
of policies, standard operation procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and
labor programs.
Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition
of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly
45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital
services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the
region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is
committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that
public service has to offer.
WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?
In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for
career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in
the public sphere, including:
Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental
Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
Flexible Teleworking Options
Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of
10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick
leave)
Pension Plan
Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending
Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking,
PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee
Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
Please review carefully the Employee Benefits page. For benefits questions contact
Risk Management at 312-603-6385 or email risk.mg[email protected].
SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY:
Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
o
2nd largest county in America
o
Larger than 27 states
Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
o
Nearly 80% unionized workforce
o
15 unions represented
o
63 separate collective bargaining agreements
Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and
distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas
to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
LOCATION:
Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area
has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps
away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced
by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking
garages for motorist, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclist.
ROLE SUMMARY
Provide critical support to the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor Relations in the overall
management of the Department of Labor Relations, including development of programs, implementation of policies,
standard operating procedures, and management of collective bargaining agreements. Collaborate with the Bargaining
and Policy Training Team as necessary to assist in determining negotiation positions, policies, and strategies. Support
the execution of confidential and strategic initiatives and policy decisions as instructed by senior leadership. Review
highly confidential reports, data studies, benchmarking data, and best practices to make strategic policy
recommendations to the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor. Overall, support confidential
strategies and ensure the effective operation of the Department of Labor Relations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Assists the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor Relations in the implementation of policies,
standard operation procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and labor programs.
Provides administrative and strategic support as needed through collaborative efforts with the Bargaining and Policy
Training Team to aid in determining negotiation positions, policies, and strategy.
Keeps the senior leadership informed about best practices and recommends data program and process improvements
within the Department.
Reviews reports, data analysis, and managerial studies of the highest confidentiality to make recommendations to the
Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor Relations.
Assists with implementation of confidential and strategic initiatives and policy decisions as directed by senior leadership.
Monitors work projects assigned by the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor Relations to ensure
labor divisions have the necessary resources to perform their expected functions and timely completion.
Executes special projects of confidential nature as required.
Reads, analyzes, and answers correspondence of a highly confidential nature pertaining to a variety of questions of
immediate concern to the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor.
Provides support for the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer/Director of Labor’s meetings, gathering project
requirements, assigning work and monitoring follow up and deliverables.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal relations skills. Broad understanding and familiarity with
labor relations issues, human resources policies and collective bargaining procedures.
Skill in supervising and directing the activities of professional, technical, and other support personnel engaged in a
variety of labor activities, as well as developing policies and standard operating procedures relative to large-scale
projects, especially in connection with Departmental goals and objectives.
Strong work ethic. Must be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy dealing with employee issues in a wide range of
diverse situations.
Skill in coordinating and managing multiple projects effectively and simultaneously and providing effective managerial
and administrative direction.
Discretion and the ability to make policy decisions in alignment with bargaining strategies.
Ability to review data reports, budgets, financial projections, and statistical analysis.
Knowledge of Cook County Government’s functions and purpose.
Ability to institute problem solving techniques in diverse and sometimes emotional situations.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Familiarity with the various labor unions in the region.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree, PLUS a minimum of three (3) years
professional administrative experience OR, an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training, and
education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in business or public administration.
Five (5) years of professional administrative experience.
Prior supervisory or managerial experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sedentary Work
Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to
lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve
walking or standing for brief periods of time.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as
a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily
outside an employee’s normal line of work.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook
County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons
or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if
you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency
within Cook County.
