LABOR/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST III

NEXCOM•Virginia Beach, VA

23h

About The Position

Serves as a Labor/Employee Relations Specialist for the Navy Exchange Service Command, performing a combination of labor and employee relations functions. The role provides highly technical advisory services on collective bargaining strategy, management positions, policy interpretation, employee matters, negotiations, and dispute resolution. It also develops policies, procedures, manuals, and training; represents management in negotiations and third-party proceedings; and maintains official case files and related documentation. The position works under the general supervision of a designated supervisor, receiving assignments with broad objectives and independently planning and carrying out work. Most problems are resolved independently except those involving policy. Work in progress is not reviewed, though the supervisor is kept informed of sensitive matters. Completed work is reviewed for results and conformance with Navy Exchange System policies and objectives. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Seven years of total experience, consisting of three years of general experience and four years of specialized experience, subject to the stated education substitution for general experience.
General experience in responsible, non-routine work providing a good general understanding of systems, methods, and administrative processes; ability to analyze problems, use sound judgment to assess practical implications of alternative solutions, and resolve problems; and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Specialized experience that is progressively responsible and provides knowledge of personnel management functions, principles, and techniques.
Experience maintaining employee-employer relationships, negotiating and administering labor agreements, and resolving disputes.
Experience providing guidance, counseling, and assistance on labor and employee relations, benefits, and services-related matters, or personnel management work that clearly demonstrates the required knowledge and abilities.
One year of academic study above the high school level may substitute for nine months of general experience, up to a maximum of a four-year bachelor's degree substituting for three years of general experience.

Nice To Haves

Strong background in Employee Relations.

Responsibilities

Provide highly technical advisory services, including developing management positions, strategies, and objectives for collective bargaining negotiations.
Answer and resolve inquiries, including Congressional inquiries, about policy and procedure interpretation and individual labor and employee relations situations.
Review input from Navy Exchange Service Command managers and supervisors and prepare management proposals.
Act as chief spokesperson or chief advisor representing NEXCOM in negotiations.
Advise negotiating committee members on the applicability and interpretation of arbitration decisions and Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) precedent decisions.
Review FLRA decisions and cases, analyze negotiability decisions for applicability to NEXCOM cases, and review Administrative Law Judge cases and arbitration awards relevant to Navy Exchange Service Command cases.
Develop and write new or revised policies and procedures in response to changes to the NEM, instructions, command memoranda, letters, and other materials; draft manuals, point papers, and instructions in accordance with applicable regulations.
Maintain liaison with management officials at national, district, and local levels and with local union officers and stewards to consult and negotiate difficult or controversial issues.
Provide guidance and technical assistance to supervisors and management representatives based on analysis and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
Participate as an equal member of the management team or chief negotiator in negotiations where controversial issues are expected, and take part in third-party proceedings as a management representative, technical advisor, or witness.
Resolve complex problems involving negotiated agreement implementation, third-party proceedings, and unfair labor practice resolution with union and management representatives.
Carry out employee relations situation-analysis assignments involving work situations of above-average complexity and management advisory tasks.
Advise and assist NEXCOM exempt and nonexempt associates on discipline, grievances, counseling, and related matters.
Maintain objectivity in emotionally charged situations, resolve disputed facts including credibility questions, and assist parties in defining problems and assessing alternative solutions.
Maintain official case files in accordance with regulatory guidance, respond in writing to appeals, and prepare documents for hearings as needed.
Coordinate with military officials, legal officials, arbitrators, and hearing officers as appropriate.
Represent management in arbitration and administrative hearings.
Develop and conduct training sessions for managers and supervisors in the field and at headquarters as necessary.