HRBP - Labor Relations Specialist

INTRODUCTION 

Under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Human Resources, HRBP/Labor Relations Specialist will act as a strategic advisor and liaison to management and employees, working under the collective bargaining agreements to resolve labor relations-related matter across all sectors of the organization.  This includes resolving employee-management disputes, negotiating labor contracts, coordinating grievance procedures regarding worker complaints, and offering input to senior leadership on issues such as wages and salaries, nonwage benefits, and union or management practices. 

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administer human resources plans and procedures, including the development and implementation of personnel policies; maintain the employee handbook.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop strategic initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and achieve company goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor and partner to leaders, providing advice, guidance, and support on all HR matters, including employee relations, talent management, performance management, and compensation.
• May assist with the review and monitoring of leave management, FMLA (DC/Federal), ADA, WC, STD, LOA, etc.  
• Monitor compliance with federal and state employment legislation, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance; partner with legal as needed. 
• Responds to employee complaints/issues in an appropriate and prompt manner. 
• Support talent management processes, including goal setting, succession planning, and performance evaluations.
• May participate in collective bargaining sessions, grievance and arbitration meetings and provide feedback to senior leadership where appropriate.  
• Prepares documents and records required for contract negotiations, meetings, and negotiations with employee and labor organizations.
• Monitor evolving workplace trends and emerging issues in employee relations, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of labor laws, regulations, collective bargaining, and grievance handling. 
• Advise management on disciplinary procedures and employee grievances in a professional and unbiased manner.
• Conduct investigations into worker misconduct and union complaints, providing senior leadership with detailed findings supported by clear evidence, written documentation, and comprehensive reports.  
• Mediate discussions between management and staff. 
• Interpret labor contracts to ensure clear understanding and train leaders in labor relations policies and procedures by providing guidance to both employees and management on matters related to employment law and company policies.  
• Collect information and data: this may include employee information, management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, working conditions, and other mitigating circumstances. 
• May draft contract proposals and response letters to employees and or external agencies. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business administration, or related field required. 
• Minimum of 5-7 years of HRBP experience or a comparable HR role, preferably in the healthcare industry. 
• Labor Relations experience is required.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Must have a thorough understanding of labor laws and regulations, and experience in collective bargaining and grievance handling.
• Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills,
• Must be able to work cooperatively with others and have integrity, initiative, and dependability.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and be detail oriented.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare comprehensive reports and represent ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all levels of employees.
• Experience working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), non-profit mission-based organizations, or in healthcare preferred.  
• Ability to travel 10-30% of the time, primarily within Washington, DC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in an office environment.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.  Frequently required to sit, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, and talk/hear. Requires critical thinking, organizational, decisive judgment, communication, good customer service skills. Must be able to handle multiple tasks, be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate actions as needed.  Must always follow Unity Healthcare and departmental policies and procedures.