Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary:

The position is responsible for administering emerging and existing employee entitlement issues and programs relative to health and welfare benefits which significantly impact corporate policy decisions, labor relations, and the Company's finances. In addition, the position is responsible for overseeing the Company Medical Facility and the Employee Assistance Program Section.

Responsibilities:

• Direct, manage, and oversee the administration of all accruals, leave entitlements, Reasonable Accommodations, Family and Medical Leave Act, NYS Paid Family Leave, and Military Leave, and ensure consistent application while complying with all applicable collective bargaining agreements and corporate policies and procedures. Proposes, formulates, and implements policies and operational procedures, including changes that streamline human resources systems and take advantage of technology with regard to all leave types. Oversee the preparation of reports regarding accruals and usage for represented and management personnel. Ensure timely completion of audit recommendations and assist in the implementation of changes in the role of HR.
• Liaison between Agency and HR Center of Excellence in regard to benefits administration. Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for Benefits/NYSHIP/Medicare and advise on pop-ups, allowances, retiree and vestee rules, run-out administration, union rules and practices. Coordinate and advise on continuation of coverage rules and processes including but not limited to Leaves of Absence, suspensions and appeals.
• Direct the oversight of the LIRR Medical Facility to ensure all LIRR occupational health services needs are met. Oversee the development and implementation of all procedures with regard to the LIRR Medical Facility. Provide oversight to the Reasonable Accommodation Procedure, DOT Random Drug and Alcohol Program, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) programs, ensuring that employee matters are coordinated and implemented consistently.
• Direct and oversee the Company policies related to medical and disability management to ensure all collective bargaining agreements, policies, procedures, laws, and federal mandates are consistently applied and adhered to. Ensure medical services provided reduce the economic and personal impact of employee injury, illness, and appropriate return-to-work status to reduce absenteeism and loss of productivity.
• Represent the Company on common problems/issues, including for major disaster group the family assistance program. Coordinates with the New York Blood Center three times a year.
• Oversee and administer NYS Domestic Violence and the Workplace policy, including Orders of Protection. Serve as LIRR Domestic Violence Agency Liaison and provide all necessary annual reporting.
• Manage and provide input for third-party service contracts in relation to outside services, i.e., Mobile Drug and Alcohol testing. Track, monitor, and report on services provided and approve vouchers and requisitions as needed.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of Time and Accrual tracking systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or comparable applications. 
• Highly motivated, self-starter, capable of making difficult decisions that affect employees on a personal level.
• Must be capable of handling sensitive, confidential situations without creating antagonism or hostility.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Human Resource Management/Business or related field of study. Demonstrated, directly related, recent equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement, subject to approval.
• Minimum 12 years of related human resource management experience including responsibility for administering and interpreting related company policies, procedures, laws (ADA, FMLA, etc.)
• Minimum 6 years of management/supervisory experience and/or project Manager role with responsibility for administering and interpreting company policies and procedures, preferably in a unionized environment.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in a related field.
• Human Resources demonstrated working knowledge.  
• Directly related administrative experience.
• Knowledge of health & welfare/benefit programs.
• Knowledge of federal regulations regarding drug and alcohol testing (i.e., 49 CFR 219, 49 CFR 382, 49 CFR 40).
• Demonstrated ability with contract management and collective bargaining agreements
• Knowledge of occupational health practices and programs.
• Knowledge of case management protocols and practices.
• Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and disability practices.
• Knowledge of time and accrual protocols and practices.
• Knowledge of budget and administrative processes.
• Demonstrated ability to handle case management with a focus on employee availability.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and decision-making.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining agreements.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.