Labor Relations Specialist (HRC4/ERD)

Full Job Description

Labor Relations Specialist (HRC4/ERD)

71053034

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is in search of a strong relationship builder, critical thinker, and investigator to serve as a labor relations specialist.

This position supports the agency’s managers and supervisors with the knowledge and resources to effectively fulfill HCA’s mission while complying with all applicable authorizing environments.

If you are a seasoned human resources HR professional who enjoys interpreting CBAs, laws, policies, and procedures, this may be the opportunity for you!

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

Human Resources (HR) is an organizational section within the Employee Resources Division (ERD) within the Central Services Administration at HCA.

ERD is committed to ensuring that HCA employees have the services, tools, and resources needed to support a healthier Washington.

HR is a strategic business partner, actively contributing to HCA’s excellence through professional expertise, guidance, and human resource solutions.

About the position:

The Labor Relations Specialist reports to the Labor Relations and Recruitment Manager and independently provides expert level labor relations consultation to management of HCA.

The position is responsible for HCA’s grievance case management for all CBAs; General Government as well as Non-State Employees.

This position coordinates Union Management Communication Committee (UMC/C) meetings, responds to Union Requests for Information (RFI) and assists the Labor Relations and Recruitment Manager with labor negotiations for HCA.

Under general direction by the manager, the Labor Relations Specialist independently provides consultation on professional and technical matters of labor relations.

The position also ensures timely, accurate, and consistent flow of information and engagement regarding labor relation matters.

This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site, but may be required to report on-site two days per week during the initial training period.The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington.

This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.

Requirements

Some of what you will do:

• Provides expert consultation on complex labor relation matters.
• Provides consultation and interpretation of applicable CBAs and ensures consistent compliance with bargaining agreements, agency policies, best practice human resource management activities and business practices.
• Designated as the professional level expert for HCA’s Language Access Provider CBA.
• Participates in informational meetings and discussions with Unions while maintaining respectful and collaborative relationships with Union officials and staff.
• Manages and tracks complex and sensitive labor relations issues having broad inter/intra-agency impacts.
• Responsible for processing and case-managing grievances, Union notifications, demands to bargain, RFIs, unfair labor practices, arbitrations, and other labor related activities and track to completion.
• Reviews, researches, and tracks Union RFIs. Gathers data and responds to Union requests.
• Represents the agency on behalf of the Labor Relations and Recruitment Manager. Staffs Statewide Union Management Communications Committee Coordinator for two CBAs (General Government and Non-State Employees) including communicating with participants, preparing meeting materials, and follow-up.
• Coordinates Union release time requests.
• Creates, organizes, and maintains comprehensive labor relations filing and tracking systems.
• Composes letters, memorandums, etc. on behalf of the Labor Relations and Recruitment Manager.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

• Bachelor’s degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field and
• Three (3) years of broad-based professional human resource experience.

Option 2:

• Associate degree with focus on business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field and
• Five (5) years of broad-based professional human resource experience.

Option 3:

• Seven (7) years of broad-based professional human resource experience.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience interpreting union contracts.
• Experience interpreting laws, WACs, and other policies and procedures.
• Experience with workplace investigations.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.
• Demonstrated ability to:
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with a diverse range of customers and co-workers.
• Understand, apply, and correctly interpret laws, WACs, Union contracts, and other HR-related policies and procedures.
• Research, analyze and interpret statistical or complex data in a fast-paced work environment.
• Provide excellent customer service to diverse groups of people with a variety of needs.
• Establish collaborative workplace relationships, encourage teamwork, and establish trust and credibility with others.
• Effectively present ideas and consult with diverse individuals and groups.
• Readily adapt to new situations and be open to change.
• Analyze and interpret information in order to provide options and solutions.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification.

To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Additional Information

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery.

Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking!

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description.

Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov or 360.725.0945.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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