Senior Specialist

Description:

Under limited supervision, the Senior Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for the successful application of Human Resource Services (HR) practices, processes, and policies by applying specialized and theoretical knowledge, principles, and concepts of a professional discipline normally acquired through advanced education or specialized training. Resolves issues and significant matters on behalf of management by utilizing an advanced level of independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking. The Senior Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for investigating and resolving complex conflicts, Employee and Labor Relations issues, addressing grievances and wide range of workplace situations using a collaborative and advanced consultative approach. Contributes to development of goals and objectives. Creates solutions to ensure legal and policy compliance. May independently manage or administer programs, processes, projects, or resources. Applies an advanced level of knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills. Decision making occurs within guidelines and requires significant interpretation. Supervisor defines work guided by goals and objectives. Supervisor assists with unusual situations. Solutions require considerable analysis and evaluation of various alternatives. Independently anticipates needs and requirements to resolve non-routine matters.
Provide expert guidance to customers of all levels on compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws and regulations. Collaborates with university human resources representatives, managers, union officers, and employees.
Interpret policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal regulations. Provides advanced level input on new and updated system and institution policies and procedures. Develops and implements campus wide training.
Provides high-level mediation consultation between employees and management to resolve workplace conflicts. This includes facilitating discussions and helping parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Conduct full and thorough investigations for a wide range of complex Employee and Labor Relations matters (to include fact finding interviews, obtaining documentation and other background information) into allegations of workplace misconduct, policy violations, and other related concerns, ensuring that all cases are handled efficiently and within established timelines. Document and report investigation findings and provide recommendations to the appropriate leadership.
Maintain detailed records of Labor Relations activities, including grievances filed, the outcomes of dispute resolutions, and communications with unions.
Administer the Employee and Labor Relations case management process by meticulously tracking and monitoring all Employee and Labor Relations cases within the dedicated case management system. This duty involves inputting case details, updating statuses, and ensuring accurate documentation throughout the case lifecycle.
Generate reports and analytics from the case management system to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of employee and Labor Relations strategies, and inform decision-making processes within the Employee and Labor Relations department.
May provide guidance on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and supplemental leave plans.
Process and approve all staff layoff requests to include, assessment of department composition, compliance, and appropriateness.
Manage the grievance process from receipt through resolution for assigned cases. This involves investigating complaints, working with both management and employees to address concerns, and ensuring a fair and objective process.
Prepare and assist in the presentation of the University’s position in grievance and unemployment hearings.
Assist with collective bargaining negotiations with unions over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment.
Developing and delivering training programs for supervisors and staff on Employee and Labor Relations topics, such as performance management, conflict resolution, effective communication, and understanding collective bargaining agreements.
Monitor overall work environment for client groups and relations between Supervisors and Staff, identifying potential issues before they escalate into serious conflicts and/ or disputes.
Participate in various Employee and Labor Relations projects and initiatives, such as performance management, training, employee engagement activities.
Generate reports related to employee experience (exit interviews, pulse surveys, and post-hire focus groups).
Participate as a member committees, projects, or initiatives. Assist in development of project plan and defining scope of work.
Stay up to date with changes in labor laws, trends in employee relations, and best practices in the field to ensure the organization's policies and practices remain current and effective.
Perform other duties as assigned.