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Eastern Washington University

Employee and Labor Relations Representative at King County

Eastern Washington University, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127


You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.Employee and Labor Relations Representative

Are you someone who is motivated and passionate about public service and making a difference? The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Human Resources team seeks an

Employee & Labor Relations Representative

to serve as a trusted advisor within the department on daily employee and labor relations issues. These issues primarily include advising or collaborating on complex employee performance management, union contract interpretation, workplace investigations and disciplinary decisions, and employee workplace complaints. You will navigate difficult situations with labor unions, employees, and management. As a trusted and influential resource with a high level of responsibility and autonomy,

you will be able to impact some of the highest levels of decision-making, policy making and bargaining in the Department.At

DAJD , our mission is to provide in-custody and community-based services that are data informed, advance safety, lead system change, and promote equitable outcomes for the people we serve. This Employee & Labor Relations Representative position works in service to DAJD’s mission, by providing support to our employees and supervisors working across the Department.Job DutiesThe work of this position is not transactional in nature; it requires strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify important considerations even when not explicitly presented. This position will require composure, and the ability to see the bigger picture while building consensus among groups that may have differing perspectives and goals. Successful candidates will be able to step up to address difficult issues, often saying what needs to be said to both labor and management to provide the best guidance on effective outcomes. They will collaborate across multiple Divisions and with different Departments, building partnerships and working effectively with others to meet shared objectives. It is essential that the incumbent manages conflict and develops and delivers concise communication that conveys a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Successful candidates will operate effectively in an ambiguous situation, making good and timely decision that keep the organization moving forward.What You’ll Be Doing:Serve as the primary consultant to DAJD in the areas of labor negotiations and contract administration, as well as the resolution of employee relations issues and grievances.Work closely with the County’s designated labor negotiator throughout the bargaining process, serve as a central point of contact for DAJD and represent the Department’s interests.Advise on employee investigations and appropriate discipline where needed.Advise, guide, and serve as the process owner on union grievances.Review investigative reports and consult managers on the findings.Interpret and provide guidance on matters involving collective bargaining agreements.Coordinate the development of DAJD policies and strategies for all employment and labor-related activities, including potentially litigious and sensitive employment issues.Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsWell-qualified candidates for this position will possess:A minimum of

three years of progressively responsible experience with employee and labor relations issues,

including conducting employment workplace investigations and writing investigation reports, advising on performance management issues, and interpreting and applying federal, state, and local employment rules and regulations, as well as human resources policies and procedures.Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment. Demonstrated ability to build trust across multiple constituencies.Well-rounded understanding of labor rules, and labor relations and collective bargaining principles and practices. Knowledge of grievance, arbitration, and mediation processes.Strong presentation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills.Strong negotiation, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.Proven ability to handle highly confidential, sensitive, and potentially litigious issues.Thorough understanding of the principles of labor contract interpretation and administration.Demonstrated analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to

think critically and strategically

to advise on complex employment and labor matters.Proven oral and demonstrated strong written communication skills.A strong and proven commitment to the principles of equity and social justice.Ability to work daily in a fast-paced environment, with multiple competing priorities and sensitive situations.Proficiency in commonly used MS Office applications.Public sector experience or experience with large, unionized organizations.You will use your skills to apply a

racial equity and social justice

lens to the work to promote equitable outcomes in employee and labor relations issues. The work of this position is not transactional in nature; it requires strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to identify important considerations even when not explicitly presented. This position will require composure, and the ability to see the bigger picture while building consensus among groups that may have differing perspectives and goals.Working Conditions:The work associated with this position will be performed in a hybrid environment, to include weekly onsite work and meetings, as influenced by business needs, as well as weekly telecommuting. There will also be travel required to all three DAJD Facilities; Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent), King County Correctional Facility (Seattle), Patricia C. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (Seattle), as well as other King County buildings as needed. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.Work Schedule:

The normal work week is Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, as an FLSA-exempt position the employee is expected to work the hours necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties.FLSA Status:

This position is not overtime eligible.Union Representation:

This position is non-represented.Special Requirements:It is a hiring requirement that all staff employed by DAJD successfully pass a thorough background investigations process, which includes fingerprinting, criminal history check, reference checks, and other tests as deemed necessary.Who May Apply:This recruitment is open to current King County employees and the public and will be used to fill one career service position.Supplemental InformationSelection Process:DAJD values diversity and is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. We encourage people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. DAJD provides accommodations as needed as we believe that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.Applications will be reviewed as received, and they will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage.The recruitment for this position will remain open until October 19, 2023.

The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a series of interviews.Application Process:Forms and Materials RequiredIf you are interested in this position, follow the application instructions carefully. The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:An

online employment application

completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment, or more to include all relevant experience. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All relevant experience must be included in the application.A

cover letter

addressing

why you are interested in this position

and about

your qualifications

for the job. Your letter should effectively explain your interest in this position and why you believe you would be an excellent candidate.Responses to Supplemental Questions . Please provide narrative responses to the questions. Do not copy and paste from your resume in response to Supplemental Questions. Doing so will result in an incomplete application, unless the submitted information completely and directly answers the questions posed.Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed NeoGov application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to

www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring .Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all DAJD positions.

About the Department:DAJD is a professional and nationally recognized organization that supports safe, vibrant, and healthy communities in partnership with other criminal justice and human service agencies. It consists of approximately 900 employees and operates the largest county jail in the State of Washington, housing an average daily population of more than 1800 inmates. DAJD's mission is to contribute to the public safety of the residents of King County and Washington State by operating safe, secure, and humane detention facilities and community corrections programs, in an innovative and cost-effective manner.Teleworking Requirement:The work associated with this position is currently being performed predominantly by teleworking, complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. The workspace for this position is in the King County Courthouse in Downtown Seattle, Washington and may require access to secure detention facilities as well.King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?

Come join the team

dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our

"True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.To Request AssistanceIf you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

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