Employee and Labor Relations Advocate

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Plans, assigns, schedules, supervises and evaluates the work of assigned staff; with staff, develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve assigned unit objectives; provides input to the annual budget; makes purchases and other expenditures in accordance with Agency procedures and monitors performance against the annual budget; participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, processes and procedures to achieve established goals and objectives in accordance with department standards; prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports.

Manages the performance of section staff; interviews and selects new staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; hears and makes recommendations on grievances; subject to management concurrence, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Agency human resources policies and labor contract agreements.

Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and Agency's mission, objectives and values regarding teamwork, mutual trust and respect; applies best practices, process improvement principles and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.

Participates in the formulation and implementation of departmental policy, planning and strategy development; leads and directs staff and outside consulting resources in the development and application of new methods and processes to achieve higher efficiency, quality and innovation in department work processes.

Plans, manages, directs, executes and monitors employee and labor relations programs and initiatives of criticality that carry substantial consequences of success or failure; directs programs with Agency-wide impact that include formulating and administering strategies, policies, processes and resources; serves as the Agency's employee and labor relations subject matter expert; works in a highly collaborative manner with diverse client groups, external contacts of significance and Agency management on issues such as collective bargaining, performance management, employee discipline, complaint management, dispute resolution, complex organizational changes, workplace climate; advises Agency management on employee and labor relations matters and employment law implications relating to highly complex individual and Agency-wide issues.

Plans, manages, executes and monitors the Agency's employee relations and labor relations functions to include performance management and employee discipline.

Manages and executes the Agency's EEO/Affirmative Action programs.

Manages and conducts investigation and resolution of discrimination and other workplace complaints; develops recommendation on the Agency's response.

Represents the Agency in dealing with state and federal compliance agencies and in hearings and litigation on employment matters; works with outside counsel as needed in developing and presenting the Agency's position for hearings and litigation.

Coordinates advanced analysis of complex issues and develops recommendations in support of the Agency's mission, vision, values and goals.

Establishes and maintains satisfactory labor-management relations including ensuring adherence to MOU provisions, employment law and labor statute, and addressing grievances and disputes.

Represents the Agency in labor management meetings, collective bargaining and dispute resolution; recommends Agency position in negotiations and for settlement options; possesses the delegated authority to commit the Agency to agreements.

Represents the Agency at professional meetings, in professional committees and with other governmental agencies and the community.

Advocates on behalf of the Agency in formal administrative dispute resolution proceedings including grievances, arbitration, complaints and unfair labor practice charges. Assists counsel with all phases of pre-trial/trial including development of strategic direction ang settlement strategies.

Recommends, designs, administers and interprets collective bargaining agreements and Agency policy.

Adjudicates criminal convictions.

Responds to Union Requests for Information.

Develops and facilitates training for employees, supervisors and management on various employee and labor relations topics.

Leads and influences others on matters of significance.

Models professional and ethical behavior.

Engages in continuous learning and keeps abreast of employment law, labor statute and relevant legal principles, concepts, procedures and research methods.