Senior Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

About Us

The City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and opportunities for growth and professional development.

About the Role

This is an advanced performance-level position in employee and labor relations within the Philadelphia Department of Labor. Employees in this role handle complex grievance processing for all City unions and investigate high-level claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or violations of labor laws. The position serves as a principal liaison between the Department of Labor, City departments, and municipal labor unions, advising management on EEO policy and providing recommendations. Analysis and research are significant components of the job. Employees may also act as lead workers on assigned projects.

Responsibilities

• Administer all phases of grievance processing for City unions.
• Investigate complex claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or violations of labor laws and regulations.
• Serve as a principal contact between the Department of Labor, City departments, and municipal labor unions.
• Advise management-level officials on EEO policy and provide actionable recommendations.
• Conduct analysis and research related to labor and employee relations.
• Act as a lead worker on assigned projects and initiatives.
• Create, implement, and interpret EEO policies to promote equal employment opportunity.
• Design and deliver EEO training programs.

Requirements

Education: Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university. Additional general or specific experience or completion of an industry-related certification may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

General Experience: Two years of employee or labor relations experience.

Specific Experience: One year of experience performing technical employee relations compliance work as a primary and recurring duty, which must have included at least one of the following:

• Creating, implementing, and interpreting EEO policies that promote EEO.
• Designing and delivering EEO training programs.
• Conducting investigations into EEO-related matters.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Process and Timeline

The application review and assessment process typically takes 30 to 40 days and is managed by the Office of Human Resources. The interview process may take an additional 30 to 60 days, depending on the position and your rank on the eligible list. The hiring department, not the Office of Human Resources, manages this phase.

The Office of Human Resources offers monthly Zoom information sessions for candidates to learn more about the hiring process. Details can be found on the City’s careers page.

Additional Information

Eligible List: This is an open-competitive examination, and only an open-competitive eligible list will be established. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference. Candidates who pass the exam will remain on the civil service list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.

Residency Waiver: The usual one-year Philadelphia residency requirement prior to appointment has been waived. However, residency in Philadelphia will be required within one year after appointment.

Preference for Philadelphia Residents: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the exam date will receive priority over others with identical test scores.

Indebtedness Notice: As a condition of employment, candidates must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, or judgments owed to the City of Philadelphia or the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW). Payment agreements may be arranged, with up to 20% of gross pay withheld per paycheck until the debt is satisfied.

Preference Points

Candidates who pass open-competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score:

• U.S. Veteran’s Preference: Ten points for honorably discharged veterans. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify. Documentation (DD214, member 4, or NGB-22) must be provided.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points for children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed or who died in the line of duty.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to five points for completing a term of service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA. Points vary based on hours or term length completed.

Evaluation Process

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based on their training and experience credentials. No in-person examination is required. Scores will be based on submitted documentation, including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, and detailed descriptions of education and experience. The eligible list is projected to be established the week of August 31, 2026.

Candidates may review their answer sheets and test papers within 30 days after results are mailed to check for scoring accuracy or irregularities. Appeals must be filed in writing.

Contact Information: For inquiries, contact Latika Robinson at latika.robinson@phila.gov or call 215-686-2381. For general inquiries, contact the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or hrhelpdesk@phila.gov.