Employee & Labor Relations Specialist
Leon County Government, Boynton Beach, Florida, United States, 33435
Purpose
The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist provides a variety of confidential, professional level activities in planning, organizing, and conducting employee & labor relations activities for the City of Boynton Beach.
Under general supervision, the employee performs assignments of considerable difficulty requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment in drafting, interpreting, and implementing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal guidelines, legislation, accepted practices, existing arrangements, and union contracts with which the municipal government must comply. The employee participates, as required, in discipline administration; grievance administration processes including arbitration or other grievance appeal processes; and unemployment compensation hearings. The incumbent works with the City's negotiating team in the collective bargaining process, conducts research to develop negotiation strategy for consideration by superiors, drafts contractual language, performs research, and costs out union and city proposals.
Essential Functions
Performs employee relations activities such as assisting in the grievance process, interpreting collective bargaining provisions, investigating and responding to complaints or charges filed against the City through internal grievances or external agencies.
Assists with addressing employee performance and conduct issues, including guidance, review, and approval of corrective actions (involving performance improvement plans, progressive disciplinary procedures, and recommendations for termination).
Provides counsel and facilitates prompt and effective resolution of workplace conflict to address issues for employees, managers, and leaders in a manner consistent with policies, practices, and legal considerations.
Supports HR leadership and the labor relations team during collective bargaining processes by conducting research, drafting summaries, and maintaining documentation.
Oversees City’s policy management system, and maintains a standard format for policies to be reviewed and revised on a scheduled basis. Coordinates policies and procedure development and dissemination.
Develops, reviews, updates, implements, and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures, HR policies, and personnel rules, while maintaining current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and emerging best practices.
Responds to reemployment assistance notices (claims) and coordinates payment for Reemployment Assistance (unemployment).
Prepares and submits the bi-annual EEO-4 report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Assists in maintaining the City’s EEO Plan and provides supporting grant documentation as needed such as the EEO Short Form.
Maintains strict confidentiality throughout conversations and investigations. Manages highly confidential human resources information and exercises sound judgment in handling or working with confidential data and situations.
Develops effective relationships within the City to promote good labor and employee relations across the organization.
Contributes to ongoing process improvements by identifying areas for increased efficiency or policy updates and sharing observations with HR management.
Assists with administering all provisions of collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to contract interpretation and adherence.
Assists with advising and training managers and supervisors in best practices and strategies for managing work groups and employee relations.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, industrial psychology, public administration, business administration, or related field; and
Within the last five (5) years must possess three (3) years of professional experience in employee relations, labor relations, performance management, grievance administration, dispute resolution, and policy administration; and
Must possess [or obtain within two (2) years of hire] a Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) Certification through FPELRA or NPELRA.
Must possess [or obtain within fourteen (14) months of hire] and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, industrial psychology, public administration, or business administration is highly preferred.
Local municipal human resources experience.
Employee Relations and Investigations Certification.
Certification through HRCI, SHRM or PSHRA-HR.
Human Resources experience with a Public Safety, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement or Fire Department.
Supplemental Information Effective communication with supervisors, employees, other departments, contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal direction on moderately complex matters. Ability to provide high quality customer service. Ability to communicate digitally, orally, and in writing. Ability to analyze data and identify trends. Ability to reach consensus between individuals. Ability to deal effectively across all levels of the organization. Ability to quickly adapt to change and keep a flexible approach to work. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships during all interactions in the performance of duties. Ability to provide clear direction and effectively communicate policies to eliminate or reduce potential conflicts. Ability to create a work environment to encourage excellence, to reward performance and to embrace change.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, policies, standards, regulations, and practices applicable to labor relations, human resource issues, equal employment opportunity, ADA, FMLA and civil service rules and regulations or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge in a reasonable period.
Understanding of negotiation techniques.
Understanding of dispute resolution and compensation administration.
Experience with employment law and labor relations.
Experience with ER procedures and processes.
Skill in effectively managing and completing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Skill in attention to detail.
Physical and Sensory Requirements Physical Ability : Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Sensory Requirements : Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors : Essential functions are regularly performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and Affimative Action Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications). Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. The City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Benefits
Student Loan Forgiveness
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Care Plan
Basic Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance
Dependent Life Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
City Pension Plan
Short Term Disability and other Supplemental Plans
Long Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
457 Savings Plan (three options)
Paid Annual Leave / Vacation
Bonus Vacation Hours
12 Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave / Family Sick Leave
Educational Assistance Program (Depending on budget funding)
On-site Training Program
Wellness Program
Pre-Paid Legal and Identity Theft Protection Plans
Credit Union
Tax Deferred 125 Premium Plan
Flexible Spending Account
Direct Deposit
Social Security
Veterans' Preference Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City’s hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Under general supervision, the employee performs assignments of considerable difficulty requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment in drafting, interpreting, and implementing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal guidelines, legislation, accepted practices, existing arrangements, and union contracts with which the municipal government must comply. The employee participates, as required, in discipline administration; grievance administration processes including arbitration or other grievance appeal processes; and unemployment compensation hearings. The incumbent works with the City's negotiating team in the collective bargaining process, conducts research to develop negotiation strategy for consideration by superiors, drafts contractual language, performs research, and costs out union and city proposals.
