Lead Disciplinary Hearing Advocate - 90369931 - New York

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As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

This hybrid position can be based out of Washington DC; Wilmington, DE; Philadelphia, PA; or New York, NY

This position is a tiered position. Incumbents will have a position level assigned based on their skills and experience, and in alignment with position development plans. Position placement is at Amtrak’s sole and absolute discretion.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
Responsible for representing Amtrak and presenting its case in formal investigations for agreement employees charged with violating Amtrak policies, regulations, rules, and procedures. Prior to the investigation hearing, gathers all the relevant evidence and determines the required witnesses. Furthermore, oversees sending out the letter setting forth the charges against the employee within the time limits as prescribed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). During the hearing, questions Amtrak witnesses, cross examines witnesses called by the union or charged employee and raises/responds to objections. Once the Hearing Officer reaches a determination on the charged employee’s innocence or guilt, works with the employee’s managing department to determine the level of discipline assessed, if any. Ensures that the charged employee and union are notified properly and timely of the disciplinary decision in accordance with the pertinent CBA and that they are sent a copy of the hearing transcript and all exhibits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Organize and assemble all the relative evidentiary documents prior to the hearing investigating the employee’s alleged misconduct.
• Determine which witnesses are required to effectively present Amtrak’s case and the order in which they will testify. 
• Work independently with attention to detail, to ensure disciplinary hearing correspondence is handled within appropriate timelines, including charge letters, letters of postponement, and discipline letters.
• Travel, sometimes on short notice, and participate in disciplinary hearings throughout the country. This may include weekend, holiday and off-hours travel in order to accommodate business needs.
• During investigations, effectively question Amtrak witnesses, cross examine union/charged employee witnesses, and respond to/raise objections as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with all Organization department heads and their staffs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or six years equivalent combination of training, education, and relevant experience in a similar role or in a position with Labor Relations, Human Resources, or Law, or Equal Employment Opportunity) may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in conducting investigations, researching evidence, and questioning witnesses in a corporate or government setting.
• Extensive computer skills including knowledge of spreadsheet, data base, and word processing software.
• Extensive computer skills knowledge of virtual meetings and proceedings. Demonstrated ability to work closely with operational staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a departmental budget. 
• Handle high volume of cases within time constraints. Excellent time management. Ability to work extended hours on short notice and travel frequently.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communications skills and be able to interact effectively with all levels of management. 

MINIMUM KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to analyze situations and take appropriate action to ensure resolution.
• Good judgement, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. 
• Excellent records management and time management skills required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 8+ years’ experience as a Charging Officer or similar experience in a position with Labor Relations, Human Resources, or Operations.
• College degree and/or Juris Doctor degree preferred.
• Previous experience with disciplinary investigations and proceedings in a union environment.
• Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak policies and procedures as they relate to operational department business functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Typically, will need to comprehend various business processes in order to quickly grasp new concepts, approaches, and systems
• Utilizes computer keyboard and monitor to perform a variety of tasks
• Some work performed indoors including offices and on computers, with some field work and travel.  Must be flexible to work externally as mandated by the operational demands, and in all weather conditions. 
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours (nights and weekends) as needed. 
• Works extended hours and available on an emergency basis.

COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

The salary/hourly range is $78,600 - $101,844 for a Sr Disciplinary Hearing Advocate and $94,300 - $122,256 for a Lead Disciplinary Hearing Advocate. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, internal equity, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position and/or long-term incentive plan compensation. In addition to your salary, Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; health savings accounts; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan with employer match; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; paid time off; back-up care; adoption assistance; surrogacy assistance; reimbursement of education expenses; Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; Railroad Retirement sickness and retirement benefits; and rail pass privileges. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.​ ​

Requisition ID:163860
Posting Location(s):New York

Work Arrangement:04-Hybrid Weekly Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak. 
Job Family/Function:Human Capital 
Relocation Offered:No 
Travel Requirements:Up to 25% 

You power our progress through your performance.
 

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions. 

Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen. 

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.  

In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses. 

Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an EOE/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply. We consider candidates regardless of race/color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), national origin/ethnicity, age, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.