Employee and Labor Relations Specialist

CSU Careers•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources Management, the Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of the division. The incumbent assists in the application and implementation of organizational development and human resources principles, laws, and procedures, with particular emphasis on employee and labor relations. The ELR Specialist provides high-level administrative support, including responding to departmental emails, phone inquiries, and in-person requests; arranging parking and meeting accommodations; scheduling and coordinating meetings; submitting and tracking work orders; and processing purchase requisitions in accordance with university protocols. The ELR specialist supports a wide range of employee relations functions, including matters related to layoffs, disciplinary actions, grievances, State Personnel Board (SPB) hearings, arbitration, performance evaluations, AWOLs, personnel file access, probationary releases, and fitness-for-duty cases. The position provides reference information and limited consultation to employees and managers, ensuring adherence to university policies, bargaining unit agreements, and applicable employment laws. This role requires the ability to respond to complex employee relations inquiries, conduct thorough research using bargaining unit contracts and administrative procedures, and prepare accurate and timely responses. The ELR Specialist reviews performance evaluations for compliance, identifies potential employee relations concerns, and advises supervisors on procedural requirements. Responsibilities also include supporting grievance tracking, preparing documentation for SPB and arbitration proceedings, and reviewing personnel actions such as appointments, promotions, and transfers for compliance and accuracy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in human resources, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for-year basis.
Strong working knowledge of employee and labor relations principles, practices, and complex bargaining agreements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), HRIS platforms, and standard office equipment.
Basic understanding of research techniques, statistical methods, and the ability to perform basic arithmetic functions.
High level of discretion and proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with advanced proficiency in Business English for preparing clear, concise reports and professional correspondence.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively and professionally with a diverse campus community, including individuals with varying perspectives and roles.
Proven ability to conduct thorough and effective investigations, including skilled interviewing techniques.
Ability to: analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend sound, compliant solutions; work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing effectively as part of a team; remain poised, professional, and gracious in challenging, sensitive, or high-pressure situations; manage multiple competing priorities, projects, and deadlines with strong organizational and time management skills.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU.
As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in an HR or related field, SHRM Certification, and/or Association of Workplace Investigators Certification.
ELR experience in the CSU, providing effective case management, advising on performance management techniques, providing direction related to HR policies and best practices, interpreting CBAs, and conducting workplace investigations.

Responsibilities

Responding to departmental emails, phone inquiries, and in-person requests
Arranging parking and meeting accommodations
Scheduling and coordinating meetings
Submitting and tracking work orders
Processing purchase requisitions in accordance with university protocols
Supporting employee relations functions related to layoffs, disciplinary actions, grievances, State Personnel Board (SPB) hearings, arbitration, performance evaluations, AWOLs, personnel file access, probationary releases, and fitness-for-duty cases
Providing reference information and limited consultation to employees and managers, ensuring adherence to university policies, bargaining unit agreements, and applicable employment laws
Responding to complex employee relations inquiries
Conducting thorough research using bargaining unit contracts and administrative procedures
Preparing accurate and timely responses
Reviewing performance evaluations for compliance
Identifying potential employee relations concerns
Advising supervisors on procedural requirements
Supporting grievance tracking
Preparing documentation for SPB and arbitration proceedings
Reviewing personnel actions such as appointments, promotions, and transfers for compliance and accuracy