Labor Relations Consultant

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We are seeking a Labor Relations Consultant who will report, in partnership, to the Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education and the Director of JHU Central Employee Relations and Labor Relations (ERLR). This position will provide a wide range of human resources and union support in the areas of employee and labor relations, personnel policy, practice and processes for issues related to the TRU-UE PhD student union. This position will work in conjunction with Central ERLR leadership and the Provost's office to ensure efficient and smooth processes in accordance with all applicable University policies and procedures. This position will collaborate and provide daily HR support to the ERLR Director and the Provost's office for resolution of HR and union issues; and implementation of divisional and institutional-wide projects and initiatives.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Employee & Labor Relations /Administration

• Mediate and resolve a high volume of day-to-day conflicts or issues, retrieve and maintain appropriate documentation and supporting details for discipline.
• Consult with management and staff of all levels to interpret policies and procedures and how they apply to individual employee circumstances.
• Review and conduct investigations. Provide guidance to clients on recommendations that result in the most effective and least risk. Provide guidance regarding recommended discipline.
• Partner with JHU internal resources to provide assessments, solicit input on cases, and provide sound advice on complicated cases.
• Review JHU policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) to advise management about the appropriate next course of action relative to coaching, formal discipline and/or training.
• Work with staff and management regarding ERLR cases that result in appeals and grievances, assisting and giving guidance relative to each step of process.
• Understand and manage potential risk and escalate as appropriate. In partnership with HR Director(s) and the Provost's office, partner with General Counsel and the Office of Institutional Equity to assess risk.
• Provide consultative reviews and approval of FMLA correspondence to management relating to employees with ERLR cases with protected LOA and ADA implications. Serve as an advisor to employees and management on employee appeal and grievance issues.
• Work in partnership with department management regarding appropriate documentation, i.e., disciplinary and performance-based letters i.e., verbal, written warning, suspension and termination, suspension pending investigation, approvals for change of hours or work conditions.

Relationship Management

• Provide effective active listening and counseling skills. Appreciate the business/organizational perspective during the resolution process when addressing employee or management concerns.
• Listen to the situation/concern thoroughly to provide a portfolio of recommendations for a timely and effective resolution.
• Create and present sound action plans with concrete, actionable measures for effecting change in the workplace to address both technical and interpersonal concerns.
• Provide one-on-one staff and management coaching and guidance to staff, supervisors and managers on performance improvement and balancing responsibilities.
• Counsel employees and management to provide consultation on University policies procedures, CBA, and work rules. Ensure that staff and management interpret and apply consistently.
• Recommend ERLR practices to assist in establishing a positive employer/employee relationship and to promote a high level of employee morale and engagement.

Training

• Collaborate with Central ERLR and the Provost's office to create and co-facilitate presentations to departments on a variety of ERLR related topics.
• Partner with management to communicate HR policies and procedures, CBA articles and work rules, programs and laws to employees. Listen carefully and maintain confidentiality to assist individuals to identify and analyze effective solutions.

Record Keeping

• Maintain the ERLR database that includes disciplinary actions, appeals, grievances, risk assessments, RIF's, policy violations, and condition of employment.
• Updates the divisional employee file with accurate documentation such as signed progressive disciplinary letters.
• Support the development and maintenance of ERLR employee notification and appointment template letters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (human resources, industrial psychology, organizational development, business administration, etc.).

• Five plus years progressive experience in a professional human resources capacity required, including, five plus years of employee and labor relations experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior JHU experience, or experience in higher education, in particular working with other university student unions.
• Effective problem-solving skills to analyze issues and create appropriate action plans.
• Ability to work with highly diverse populations, at all levels of the institution
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) required
• Must understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality and working with highly sensitive information.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant employment, EEO/AA and other applicable laws and regulations.
• ERP Experience (such as HR Acuity, SAP, etc.) desired.
• Ability to compile and effectively manage data.
• Understanding of the principles of service excellence and customer service and the ability to apply them in a demanding environment.

Technical qualifications or specialized certifications

• PHR or SPHR certification preferred.

Classified Title: Employee Relations Specialist Job Posting Title (Working Title): Labor Relations Consultant Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD Starting Salary Range: $62,300 - $109,000 Annually (Commensurate with experience) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: M-F/8:30-5:00 Exempt Status: Exempt Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus Department name: Employee and Labor Relations East Balt Personnel area: University Administration