People Relations Specialist

At a Glance! We are seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented, and highly motivated People Relations Specialist to join our HR team! The People Relations Specialist is heavily involved in labor relations, positive employee relations, and enhancing employee engagement. Serving as a trusted partner and consultant, you will provide guidance to college leadership, HR staff, and supervisors regarding the interpretation of and compliance with collective bargaining agreements, college policies and procedures, and civil service rules to ensure consistent, equitable practices. Who you are: At the forefront of the People Relations Specialist's role is building and maintaining high-quality and productive relationships with college leaders, supervisors, faculty, staff, and union partners. We have two unions at LCC: Washington Federation of State Employees Higher Education Community College Coalition (WFSE) and Lower Columbia College Faculty Association of Higher Education. The People Relations Specialist is a thoughtful leader who uses a proactive and collaborative approach to identify issues, generate ideas, and develop solutions to complex problems, and is comfortable with ambiguity. This position maintains professionalism and empathy in all interactions, exercises a high level of independent judgment and discretion in completing work activities, is adept at communicating effectively in sensitive situations and conveying difficult concepts, and has a strong knack for attention to detail and for managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate demonstrates critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills while maintaining confidentiality in handling personnel and labor relations matters. About the team! The People Relations Specialist is a vital member of LCC’s small, innovative, collaborative, and hard-working HR team that provides exceptional customer service, support, resources, recruitment, and more for our faculty and staff. Our HR team holds high standards of respect and integrity and uses a human-centered approach in everything that we do. We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse campus community that is empowered to serve our diverse student body. We continue to enhance our HR processes and programs to be more equitable, inclusive, and modern. This position is 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime under FLSA, depending on the salary of the successful applicant. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The People Relations Specialist has the flexibility to work remotely up to 50% of the workweek if desired. This position reports to the Executive Director of Human Resources. We typically hire in the lower to middle range of the salary range. Offers are made based on the applicant’s qualifications relative to the job, internal pay equity, and any other relevant factors. What you'll be doing: Build strong, positive relationships with supervisors, faculty, staff, and external partners Provide high-level administrative support to the Director Serve as a key representative in union negotiations, grievance procedures, and labor-management teams Assist supervisors in the resolution of grievances Lead administrative processes for union info requests Provide consistent interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements and LCC policies and procedures Serve as a subject matter expert by researching and interpreting employment issues and laws, and recommending practical, equitable solutions consistent with collective bargaining agreements and college policies Collaborate with supervisors and employees to resolve personnel issues at the lowest possible level Conduct thorough, impartial personnel investigations using best practices and in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and college policies and procedures Serve as an active member of LCC's Title IX team and conduct Title IX investigations and follow-up as needed Assist the Executive Director with review, maintenance and implementation of HR policies and procedures Provide guidance to supervisors and staff regarding employee classifications and compensation Conduct position allocation reviews for WFSE staff Serve on a variety of committees including the Union Management Communication Committee (UMCC) and ITPS Committee Facilitate training for supervisors on a variety of HR topics Oversee performance management - provide support to supervisors/employees in completing evaluations, process and track evaluation completion, identify trainings/support for employees based on evaluations, and revamp exempt evaluation process Analyze employee relations issues, recommend appropriate courses of action, and contribute to the continuous improvement of HR practices and processes This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum Qualifications Associate’s degree in business, HR, or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience 3 years of progressively responsible HR experience Ability to work with integrity, credibility, professionalism and confidentiality while exercising sound judgment and discretion in handling highly sensitive personnel matters Demonstrated understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining, and grievance procedures Experience conducting fair, fact-finding workplace investigations Excellent interpersonal skills Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms), or similar programs. Effective conflict resolution skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, HR, or related field More than 3 years of experience in Human Resources Experience in HR in higher education or state agency Knowledge of Washington State public labor environment and civil service rules PHR/SPHR, SHRM or certified investigator credentials The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team. Residency Requirement To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role. Lower Columbia College Human Resources For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or email us directly at View email address on click.appcast.io. Equal Employment Opportunity Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, View email address on click.appcast.io, Phone number, View phone number on click.appcast.io, Phone number/TTY View phone number on click.appcast.io. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity. Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR. Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form. Mission, Vision & Values Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan. Conditions of Employment If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol. Anticipated Start Date LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day. #J-18808-Ljbffr