Labor Relations Specialist
Job Title: Labor Relations Specialist
Department: Finance and Administration
Position Status: Part Time
Directly Reports To: Vice President of Finance and Administration
Classification: Exempt
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Labor Relations Specialist will assist with labor relations and human resources matters, gathering, collecting, and maintaining documents and records required for contract and policy development, investigations, and negotiations. Labor Relations Specialist will be responsible for assisting in and developing a comprehensive labor relations plan for the College as well as assisting in the development, implementation, and maintenance of an effective, comprehensive staff relations program in compliance with all College policies and procedures and federal, state and local laws and regulations. The position will also be responsible for counseling managers and supervisors of unionized staff on the proper discipline and procedures as outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement(s). The position also counsels non-unionized staff and managers on a wide range of staff and work-related issues and provides guidance on the interpretation and application of College policies and procedures, federal, state, and local laws.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- None
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Formulates and recommends program goals and objectives in all areas of employee relations.
- Maintains satisfactory labor-management relations through a variety of techniques such as quarterly meetings.
- Prepares documents and records and represents the College in contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employee and labor organizations.
- Participates in collective bargaining negotiations and ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
- Investigates problems such as working conditions, disciplinary actions, and employee and applicant appeals and grievances. Provides guidance and recommendations for problem resolution to departmental officials and individuals.
- Advises and trains managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing supervisor problems and employee grievances. Develops further training as needed.
- Researches and explains laws and legal affairs concerning employment to managers, supervisors, and employees.
- Collects and analyzes information and data necessary to define and discern cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes. This may include management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, working conditions, and other mitigating circumstances.
- Conducts and uses surveys, interviews, and other studies to conduct research regarding human resource policies, compensation, and other employment issues. After analyzing the information, makes recommendations on changes.
- Collaborates with leadership on matters of policy and terms of memoranda of understanding before and throughout negotiation process.
- Collaborates with legal counsel and departments in the preparation for and participation in negotiation with employee and labor groups.
- Prepares and presents required and special reports related to employee and labor relations.
- Handles routine labor relations and human resource inquiries related to policies, procedures, and bargaining agreements.
- Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources.
- Assists with preparation of plans, policies, documents, and reports including affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to HR and contract negotiations.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
- Thorough understanding of negotiation techniques.
- Thorough understanding of dispute resolution and compensation administration.
- Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Employee Relations, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business or related field required.
- At least three years of professional human resource administration required with experience in employee relations preferred.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as a computer, phone, and copier.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is largely a sedentary role that involves long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Employee must also be able to operate typical office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copy machine, calculator, etc.
Application Process: Application materials must include a cover letter, a current resume, and academic transcripts. Send applications to Heather Burky, Attention: Labor Relations Specialist, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 750 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 or . Applications will be reviewed upon submission and the posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age (as applicable), religion, ancestry, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification. For information about the college, visit our web site at www.stevenscollege.edu.