Lead Disciplinary Hearing Advocate - 90369931 - New York

Your success is a train ride away!

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 resolutio