Labor Relations Partner

Sharp HealthCare•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Labor Relations Partner reports directly to the Director/Manager of Labor Relations and serves under the Vice President of Labor and Employee Relations and Employment Law. The position manages an individual caseload as part of an integrated team of attorney and non-attorney professionals. Its objective is to establish and maintain positive labor-management relationships while protecting Sharp HealthCare’s interests. The role processes union grievances through arbitration, monitors adherence to labor contract provisions, supports compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws under the guidance of senior labor relations professionals or attorneys, participates in collective bargaining negotiations, and responds to inquiries from employees, management, union representatives, and government entities. The position also advises managers and human resources professionals, analyzes complex labor relations issues, evaluates operational changes for potential labor-related exposure, and provides training on managing in a unionized environment. The role requires discretion and confidentiality when handling matters where errors may have significant consequences.

Requirements

At least 3 years of labor relations or related experience, including employee relations, human resources, compensation, workers’ compensation, or related fields within a unionized environment.
Bachelor’s degree, or 4 years of related work experience may substitute for the degree.
Broad knowledge of human resources, labor/employment law, or a related function.
Ability to participate on behalf of management or the enterprise in grievances, arbitrations, hearings, mediations, and other formal dispute-resolution processes.
Ability to negotiate union grievances to completion.
Initiative, intelligence, critical-thinking and analytical skills, creative problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Juris Doctor (JD).
At least 3 years of labor relations experience specifically in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Manage an individual labor relations caseload as part of an integrated team.
Represent Sharp enterprise objectives in bargaining and participate in union labor contract negotiations.
Process grievances, participate in arbitrations and other dispute-resolution processes, and negotiate grievance resolutions on behalf of the enterprise.
Monitor and ensure management and union adherence to labor contract provisions.
Support compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws under the guidance of senior labor relations professionals or attorneys.
Respond to inquiries from employees, management, union representatives, and government entities.
Administer and interpret complex collective bargaining agreements.
Work with management to recommend the organization’s position on labor relations matters.
Advise managers and human resource professionals on labor relations implications of complex individual and organization-wide issues or courses of action.
Analyze complex and varied issues and develop recommendations.
Evaluate potential operational changes from a labor relations perspective and propose strategies to limit exposure to labor claims.
Collaborate across the organization and with external contacts; may lead teams in building consensus among management, employees, and union representatives.
Provide group labor relations training to department administrators and managers, including training on managing in a unionized environment, and targeted unit training as needed.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when addressing complex matters.
Perform other duties as assigned.