Labor Relations Specialist

Kitsap Regional Library•Bremerton, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Kitsap Regional Library is seeking an experienced Labor Relations Specialist to join its Human Resources team. This role supports the library's strategic direction and core values by fostering strong relationships with management and labor partners, ensuring alignment with the collective bargaining agreement. The Human Resources team is dedicated to supporting a positive and engaged workplace culture, and this specialist will be a key part of that effort.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources management, labor relations, business administration, or related field.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible labor relations experience is required.
Ability to remain current with trends and developments in public sector employee and labor relations including supervisory practices and current employment laws, rules, and regulations.
Ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain applicable regulatory requirements.
Ability to manage changing and competing priorities under strict timelines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to build and sustain professional relationships and to work effectively at all levels across the organization.
Ability to work with and safeguard highly personal, sensitive, and confidential materials within regulated statutory requirements.
Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team or collaborative environment.
Ability to use strong organizational and interpersonal problem-solving skills.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, perform required data entry proficiently and utilize computer software and specialized programs.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to demonstrate professional level public speaking and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a multi-branch library system, or a public sector organization, is desired.

Responsibilities

Serve as a labor relations partner by providing strategic and tactical planning and consultation to ensure consistent compliance with bargaining agreements, policies, and best practice labor relations and human resource management activities.
Participate in informational meetings and discussions with labor partners, building and maintaining respectful and collaborative relations with Union officials and staff.
Manage complex and sensitive issues with broad organizational impacts while monitoring deadlines.
Provide professional support in labor negotiations, participate in contract negotiations, serve as main point of contact responsible for labor relations consultations and assistance.
Respond to and manage conflict, and advise on resolution of issues.
Chair Labor Management Communication Committee (LMCC) meetings to help develop and maintain strong partnerships with our labor partners on complex and sensitive issues.
Attend grievance and disciplinary meetings with managers and supervisors.
Establish and maintain trust and positive relations with employees and labor partners.
Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
Prepare bargaining proposals, recommendations and grievance responses.
Conduct fact-finding interviews and investigations of misconduct and allegations of violations of the collective bargaining agreement.
Train supervisory staff on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, grievance processes.
Partner with the labor relations team and represent the organization in arbitration hearings and/or other dispute resolution processes.
Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
May make recommendations on revision to job and classification descriptions through multiple methods (interviews, documentation, job analysis, and research); prepare analytical reports to support recommendations; and assist in processing appeal requests as needed.
Conduct research, gather, and analyze highly complex data.