Assistant Director - Employee Relations

Salary: $89,589.00 Annually

Location : Waukegan, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 02354

Department: 19th Judicial Circuit Court

Opening Date: 12/19/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

General Description

The Assistant Director of Employee Relations is responsible for developing and administering employee relations programs and employee advocacy on behalf of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. The position assesses and addresses human relations, labor relations, and workplace issues, collaborating with management to identify the best course of action. The role also supports developing, implementing, interpreting, and managing human resources policies and procedures. The position routinely interacts with employees, union members, labor representatives, court supervisors, managers, and senior management.

Hours of Work

• Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Essential Functions

• Develop and set new goals and objectives to enhance employee relations.
• Advises and trains managers and supervisors in best practices in employee relations and effective strategies for managing supervisor issues and employee grievances. Develop additional training as required.
• Acts as a resource for managers and supervisors in understanding and implementing court policies related to leave, performance, discipline, and related topics.
• Assists in drafting and maintaining policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal law and collective bargaining agreements.
• Participates in contract negotiations and labor management meetings.
• Partners with managers and supervisors to perform administrative investigations.
• Assists in analyzing exit interviews, summarizing findings, and discussing trends with senior management.
• Assists in processing leave requests and payroll functions as needed.
• Participates in quality assurance activities.
• Helps coordinate recruiting, hiring, and onboarding activities with senior management.
• Maintains an attitude and philosophy consistent with the 19th Judicial Circuit Courts standards.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Strong oral interpersonal skills, including interviewing and active listening.
• Possess strong written communication skills
• Demonstrate strong empathy and tact in dealing with sensitive situations.
• Ability to stay composed and unflappable in heated or confrontational situations.
• Capacity to comprehend, interpret, and apply appropriate sections of applicable laws, contracts, guidelines, regulations, and policies.
• Aptitude to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
• Experience working in both union and non-union environments.
• Knowledge of state and federal labor relations laws.
• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in Business, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Human Resource Experience.
• PHR or SHRM certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to pass a county physical

Supplemental Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug screen, and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Only employees who have completed the probationary period are eligible for a transfer or promotion.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at