DOC Labor Relations Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 49947 
Closing Date: 10/01/2025
​Agency:  Department of Corrections
Class Title:  PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 
Skill Option:  General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel 
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $8,281; Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $8,281-$8,600/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:  None
Merit Comp Code:  Confidential Exclusion from RC063 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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.

Position Overview

The Labor Relations Specialist, serves as a representative of Management in a Labor Relations setting. This position performs highly confidential, sensitive administrative tasks in a diverse agency. This position serves as the liaison of Management for employee grievances and contract issues. The ideal candidate will be able to process information and materials in a timely manner and convey information effectively through both written and oral reporting. This position is responsible for handling 3rd level grievances on a monthly basis and providing direction and sound recommendations to Executive Staff. The ideal candidate would be a self -motivated, task oriented, organized individual with strong interpersonal and communication skills. A background in policy and procedure, as well as working knowledge of the Union contracts would be a plus for our ideal candidate. We are looking for an energetic candidate looking to be an integral part of the Managerial Team, working with both administrative staff at the institution level as well as executive staff at the Department of Corrections. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a Labor Relations Specialist performing professional labor relations functions for the Department of Corrections.
• Serves as spokesperson for the Assistant Manager and Manager of Labor Relations, and the Department of Labor Relations issues affecting respective facilities and other specific Labor Relations cases and assignments.
• Hears third level grievances for the facilities.
• Provides training and functional direction to Employee Review Hearing Officers and second level grievance hearing officers in the Department of Corrections facilities.
• Participates in master contract negotiations, supplemental negotiations, etc.
• Represents the Assistant Manager and Manager of Labor and the Department as the coordinator with Central Management Services, Labor Relations, and Legal staff, for the arbitration process on cases within the facilities.
• 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 four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in Labor Relations, business or public administration.
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience working in a Correctional agency and/or facility.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience hearing grievances.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience implementing an employee discipline process at a public or private organization.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of communicating and interacting with management representatives of government, private industry, and/or the general public.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience researching and interpreting bargaining unit contracts.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience negotiating within a union setting.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience working with and maintaining confidential information.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of professional working experience in a State Government labor relations office.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel occasionally; overnight stays may be required.
• Requires valid and current driver's license.
• Requires ability to carry a state cell phone.
• Requires ability to work overtime on as needed basis.
• Required to utilize digital technology, tools, platforms, and processes in managing and supporting various digital enhancements for greater efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation efforts within the department.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Applicants are required to abide by all vaccine and/or other medical standards as set out by the employer.
• 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; Saturday/Sunday off 
Work Location:  1021 N Grand Ave E, Springfield, Illinois, 62702 
Agency Contact:  [email protected]
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

About the Agency:  The Illinois Department of Corrections is a multicultural agency deeply committed to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment is at the forefront of our operations, hiring, policies and procedures, and training. We recognize the benefit of workplace empowerment, the importance of diversity and fully support an environment where ALL employees are treated fairly, respectfully, and have equal access to opportunities and resources necessary to thrive and contribute to the agency’s success. IDOC genuinely values the differences of individuals in our custody and is committed to ensuring a healthy living environment where they feel valued, respected, and included. Through our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we shall establish and uphold agency policies and practices conducive to eliminating all forms of exclusion including, but not limited to, racism, ageism, ableism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, and religious oppression. The IDOC team works to serve justice in Illinois and increase public safety by promoting positive change in behavior of individuals in custody, operating successful reentry programs, and reducing victimization. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan and deferred compensation; state holidays and other benefit time off; and pre-tax benefit programs. The department also offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. The Illinois Department of Corrections is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

As an IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:

· Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
· 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
· Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II

· Full 20‐year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement.

· Deferred compensation and other pre‐tax benefits programs

· Paid state holidays 13‐14 days annually
· 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
· 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)· 10‐25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually ‐ (10 days in year one of employment)
· Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12‐hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
· Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
· For more information about our benefits please follow this link: For Benefit Information Click Here

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]