Assistant Director - Employee Relations *INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY* en Lake County, IL

About the Department

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court is seeking a qualified internal candidate for the role of Assistant Director of Employee Relations. This opportunity is ideal for an HR professional with demonstrated experience in a court or Judicial Human Resources environment, who understands the unique operational, legal, and cultural aspects of public sector employment within the court system.

The Assistant Director of Employee Relations plays a vital role in advancing fair, consistent, and legally compliant HR practices, supporting managers and staff in navigating workplace issues, and serving as a trusted resource across the organization.

Internal Posting – Candidates with Judicial or Court-Based HR Experience Strongly Preferred 

Hours of Work

• Monday through Friday may vary 

Position Duties

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

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all required activities, duties, or responsibilities.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Education and Work Experience Requirements (Ed and/or Other Requirements)

• Judicial or Court-Based HR Experience
• 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

Other Qualifications

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!   

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing 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.