Employee and Labor Relations Representative - Career Service

Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As the Employee and Labor Relations Representative, you will also: Routinely consult on and/or facilitate the resolution of employee and labor relations issues by working with managers, supervisors, employees, and union representatives. Work to resolve grievances/issues at the lowest possible level by working collaboratively within Transit Employee Services and other Metro Divisions, and externally with the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) to ensure overall program support and success. Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements through training and consultation with managers and unions. Consult with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office as necessary. Conduct workplace investigations to determine the validity of complaints and grievances. Draft investigative reports, present investigative findings, and recommendations to decision-makers, and recommend appropriate disciplinary and corrective action. Prepare written responses to the EEOC and other similar state and local regulatory agencies regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. Participate in grievance hearings, either as a hearing examiner or as a management representative in support of other Department staff. Provide support in arbitration and mediation proceedings by researching relevant cases, gathering supporting documents, and providing professional labor relations advice; may serve as a partisan member of arbitration panels. Provide training, guidance, advice, and coaching to supervisory staff on employee and labor relations matters including performance management, workplace policy application, investigative techniques, contract compliance, and appropriate corrective actions. Provide recommendations to Employee Services Management and/or King County Office of Labor Relations regarding labor strategies and management bargaining proposals. Draft memorandums of understanding to address labor relations issues. Work collaboratively with other human resource professionals and leaders in the department to deliver outcomes that further Metro’s organizational health commitments, and are equitable, defensible, and provide the best outcome for the agency. Other related duties as assigned. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills 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. We are looking for candidates who possess these qualifications: Three years or more 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. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and professional-level employee and labor relations experience in a highly unionized environment or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or skills sufficient to perform the listed job duties. Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment. Comprehensive understanding of labor law and labor relations and collective bargaining principles and practices. In-depth knowledge of grievance, arbitration, and mediation proceedings. Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations. Strong presentation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills. Strong 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. 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 and experience with large, unionized organizations. Supplemental Information Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Selection Process: King County Metro 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. King County Metro 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. Application Process: Forms and Materials Required If 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 in detail your experience advising supervisors and managers on employee performance management, including discipline. Your letter should effectively explain your interest in this position and why you believe you would be an excellent candidate. Responses to Supplemental Questions. 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. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact jalydavis@kingcounty.gov Union Membership: This position is not represented by a union. Class Code: 2308100 – Employee and Labor Relations Representative (Job code 230301) Work Schedule and Location The work week is normally 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Alternative work schedules may be possible. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and therefore is not eligible for overtime pay. The primary location of this position is in the King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA). Requirements when Teleworking The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Salary : $107,000 - $136,000