Labor and Employee Relations Specialist

This position will partner with the Associate Administrator ELR/LOA to conduct Labor and Employee Relations activities including the administration and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements by working with management to develop negotiation proposals and strategies to meet System needs and goals. This position will manage grievance hearings, arbitrations, and settlement conferences as well as develop and maintain relationships with both management and union representatives to foster harmonious Labor and Employee Relations. The Labor & Employee Relations Specialist should have the ability to objectively assess situations and effectively communicate with all levels of employees. This position serves as an internal consultant to management, in various arenas, including employee performance issues, employee misconduct and the issuance of corrective action. In addition, this position will work collaboratively with the Associate Administrator ELR/LOA and will be a necessary support to each respective service line with respect to standards and all policies and procedures such as compensation, performance evaluations, departmental programs and initiatives.

Essential Duties:

• Facilitates and participates in the integration of the various functions of employee/labor relations with other Human Resources functions.
• Serves as the hospital representative in Labor Relations matters and is responsible for advising management to ensure the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) are adhered to.
• Serves as facilitator in all grievance proceedings and processes as defined in the CBA.
• Facilitates training and development programs for managers related to employee relations and labor relations.
• Manages grievances, discipline, terminations, and related actions and implements standard reporting to track and proactively address facility and/or departmental needs.
• Provides education and advice to managers on proper documentation and requirements for various processes and procedures.
• Conducts investigations from employee complaints including calls received from the Compliance Line.
• Handles difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.
• Deals with union-related issues.
• Collect data for information requests from the union. Prepares responsive material for transmission.
• Maintains documents related to union issues, i.e., grievance tracking.
• Assists Associate Administrator ELR/LOA in contract review to ensure policy and practice match, including any items necessary or required to be given to employees as required under the contract. May assist in developing and delivering training related to Labor and Employee Relations issues.
• Maintains a high level of productivity and demonstrates effective skills in work assignments and follows through.
• Responds effectively and proactively to unforeseen problems and issues affecting the department and the hospital.
• Interprets and applies Human Resources policies and procedures and ensures they are aligned with CBA’s.
• Will serve as backup as designated to any level of staff in the ELR/LOA department.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Labor Relations, and/or Business Administration preferred.
• 2 years of direct experience working in Employee and Labor Relations department performing similar duties may be substituted for formal education.
• Proficient oral/written communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Strong organizational, analytical/critical thinking, presentation, and creative skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Labor Relations, and/or Business Administration required.
• 2-3 years Experience in Labor Relations and Employee Relations.
• Prior experience in the healthcare industry.
• Experience with unions and conducting employee investigations.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City). If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date (Required within LA City only).

The annual base salary range for this position is $68,640.00 - $112,370.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.