Employee and Labor Relations Representative

King County   Seattle, WA   Full-time
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Summary

The Facilities Management Division has an exciting opportunity for a Career Service Employee and Labor Relations Representative. This position provides employee and labor relations support to a division of mostly represented employees.  This role will be responsible for managing a multiple contacts.   This role is responsible for conducting investigations;  preparing EEOC responses on behalf of the division; supporting the grievance process, which may include conducting grievance hearings as the final step prior to arbitrations; recommending disciplinary and job performance corrective actions based on knowledge of arbitration and collective bargaining agreements and other applicable rules, regulations, and laws; providing advice to management on the interpretation and application of labor contracts, personnel policies and procedures; providing training in labor contract administration, disciplinary procedures, preparing disciplinary documents, employee performance management and related County and state policies and procedures; advising management on potentially litigious and sensitive employment issues; and participating in labor negotiations on behalf of the Facilities Management Division in support of the King County Office of Labor Relations.

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Service position.  This may be used to generate a pool for future Career Service, Term Limited Temporary (TLT), and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification. The pool would be valid for twelve months upon creation and may be extended at the discretion of the hiring authority.
 
 

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:

  • 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 internally and externally with the Department of Human Resources (OHR) 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 management representative in support of other Department staff.
  • Conduct Labor Management Committee (LMC) meetings and participate in Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) meetings.
  • Provide support in arbitration and mediation proceedings by researching relevant cases, gathering supporting documents, and providing professional labor relations advice; may serve as 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 FMD Management and/or King County Office of Labor Relations regarding labor strategies and management bargaining proposals.
  • Draft proposals for 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 organizational health commitments, and are equitable, defensible and provide the best outcome for the agency.
  • Other related duties as assigned











 

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

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 with at all members of the Division, in a collaborative team environment.
  • Thorough understanding of labor law and labor relations and collective bargaining principles and practices. 
  • Thorough 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

Selection Process: 

An online employment application, resume and cover letter are required. Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and a written assessment (pass/fail). Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If 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 Rosie Akopyan at Rakopyan@kingcounty.gov.  

NOTE: Please answer all applicable questions in the employment application portion, with each of your jobs listed (listing each position for each employer separately), duties explained, reasons for leaving, etc.

Work Schedule: 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.

Union Membership:
This position is not represented by a union.
Class Code: 2308100

Work Location: The primary location of this position is in the King County Administration Building (500 4th ave, Seattle, WA 981014)

Teleworking: 
The work associated with this position will be performed in a hybrid work environment working in the office and at home. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees may 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. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.

Forbes recently 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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

  • submit proof of vaccination, or
  • have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No 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 Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If 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.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

This job is no longer available.

King County

Seattle, WA