Workforce Relations Consultant

Overview

Founded in 1965,
UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs.

It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The UC Irvine Human Resources (HR) enterprise is comprised of three unique business units:
Campus, Health, and Health Sciences. HR's vision is to empower people to drive a culture of innovation, learning, and service that enables the success of individuals within the UCI community and those who aspire to join. https://hr.uci.edu/

Under the direction of the Senior Director for Workforce Relations, the Workforce Relations Consultant provides expert level employee and labor relations support to managers, supervisors, and various functions within Human Resources. The Workforce Relations Consultant plays an integral role in UCI HR’s goal to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible. Serves as the subject matter expert for the UCI’s staff collective bargaining agreements.

Represents the University’s interests in the systemwide collective bargaining process. May serve as lead negotiator for local negotiations, including successor negotiations and meet and confer meetings. Represents the University’s interests in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, wage claims, and other staff complaints as needed. Under the direction of the Sr. Director, may be asked to present the University’s position verbally and in writing at grievance and arbitration hearings and/or unfair labor practice conferences/hearings;

prepares written analyses, recommendations, and University responses. Working with the Sr. Director, facilitates settlement of disputes both informally and formally. Facilitates meetings with union representatives, employees and management in an effort to resolve all levels of problems. Identifies issues requiring corrective action and provides alternatives for resolution. Assists with formal documentation of disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal. Makes necessary referrals to Life Resources Program, HR Mediation Program for Staff, Disability and Management, Workers’ Compensation as appropriate.

Supports strike contingency planning preparedness and response as needed. Coordinates with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (including Whistle blower), Office of Campus Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and other UCI departments, as needed. Responds to requests for information from counsel or union organizations related to litigation, grievance proceedings, adjudication, or other matters. Provide subject matter expertise at hearings, adjudication proceedings, grievance hearings, and other litigation as needed.

Coordinates with Campus Counsel and/or outside counsel regarding pending litigation matters as needed. Partners with HR Business Partners, as appropriate, to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible.

Required:

• Possesses expert analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of systemwide, campus and / or medical center…