Staff Counsel

United Domestic Workers of America
AFSCME Local 3930

Staff Counsel

Based in San Diego, CA

UDW Overview: 
United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 is a statewide labor union that represents more than 200,000 home care and family child care providers in 45 counties in California. Founded in 1979, UDW is a diverse, progressive labor organization that seeks dynamic, committed individuals who will support our members and those for whom they care locally, statewide, and at the national level. 

UDW is one of California’s largest labor unions. We consistently support and lead important social justice initiatives like fighting for racial justice, income inequality, and affordable health care for all. We are committed to respect and dignity for seniors, people with disabilities, and the children in our care. We fight for better working conditions and fair pay for home care and childcare providers, and full funding for life-saving programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and subsidized family childcare. 

Job Information:
Job Title: Staff Counsel 
Job Type: Exempt (Salary)
Department: Executive Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to modification as needed)
Job Location: San Diego, CA 92115
Salary: $150,000 – $190,000 (depending on experience)

Job Summary:
Under the direction executive management and the General Counsel, Staff Counsel is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of UDW’s collective bargaining rights and collective bargaining agreements in both the IHSS and childcare sectors. Such activities may involve enforcement actions brought through arbitration, litigation, and proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) or other state administrative agencies. Staff Counsel shall also conduct and provide legal support for contract negotiations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and provide legal support for collective bargaining in both the IHSS and Childcare sectors, including servicing as chief negotiator as assigned.
• Enforce UDW’s statutory collective bargaining rights, including through the filing and prosecution of unfair practice charges under PERB jurisdiction, handling of factfinding and other impasse resolution procedures, and the assessment of fiscal penalties against employers.
• Enforce UDW collective bargaining agreements through arbitration or administrative proceedings.
• Represent UDW in all aspects of such enforcement proceedings, including drafting and filing complaints and administrative claims; preparing cases for hearing/trial by interviewing witnesses, preparing subpoenas and assembling evidence; conducting evidentiary hearings; and writing briefs and other legal submissions.
• Draft contract language related to collective bargaining and the settlement of legal disputes.
• Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Basic understanding of public sector labor relations law.
• Familiarity with the procedures of administrative agencies—e.g., PERB, NLRB—tasked with labor law enforcement.
• Familiarity with case handling and hearing procedures in a variety of enforcement settings—court, administrative proceedings, and labor arbitration.
• Ability to read and interpret statutes and collective bargaining agreements.
• Ability to provide strategic advice regarding labor negotiations and contract enforcement.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including union leaders and rank and file union members.
• Exceptional problem solving and critical thinking skills. 
• A demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice around issues impacting workers and communities.
• A demonstrated commitment to unions, including supporting and developing members’ voices. 

Preferred Qualifications, Education, and/or Experience: 

• Graduation from law school with a J.D. degree and admission to California State Bar required.
• A minimum of two years’ experience practicing in labor law or related field. PERB or NLRB practice experience a plus.
• Excellent analytical, advocacy and writing skills required. 
• Computer literate. 

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Life / AD&D
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Pension Plan
• Vacation Benefits
• Sick Leave
• Personal Day (8hrs)
• 13+ Paid Holidays

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environment can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gasses, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:
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