Essential Functions
Performs employee relations activities such as assisting in the grievance process, interpreting collective bargaining provisions, investigating and responding to complaints or charges filed against the City through internal grievances or external agencies.
Assists with addressing employee performance and conduct issues, including guidance, review, and approval of corrective actions (involving performance improvement plans, progressive disciplinary procedures, and recommendations for termination).
Provides counsel and facilitates prompt and effective resolution of workplace conflict to address issues for employees, managers, and leaders in a manner consistent with policies, practices, and legal considerations.
Supports HR leadership and the labor relations team during collective bargaining processes by conducting research, drafting summaries, and maintaining documentation.
Oversees City’s policy management system, and maintains a standard format for policies to be reviewed and revised on a scheduled basis. Coordinates policies and procedure development and dissemination.
Develops, reviews, updates, implements, and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures, HR policies, and personnel rules, while maintaining current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and emerging best practices.
Responds to reemployment assistance notices (claims) and coordinates payment for Reemployment Assistance (unemployment).
Prepares and submits the bi-annual EEO-4 report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Assists in maintaining the City’s EEO Plan and provides supporting grant documentation as needed such as the EEO Short Form.
Maintains strict confidentiality throughout conversations and investigations. Manages highly confidential human resources information and exercises sound judgment in handling or working with confidential data and situations.
Develops effective relationships within the City to promote good labor and employee relations across the organization.
Contributes to ongoing process improvements by identifying areas for increased efficiency or policy updates and sharing observations with HR management.
Assists with administering all provisions of collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to contract interpretation and adherence.
Assists with advising and training managers and supervisors in best practices and strategies for managing work groups and employee relations.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, industrial psychology, public administration, business administration, or related field; and
Within the last five (5) years must possess three (3) years of professional experience in employee relations, labor relations, performance management, grievance administration, dispute resolution, and policy administration; and
Must possess [or obtain within two (2) years of hire] a Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) Certification through FPELRA or NPELRA.
Must possess [or obtain within fourteen (14) months of hire] and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, industrial psychology, public administration, or business administration is highly preferred.
Local municipal human resources experience.
Employee Relations and Investigations Certification.
Certification through HRCI, SHRM or PSHRA-HR.
Human Resources experience with a Public Safety, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement or Fire Department.
Supplemental Information Effective communication with supervisors, employees, other departments, contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal direction on moderately complex matters. Ability to provide high quality customer service. Ability to communicate digitally, orally, and in writing. Ability to analyze data and identify trends. Ability to reach consensus between individuals. Ability to deal effectively across all levels of the organization. Ability to quickly adapt to change and keep a flexible approach to work. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships during all interactions in the performance of duties. Ability to provide clear direction and effectively communicate policies to eliminate or reduce potential conflicts. Ability to create a work environment to encourage excellence, to reward performance and to embrace change.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, policies, standards, regulations, and practices applicable to labor relations, human resource issues, equal employment opportunity, ADA, FMLA and civil service rules and regulations or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge in a reasonable period.
Understanding of negotiation techniques.
Understanding of dispute resolution and compensation administration.
Experience with employment law and labor relations.
Experience with ER procedures and processes.
Skill in effectively managing and completing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Skill in attention to detail.
Physical and Sensory Requirements Physical Ability : Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Sensory Requirements : Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors : Essential functions are regularly performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and Affimative Action Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications). Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. The City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Benefits
Student Loan Forgiveness
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Care Plan
Basic Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance
Dependent Life Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
City Pension Plan
Short Term Disability and other Supplemental Plans
Long Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
457 Savings Plan (three options)
Paid Annual Leave / Vacation
Bonus Vacation Hours
12 Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave / Family Sick Leave
Educational Assistance Program (Depending on budget funding)
On-site Training Program
Wellness Program
Pre-Paid Legal and Identity Theft Protection Plans
Credit Union
Tax Deferred 125 Premium Plan
Flexible Spending Account
Direct Deposit
Social Security
Veterans' Preference Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City’s hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.
#J-18808-Ljbffr