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Employee Labor & Relations Consultant (0495U), People & Culture - 56711

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

People & Culture is valued as UC Berkeley's proactive people partner focusing on the following key priority areas:

• One HR: Bringing clarity and efficiency to HR processes and structures through cross- team collaboration and transparent communication.
• People: Using development opportunities beyond training to create deeper engagement, higher trust and better performance.
• Culture: Applying Berkeley brand to developing a shared "enterprise contributor" mindset among all.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: September 13, 2023

Responsibilities

LABOR RELATIONS:

• Manage and administer collective bargaining agreements, including the management of the grievance program, information requests, reporting, contract negotiations, union business leave, equity increases, reclassifications, parameter requests, participate in labor-management meetings and the negotiation of labor disputes, draft settlement agreements, meet and confers, and union noticing.
• Provide direct services to client groups as assigned.
• Act as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees to interpret collective bargaining agreements.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS:

• Handle all facets of employee relations, including performance management, investigations including reports, discipline, separations, reclassifications, equity increases, and resolutions to employment disputes.
• Provide guidance regarding layoffs, terminations, corrective action, and/or policy grievances (PPSM 70s).
• Must facilitate sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
• Provide guidance regarding and/or create and maintain accurate documentation of investigations or other employment or labor matters.
• Provide direct services to client groups as assigned.
• Act as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees to interpret policies and procedures.
• Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and the requirements under this law, e.g., the interactive process.
• Act as an objective intermediary for employees and supervisors.
• Participate in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and negotiation with/between supervisors and employees.

RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYEE UNIONS, CAMPUS BUSINESS PARTNERS, SUPERVISORS, AND EMPLOYEES:

• Establish and maintain positive and appropriate union/management and campus business partner relations.

COMMUNICATION & ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• Provide communication of potential employment litigation and/or risks to legal counsel and obtain legal counsel on employment matters as needed.
• Advise on template and process updates.
• Track work performed to provide data for metrics and recordkeeping.
• Review trends and practices in labor/employee relations, and recommend programs that will enhance employee and labor relations at the university.
• Assess current functions and provide input to achieve unit best practices.

SPECIAL PROJECTS & TRAINING:

• Supports team or legal counsel responses related to employment litigation and government agency charges.
• Design and deliver or co-deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and HR Partners pertaining to employee and labor relations and related compliance (e.g., training concerning policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, performance management, and/or applicable state and federal legal requirements).
• Independently, with the Director's input prepare briefing memos, instructional manuals, job aids, and tool kits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience equivalent to an Employee and Labor Relations Consultant performing professional-level human resources work requiring use of the knowledge and abilities listed herein.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write detailed, well-organized, concise, emails, position statements for administrative procedures (CDR, EEOC, PERB, DLSE, PPSM 70 hearings), arbitration briefs, analytical reports, procedures, processes, performance management documents, web content, and training documents.
• Experience with and/or ability to learn University of California systems and programs.
• Knowledge of labor/employment law.
• Knowledge of employee and labor relations best practices and programs.
• Knowledge of the principles of advocacy in order to represent the campus in various dispute forums.
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with all levels of the UCB community, system-wide and with outside professionals.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform during high-conflict situations where employees and/or representatives are exhibiting strong emotions, verbiage, and somewhat aggressive behavior such as, but not limited to handling grievances, investigations, complaints, and other meetings, hearings, and situations.
• Knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act, California Labor Code, California Government Code, Fair Labor Standards Act, DFEH, EEOC, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, FFCRA, CFRA, ADEA, Title VII, etc., including recent developments and practices, applicability to the public sector.
• General knowledge of the Information Practices Act, Public Records Act, or HEERA requirements for information release, including release of personnel type records, and creation of data for bargaining.
• Knowledge of other areas of human resources.
• Ability to work with a high degree of confidentiality and independent judgment, including skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Experience in a customer service environment.
• Strong skill and ability to communicate with a high level of professionalism, clarity, and accuracy including demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively.
• Skills to independently manage, organize and prioritize work to achieve timely progress on simultaneous projects, distribute efforts appropriately among competing projects, meet competing deadlines, and maintain a high level of productivity.
• Demonstrated skills and ability to actively listen, observe, identify the information requested, ask questions to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, interests, and underlying needs of others, responding appropriately to a wide variety of requests.
• Technical skill and ability to accurately utilize the MS Office suite of business software applications, Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.
• Ability to learn, master, and utilize new applications as they become available.
• 3-4 years of demonstrated labor contract administration and employee relations experience that includes the ability to write detailed, well-organized, concise, emails, position statements for administrative procedures (CDR, EEOC, PERB, DLSE, PPSM 70 hearings), arbitration briefs, analytical reports, procedures, processes, performance management documents, web content, and training documents.
• Detail-oriented and dedicated to meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong decision-making skills
• Demonstrated experience successfully coaching managers and supervisors at all levels of an organization.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in a related area such as human resources management, labor law, or organizational behavior and 3-4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and/or the ability to learn campus policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn the University of California System-wide personnel practices, policies, procedures, labor contracts, and agreements.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification.
• Working knowledge of or ability to speak Spanish and/or Chinese Mandarin.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $145,000.00 - $160,000.00.

• This is a 12-month, 100% full-time (40 hours per week), contract position that is eligible for full UC benefits with the possibility of extension.
• This position is exempt and paid monthly.
• This is a hybrid position, eligible for 75% remote capability.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Referral Source Info

This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, please ensure you select the Referral Source of "UCB Employee". Then enter the employee's Name and Berkeley email address in the Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=56711&PostingSeq=1