Labor Relations Advocate

Overview

Special Instructions to Applicants

Reporting to the Manager of Labor Relations in Campus Human Resources, the Labor Relations Advocate represents the University in labor arbitrations, internal administrative hearings, and proceedings before the California Public Employment Relations Board. Evaluate the merits of employee complaints (grievances, administrative reviews, and unfair labor practice charges) by interviewing witnesses, reviewing policies and relevant documentation, and contracts, conducting complex legal research, and identifying strategies for the University's response.

Provides employee relations consultation to university management, employees, and designated representatives, including analysis and interpretation of university policies and procedures and applicable employment and labor law, contract administration, organizational change, problem-solving and decision-making assistance, and conflict resolution services. Participate in and lead supervisory/management training activities, including seminar design and facilitation on employee relations issues. Coach and counsel managers and employees in clarifying goals and objectives, and enhancing problem-solving, planning, and communication skills.

Conduct workplace investigations and department training on applicable topics, including contract interpretation and just cause. Participate as the University representative in both system-wide and local collective bargaining. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Represent the University in labor arbitrations, internal administrative hearings, and proceedings before the California Public Employment Relations Board.
• Evaluate the merits of employee complaints (grievances, administrative reviews, unfair labor practice charges) through witness interviews, policy and documentation review, contracts, and legal research; identify strategies for the University's response.
• Provide employee relations consultation to management, employees, and designated representatives; interpret policies, procedures, and applicable employment and labor law; assist with contract administration, organizational change, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Participate in and lead supervisory/management training on employee relations issues; design and facilitate seminars.
• Coach and counsel managers and employees to clarify goals and enhance problem-solving, planning, and communication skills.
• Conduct workplace investigations and department training on topics including contract interpretation and just cause.
• Represent the University in system-wide and local collective bargaining matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience in acting as management advocate in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and meet and discuss/confer sessions; including preparing witnesses, direct and cross-examination, opening and closing statements, and preparing motions. (Required)
• At least five years of experience in labor and employment law or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Preferred)
• Skill in writing clear, concise, analytical, legally correct, accurate, and persuasive briefs, appeals, motions, grievance responses, settlement agreements, and management positions. (Required)
• Skill in functioning in a demanding environment to resolve conflicts. (Required)
• Skill in analyzing labor relations information, data, problems, practices, or procedures to define problems and objectives, consider alternative solutions and consequences and propose solutions. (Required)
• Skill in prioritizing work assignments to reflect changes in the labor relations environment. (Required)
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with all levels of management and employees, including arbitrators and administrative law judges, and present oral presentations to groups. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain complex collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures to academic and staff personnel. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and professional credibility with administrators, faculty, and staff at all levels of the University and with…