Employee and Labor Relations Manager
Employee and Labor Relations Manager (Formerly "Human Resources Manager")
*SIGN-ON BONUS*
- Job Summary
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*SIGN-ON BONUS: POTENTIAL FOR UP TO $7,000 SIGN-ON BONUS*
REVISION 10/19/20: TITLE HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM "HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER" TO "EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER". IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS TITLE,YOU DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.
Develops and manages the County's labor relations program and activities. Acts as chief negotiator in collective bargaining activities; administers and interprets collective bargaining agreements; participates in and/or advises on a grievance or disciplinary matters; serves as labor relations consultant and strategist to the Board of County Commissioners, Elected Officials/Department Heads and management. Supervises professional level employees engaged in providing human resources services to County leadership and employees.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $87,484 - $122,484 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
NOTE: THIS RECRUITMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. EXPECTED DATE OF HIRE: JANUARY 2021. - Examples of Duties
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Represents the Board of County Commissioners and serves as the chief negotiator for all labor negotiations to include grievance hearings, mediation, and assisting with the arbitration. Develops positions, proposals, and strategies in collective bargaining activities. In collaboration with Human Resource staff, Budget Office staff, and/or other County leadership, reviews and analyzes counter proposals and contractual agreements for their impact on the county. Drafts contracts by incorporating agreed to proposals into collective bargaining agreements. Administers agreements reached with employee organizations.
Analyzes and interprets language in collective bargaining agreements for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, County policies, and management practices; recommends modifications and changes as appropriate. Drafts and negotiates memoranda of understanding to clarify terms or conditions.
Provides management with periodic updates on the progress and status of negotiations. Upon ratification of contracts, develops communication and training for managers to facilitate the correct and consistent implementation of and adherence to collective bargaining agreement terms.
Confers with employee organizations, and departmental management personnel to clarify the labor relations policies of the County and to provide information regarding the rights and obligations of the parties concerned and the recourse available to them.
In coordination with Human Resources staff and/or department leadership, may conduct fact-finding interviews, investigate charges of employee misconduct and determine if violations of the collective bargaining agreement occurred.
Advises and assists management in addressing job performance issues and other employment-related concerns; recommends appropriate corrective action. Drafts or assists in drafting related disciplinary documents.
Assists in the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department. Assists the HR Director in creating and implementing department goals and objectives.
Provides the Human Resources Director with recommendations on human resource matters, including the hiring and termination of HR employees.
As needed, provide training to county employees on grievance processes, discipline and discharge, labor relations, and any other appropriate topic.
Collaborates with elected officials, department heads, managers, and Human Resources staff to develop and implement policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing the labor and employee relations programs of the County; consults with the Human Resources Director to ensure the County's Human Resources programs conforms to the policies governing employee-management relations.
Presents cases to a neutral hearing officer and testifies before the Public Employment Relations Commission in unfair labor practice or unit clarification hearings or before arbitrators in arbitration proceedings.
Researches, reviews, interprets, and explains state and federal laws, regulations, court decisions, arbitration decisions, and other case precedents related to collective bargaining and public sector labor relations issues. Advises and counsels managers and supervisors regarding labor laws.
Analyzes proposed State and Federal legislation affecting public sector labor and employee relations; determines applicability and/or impact to the County; recommends a strategy of response.
Conducts a positive information program to encourage communication with employees, employee organizations, and department management regarding matters of employee or management concern.
Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with union representatives, County leadership, and departmental managers.
Uses available administrative, personnel, and staff development resources to aid in the accomplishment of effective labor-management relationships.
Consults with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office on serious, complex legal issues.
Serves as the acting Director in the absence of the Human Resources Director.
Performs other related work as required. - Minimum Requirements
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field, and five (5) years of professional-level human resources experience including negotiating and administering collective bargaining agreements and supervision of personnel
LICENSE: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the County.
NOTE: Must successfully pass a criminal background check. - Knowledge of:
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• RCW 41.56 and the rules and regulations of the Public Employment Relations Commission.
• federal, state, and local legislation pertaining to human resources matters.
• principles, practices, and techniques of public sector labor relations, collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and strategic planning.
• contract interpretation.
• human resources administration, including recruitment, classification, compensation, benefits, employee development, and employee relations.
Ability to:
• analyze and understand complex problems; identify and implement solutions.
• interpret, explain, and apply to collective bargaining contract language, administrative rules, processes, procedures, and federal, state, and local laws, rulings, and policies.
• conduct fact-finding interviews and conduct internal investigations. Obtain relevant factual information, evaluate its significance, and recommend appropriate courses of action on identified issues.
• prepare reports and recommendations.
• exercise professional leadership in promoting good employee/management relations.
• support and assist management personnel in developing effective labor and employee relations skills and techniques.
• present matters clearly and persuasively before public bodies, arbitrators, management and employee groups.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• build and maintain effective relationships with representatives of both employees and management.
• effectively coordinate, perform, and complete multiple duties and assignments in a timely manner; ensure deadlines are met.
• demonstrate discretion, integrity, and fairness.
• use a personal computer and software necessary to effectively perform the duties of the position.