Labor Relations Specialist

Position Description Summary

Henry Ford College presents an opportunity for a Labor Relations Specialist.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Employee and Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist is responsible for completing a variety of tasks in support of the labor relations function. Assists with interpreting contract language and administering the collective bargaining agreements with multiple unions, including investigation and processing of grievances, training and advising supervisors on contract matters, and assisting management with labor issues. Facilitates conflict resolution between employees or between employees and supervisors. Ensures legal compliance of HR state and federal regulations and applicable employment laws, and updates policies and/or procedures as required.

Hours: The generally scheduled workday is from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday; however, as an exempt employee, evening and weekend projects may arise from time to time.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

The most successful candidate will have a career that reflects the following competencies and qualifications. However, education, experience, and training that demonstrates proficiency and the ability to perform the essential duties will be evaluated for equivalency to the education, competencies, and experience qualifications listed below.?

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in labor and industrial relations, human resources, business, or related field Formal education must combine with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a unionized environment with collective bargaining agreement negotiations, contract administration and conducting workplace investigations.

• Labor Relations- Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, case law, principles, and practices related to negotiating and administering labor agreements.
• Labor Law – Knowledge of state and federal employment laws, regulations, guidelines, and legal precedents related to labor relations, hiring practices, equal employment opportunity, and wage and hour restrictions.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and analyzes problems, weighs relevance and accuracy of information, generates and evaluates alternative solutions, and makes recommendations.
• Employee Relations – Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, case law, principles, and practices related to employee conduct, performance, and dispute resolution.
• Influencing/Negotiating – Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.
• Encouraging Resolution – Makes healthy use of conflict and disagreement to promote learning and expand team perspectives; encourages parties to work together towards problem resolution; works with parties to identify a range of acceptable solutions; when appropriate, proposes effective compromises that satisfy some of each party’s needs; ensures mutual commitment to a solution.
• Decisiveness – Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions.

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of Title IX regulations and/or experience conducting Title IX investigations.
• Experience with integrated HRIS software systems.
• Experience maintaining union seniority lists.

• HR Interpersonal Interaction - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Accountability - Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost- effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Flexibility - Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
• Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
• Organization Awareness - Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
• Customer Service – Commitment to providing an excellent customer experience to employees, students, and the college community. Includes anticipating and assessing their needs, providing information or assistance, resolving their problems, and satisfying their expectations.

• Public Service Motivation – Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.
• Respect – Demonstrates collaboration and teamwork; values diversity and inclusiveness; practices transparency; shows compassion and empathy; and remains engaged and committed to shared goals.
• Passion – Displays enthusiasm for teaching and learning; seeks diverse perspectives and ideas; creates a student-centered environment; and pursues excellence in all that we do.
• Ingenuity – Is agile, flexible, and responsive; pursues discovery and innovation; uses data and evidence to guide decisions; and continuously reimagines the future.
• Integrity – Upholds high ethical standards; maintains trust; and recognizes the impact of one’s actions on the institution and community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to

• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with faculty, administration, staff, and collective bargaining agents.
• Provide advice and assistance on employee and labor relations matters to employees and managers related to the grievance process, appeals, employee conduct, performance, attendance, disciplinary action and dispute resolution.
• Conduct workplace investigations. Prepare and present investigation summaries and reports. Interpret investigation findings to provide recommendations for review and resolution.
• Conduct Title IX investigations and assist with intake and processing of Title IX matters.
• Create and manage employee and labor relations case files, logs, and documentation.
• Facilitate the resolution of conflict situations between employees or between employees and managers.
• Participate in contract negotiations and collective bargaining as a member of the College’s bargaining team.
• Draft contract language, proposals, letters of agreement, grievance responses, notices and other documents as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to managers on contract administration and implementation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state employment law and compliance requirements.
• Serve as designee for the Assistant Director of Employee & Labor Relations as needed.
• Assists HR team in other duties necessary to achieve department goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of qualifications and/or training.

Additional Information

While we have attempted to capture the core functional responsibilities in the role, the statements contained in this job announcement reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Therefore, performing additional job-related duties not listed above may be required as assigned. For applicants viewing this ad from an external site, please go to hfcc.edu/jobs to apply.