Labor & Employee Relations Consultant - Illinois Human Resources
University of Illinois

Labor & Employee Relations Consultant - Illinois Human Resources

Illinois Human Resources

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations, provides specialized, professional consultation and training on employee relations, performance improvement and employee disciplinary issues to managers, employees, and unit human resources professionals. Performs the full range of labor relations activities, including contract negotiations, contract administration, and grievance handling. Develops, implements, and evaluates ongoing labor and employee relations policies programs, functions, and activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Consult with and assist departments in the investigation of disciplinary matters, conduct pre-disciplinary meetings, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with sound and accepted employee relations practices.

Advise campus units and employees on wide range of labor and employment policies and practices, including University Policy and Rules, Campus Administrative Manual, State Universities Civil Service System Statute and Rules, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, and other applicable state and federal labor and employment laws.

Participate in management meetings and offer guidance to campus units on labor and employee relations issues; consults with managers and supervisors in identifying and resolving problems and recommend courses of action.

Develop and deliver training materials that provide guidance to campus human resources practitioners and supervisors in areas such as Policy and Rules, FMLA, workplace violence, performance management and performance appraisals, and the Performance Partnership Program.

Upon request, represent IHR in arbitration and Merit Board discharge proceedings, by serving as the expert witness, alongside University Counsel; as requested, assist in the planning and preparation of cases before arbitrators and administrative bodies.

Represent IHR in campus-level committees such as background investigations; coordinate programs including Employee Advisory Committee election, Staff Advisory Council election, employee recognition programs, etc.

As assigned, serve as chief spokesperson in negotiations for collective bargaining agreements with various unions.

Provide information and guidance to departments and employees regarding day-today administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.

Attend labor-management meetings requested by a union to discuss and resolve issues arising under a collective bargaining agreement.

Act as primary central human resources contact for various represented employees in bargaining units that vary in size, employee type, classifications, etc.

Regularly confer with bargaining unit representatives to review labor-management relations. Represent Urbana campus administrative and management viewpoints to union representatives.

As assigned, assist in planning, preparation, and presentation of cases before arbitrators and administrative bodies, including disciplinary cases and grievance arbitration cases.

Oversee and conduct grievance hearings for assigned university units and contracts. Resolve disputes to the satisfaction of all parties.

Build and maintain ongoing, long-term relationships between negotiating parties; and advocate and champion a productive management/union working environment.

Develop and recommend appropriate corrective action; advise managers on communication approaches, documentation, and dispute resolution.

Resolve disputes that bind both labor and management to specific terms and conditions of labor contracts.

Develop and implement documentation and reporting for administration of labor relations.

Update union-related policies; recommend and implement policies and procedures necessary to establish and maintain compliance with collective bargaining agreements and general policies and procedures necessary to establish and maintain compliance with collective bargaining agreements and general human resources policies.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, law, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree, preferably in human resources, labor relations, law, or a related field. Demonstrated experience with collective bargaining and grievance resolution. Professional experience in employee relations, including experience advising decision makers on issues related to performance management, policy interpretation and compliance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Familiarity with human resources management principles, theories, and concepts. Advanced verbal and written communication and quantitative skills to prepare reports, analysis and documents and deal effective with people in securing dispute settlements. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and argue persuasively; strong negotiation skills. Familiarity with economic and wage data and extensive knowledge of Illinois labor and wage laws, collective bargaining procedures and related legislation. Knowledge of policies and practices involved in personnel/human resource functions. Familiarity with federal and state employment laws. Ability to communicate both effectively both orally and in writing. Knowledge of University and campus structure, goals, procedures, policies, and practices. Demonstrated understanding of college and unit level employment attributes and general human resources operations.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 2/16/2023. Salary range starts at $60,000.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Application along must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Wednesday, February 3, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.

To complete the application process:

1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application using the "Apply Now' button at the top or bottom of the page.

2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.

3) Upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three professional references.

Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Cheryl Heck at chaheck@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1014982
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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