Workforce Relations Consultant

University of California, Irvine•Orange, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Senior Director for Workforce Relations, the Workforce Relations Consultant provides expert level employee and labor relations support to managers, supervisors, and various functions within Human Resources. The Workforce Relations Consultant plays an integral role in UCI HR’s goal to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible. Serves as the subject matter expert for the UCI’s staff collective bargaining agreements. Represents the University’s interests in the systemwide collective bargaining process. May serve as lead negotiator for local negotiations, including successor negotiations and meet and confer meetings. Represents the University’s interests in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, wage claims, and other staff complaints as needed. Under the direction of the Sr. Director, may be asked to present the University’s position verbally and in writing at grievance and arbitration hearings and/or unfair labor practice conferences/hearings; prepares written analyses, recommendations, and University responses. Working with the Sr. Director, facilitates settlement of disputes both informally and formally. Facilitates meetings with union representatives, employees and management in an effort to resolve all levels of problems. Identifies issues requiring corrective action and provides alternatives for resolution. Assists with formal documentation of disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal. Makes necessary referrals to Life Resources Program, HR Mediation Program for Staff, Disability and Management, Workers’ Compensation as appropriate. Supports strike contingency planning preparedness and response as needed. Coordinates with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (including Whistleblower), Office of Campus Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and other UCI departments, as needed. Responds to requests for information from counsel or union organizations related to litigation, grievance proceedings, adjudication, or other matters. Provide subject matter expertise at hearings, adjudication proceedings, grievance hearings, and other litigation as needed. Coordinates with Campus Counsel and/or outside counsel regarding pending litigation matters as needed. Partners with HR Business Partners, as appropriate, to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible.

Requirements

Possesses expert analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrates expert knowledge of systemwide, campus and / or medical center policies and procedures; expert knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Human Resources and the system.
Has expert knowledge of labor relations function and other subject areas of human resources.
Exhibits expert knowledge of legal requirements needed to minimize exposure.
In-depth knowledge of other areas in human resources; capable of developing, interpreting, implementing and administering organization-wide human resources policies and processes.
Demonstrates the expert level skills necessary to bargain complex issues involving significant costs to the university and represents its interests effectively.
Possesses highly developed skills to provide guidance to managers and employees on complex and significant labor relations issues.
Demonstrated success in developing and administering performance management systems.
Demonstrated ability to handle the most difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively.
Demonstrates skills and abilities in conflict and change management.
Has highly developed written, verbal and presentation skills for presenting and communicating complex information to managers at varying levels in the organization on labor relations issues.
Has expert knowledge of dispute resolution and grievance procedures and expert knowledge of administering and ensuring adherence to labor / union contracts.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
7-10 years of experience in field of labor and employee relations.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Responsibilities

Serves as the subject matter expert for the UCI’s staff collective bargaining agreements.
Represents the University’s interests in the systemwide collective bargaining process.
May serve as lead negotiator for local negotiations, including successor negotiations and meet and confer meetings.
Represents the University’s interests in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, wage claims, and other staff complaints as needed.
May be asked to present the University’s position verbally and in writing at grievance and arbitration hearings and/or unfair labor practice conferences/hearings; prepares written analyses, recommendations, and University responses.
Facilitates settlement of disputes both informally and formally.
Facilitates meetings with union representatives, employees and management in an effort to resolve all levels of problems.
Identifies issues requiring corrective action and provides alternatives for resolution.
Assists with formal documentation of disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal.
Makes necessary referrals to Life Resources Program, HR Mediation Program for Staff, Disability and Management, Workers’ Compensation as appropriate.
Supports strike contingency planning preparedness and response as needed.
Coordinates with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (including Whistleblower), Office of Campus Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and other UCI departments, as needed.
Responds to requests for information from counsel or union organizations related to litigation, grievance proceedings, adjudication, or other matters.
Provide subject matter expertise at hearings, adjudication proceedings, grievance hearings, and other litigation as needed.
Coordinates with Campus Counsel and/or outside counsel regarding pending litigation matters as needed.
Partners with HR Business Partners, as appropriate, to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible.