Labor Relations Specialist

Purpose

The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist provides a variety of confidential, professional level activities in planning, organizing, and conducting employee & labor relations activities for the City of Boynton Beach.

Under general supervision, the employee performs assignments of considerable difficulty requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment in drafting, interpreting, and implementing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal guidelines, legislation, accepted practices, existing arrangements, and union contracts with which the municipal government must comply. The employee participates, as required, in discipline administration;

grievance administration processes including arbitration or other grievance appeal processes; and unemployment compensation hearings. The incumbent works with the City's negotiating team in the collective bargaining process, conducts research to develop negotiation strategy for consideration by superiors, drafts contractual language, performs research, and costs out union and city proposals.

• Performs employee relations activities such as assisting in the grievance process, interpreting collective bargaining provisions, investigating and responding to complaints or charges filed against the City through internal grievances or external agencies.
• Assists with addressing employee performance and conduct issues, including guidance, review, and approval of corrective actions (involving performance improvement plans, progressive disciplinary procedures, and recommendations for termination).
• Provides counsel and facilitates prompt and effective resolution of workplace conflict to address issues for employees, managers, and leaders in a manner consistent with policies, practices, and legal considerations.
• Supports HR leadership and the labor relations team during collective bargaining processes by conducting research, drafting summaries, and maintaining documentation.
• Oversees City’s policy management system, and maintains a standard format for policies to be reviewed and revised on a scheduled basis. Coordinates policies and procedure development and dissemination.
• Develops, reviews, updates, implements, and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures, HR policies, and personnel rules, while maintaining current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and emerging best practices.
• Responds to reemployment assistance notices (claims) and coordinates payment for Reemployment Assistance (unemployment).
• Prepares and submits the bi-annual EEO-4 report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Assists in maintaining the City’s EEO Plan and provides supporting grant documentation as needed such as the EEO Short Form.
• Maintains strict confidentiality throughout conversations and investigations. Manages highly confidential human resources information and exercises sound judgment in handling or working with confidential data and situations.
• Develops effective relationships within the City to promote good labor and employee relations across the organization.
• Contributes to ongoing process improvements by identifying areas for increased efficiency or policy updates and sharing observations with HR management.
• Assists with administering all provisions of collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to contract interpretation and adherence.
• Assists with advising and training managers and supervisors in best practices and strategies for managing work groups and employee relations.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human resources management, industrial psychology, public administration, business administration, or related field; and
• Within the last five (5) years must possess three (3) years of professional experience in employee relations, labor relations, performance management, grievance administration, dispute resolution, and policy administration; and
• Must possess [or obtain within two (2) years of hire] a Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) Certification through FPELRA or NPELRA.
• Must…