
Workforce Relations Specialist or Workforce Relations Sr. Specialist
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States, 49931
Workforce Relations Specialist or Workforce Relations Sr. Specialist
Location: Lakeshore Center (Houghton, MI) • Full Time • Department: Human Resources • Job No: 26004 Overview : The Workforce Relations Specialist is responsible for mitigating risk for the institution and creating capacity and competency for managers and supervisors in counseling and guiding them through complex employee issues; balancing the need to mitigate risk with positively impacting the employee experience in addressing employee concerns and reaching fair and equitable solutions. Primary responsibilities include investigations, corrective action, coaching and counseling with managers and supervisors, and policy and contract interpretation. This position serves on the leadership team within the Human Resources Department. Responsibilities and Essential Duties
Service as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters across the institution.
Provide efficient, consistent and prompt consultative services, thereby creating capacity for managers and supervisors.
Provide consultative, advising, and coaching services in areas such as conflict resolution, performance issues, and disciplinary actions.
Mediate workplace disputes effectively.
Provide effective advising services to managers during performance improvement plans.
Assist managers with preparing for difficult conversations with employees to lead to effective concern resolution.
Advise managers on handling difficult performance issues, disciplinary actions, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
Serve as a Labor Designee for bargaining units, including contract liaison, hosting labor/management meetings, representing the employer in labor negotiations, drafting and publishing contracts.
Respond to grievances and written complaints; assist General Counsel with related legal matters in Human Resources.
Provide leadership in investigations into misconduct or policy violations.
Develop, interpret and enforce institutional policy and collective bargaining agreements in a fair and equitable manner.
Partner with HR and stakeholders on leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, etc.).
Provide education to managers and employees on policies, rights and best practices through conversations or trainings.
Manage unemployment claims and respond/represent as needed.
Develop tools and templates for managers to utilize.
Collaborate with the Chief Human Resources Officer on complex or sensitive cases.
Refer employees to University or community resources as appropriate.
Provide varying levels of final outcome letter development support, from drafting to reviewing or delivering final outcomes.
Track case details to identify trends and inform training opportunities or policy needs.
Maintain strong written documentation for each matter with discoverability in mind.
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives and apply safety-related knowledge to everyday work.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Labor Relations or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Experience Experience or education/training in one or more functional areas of responsibility. Desirable Education and/or Experience
Specialist: less than three years of experience in one or more functional areas.
Senior Specialist: three or more years of experience in one or more functional areas.
Experience working in higher education Human Resources.
PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations with the ability to interpret and apply.
Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and oral/written communication skills (including electronic communications).
Excellent time management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions involving sensitive, confidential topics.
Ability to analyze complex information and solve problems; work independently under limited supervision.
Ability to present to audiences at all levels; handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Flexible, diplomatic, patient, service-driven, self-starter; willingness to learn.
Ability to handle complex, high-stress, and confidential issues; lead projects or improvements.
Ability to work within a team and preserve documentation; contribute to a safe work environment.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands The work environment is described as typical for the role; reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level is usually low to moderate. Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Employee Safety Overview
Annual Data Security Training
Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
Annual Title IX Training
Additional department-specific training may be required periodically. Background Check: Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and results received and assessed. Compensation The minimum salary for this position is $65,000. Final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. FTE: 1.0; FLSA Status: Exempt; Appointment Term: 12 months. Full/Official Details Posting Type: Internal & External • Dependent on Funding Application Notes Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Required: The successful candidate will be assigned the job title level that most closely aligns with related work experiences, skills and abilities. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office.
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Location: Lakeshore Center (Houghton, MI) • Full Time • Department: Human Resources • Job No: 26004 Overview : The Workforce Relations Specialist is responsible for mitigating risk for the institution and creating capacity and competency for managers and supervisors in counseling and guiding them through complex employee issues; balancing the need to mitigate risk with positively impacting the employee experience in addressing employee concerns and reaching fair and equitable solutions. Primary responsibilities include investigations, corrective action, coaching and counseling with managers and supervisors, and policy and contract interpretation. This position serves on the leadership team within the Human Resources Department. Responsibilities and Essential Duties
Service as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters across the institution.
Provide efficient, consistent and prompt consultative services, thereby creating capacity for managers and supervisors.
Provide consultative, advising, and coaching services in areas such as conflict resolution, performance issues, and disciplinary actions.
Mediate workplace disputes effectively.
Provide effective advising services to managers during performance improvement plans.
Assist managers with preparing for difficult conversations with employees to lead to effective concern resolution.
Advise managers on handling difficult performance issues, disciplinary actions, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
Serve as a Labor Designee for bargaining units, including contract liaison, hosting labor/management meetings, representing the employer in labor negotiations, drafting and publishing contracts.
Respond to grievances and written complaints; assist General Counsel with related legal matters in Human Resources.
Provide leadership in investigations into misconduct or policy violations.
Develop, interpret and enforce institutional policy and collective bargaining agreements in a fair and equitable manner.
Partner with HR and stakeholders on leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, etc.).
Provide education to managers and employees on policies, rights and best practices through conversations or trainings.
Manage unemployment claims and respond/represent as needed.
Develop tools and templates for managers to utilize.
Collaborate with the Chief Human Resources Officer on complex or sensitive cases.
Refer employees to University or community resources as appropriate.
Provide varying levels of final outcome letter development support, from drafting to reviewing or delivering final outcomes.
Track case details to identify trends and inform training opportunities or policy needs.
Maintain strong written documentation for each matter with discoverability in mind.
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives and apply safety-related knowledge to everyday work.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Labor Relations or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Experience Experience or education/training in one or more functional areas of responsibility. Desirable Education and/or Experience
Specialist: less than three years of experience in one or more functional areas.
Senior Specialist: three or more years of experience in one or more functional areas.
Experience working in higher education Human Resources.
PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations with the ability to interpret and apply.
Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and oral/written communication skills (including electronic communications).
Excellent time management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions involving sensitive, confidential topics.
Ability to analyze complex information and solve problems; work independently under limited supervision.
Ability to present to audiences at all levels; handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Flexible, diplomatic, patient, service-driven, self-starter; willingness to learn.
Ability to handle complex, high-stress, and confidential issues; lead projects or improvements.
Ability to work within a team and preserve documentation; contribute to a safe work environment.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands The work environment is described as typical for the role; reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level is usually low to moderate. Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Employee Safety Overview
Annual Data Security Training
Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
Annual Title IX Training
Additional department-specific training may be required periodically. Background Check: Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and results received and assessed. Compensation The minimum salary for this position is $65,000. Final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. FTE: 1.0; FLSA Status: Exempt; Appointment Term: 12 months. Full/Official Details Posting Type: Internal & External • Dependent on Funding Application Notes Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Required: The successful candidate will be assigned the job title level that most closely aligns with related work experiences, skills and abilities. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office.
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