Labor Relations Advocate

Hennepin County•Downtown Minneapolis, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Hennepin County is seeking a Labor Relations Advocate to join the Labor Relations team. This position is part of a six-person office that negotiates and administers 18 collective bargaining agreements spread across seven lines of business. As an experienced advocate, you will have responsibility for at least one line of business, working directly with the Human Resource professionals assigned to that line of business as well as the managers, supervisors, and union representatives working in those areas. This job is a match for you if you maintain a productive attitude in the midst of conflict and challenge and will be dedicated to maintaining the longstanding positive labor-management relationship in Hennepin County. Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program . This position is a full-time, benefit earning position. This position is internally classified as a Labor Relations Advocate. Note: You must attach a cover letter and resume with your application materials to be considered for this position.

Requirements

Eight years or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, industrial relations, or a field closely related to the position and four years or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.
Master's degree in business administration, human resources, industrial relations, or a field closely related to the position and two years or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.
Law degree and one year or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with labor relations, human resources or industrial relations in a union represented workforce.
Experience with labor negotiations, including proposal preparation, note-taking and research.
Preparing and giving presentations.
Leading and facilitating groups with diverse and complex opinions.
Administering/interpreting labor contract language and providing management with consultative services regarding labor contract provisions and human resource/employee relations issues including evaluating disciplinary situations.
An understanding of the principles and practices of successful labor-management relations, including knowledge of Minnesota statutes relating to public sector collective bargaining.
Mathematical skills sufficient to understand compensation data and analyze costing for labor agreements, and the ability to create and utilize Excel spreadsheets.
Exemplary interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships and manage conflict professionally at all times.
Ability to negotiate contracts and present at grievance hearings independently.

Responsibilities

Administer labor contracts and agreements, including providing day to day advice and counsel to Human Resources Business Partners and county departments regarding contract language, disciplinary decisions and other employment matters associated with union-represented employees.
Communicate with managers, supervisors, and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under bargaining agreements, applicable labor laws, and Human Resources Rules; provide manager/supervisor training regarding managing successfully in a unionized environment as well as participating in regular Meet and Confer sessions.
Manage the grievance process for assigned line of business up to and including preparing and presenting cases in grievance and interest arbitration, administrative and mediation proceedings and representation elections.
Prepare legal briefs and other documents for arbitration or administrative proceedings.
Participate in the development of bargaining strategy including analysis of salary and benefit data and serve as the chief spokesperson for assigned labor contract negotiations.
Assist in the coordination and management of all information requests related to grievances and negotiations including interfacing with the compensation team as we continue to refine our processes.
Assist in the management of the department budget in conjunction with the Department Director.