Workforce Relations Specialist

Workforce Relations Specialist

Reporting to the Senior Director, Workforce Relations, the Workforce Relations Specialist provides essential support to the broader Workforce Relations team in delivering consistent, high-quality labor and employee relations services across the UCI enterprise. This role contributes to the fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures and supports operational efficiency within the Workforce Relations unit.

Manages the union representation petition process, including accretions and new unit petitions. Responsibilities may include intake, tracking, communications, identifying statutory exclusions, and delivering related training to internal stakeholders. Partners with HR teams and enterprise stakeholders to ensure the petition process is administered accurately, consistently, timely, and in accordance with applicable legal and procedural requirements. Serves as a primary coordinator for requests for information (RFI) from unions and public records requests, key stakeholders to gather, compile, and respond to requests in compliance with applicable timelines and legal requirements. May conduct workplace investigations, including intake, fact-finding, and documentation, in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Supports the Workforce Relations investigations team by assisting with accurate and up-to-date case data entries within the ServiceNow platform. Conducts due process (Skelly) hearings as assigned. Supports Workforce Relations Consultants with collective bargaining activities, including preparation, research, data gathering, and coordination efforts as needed. May assist with drafting union notices in compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and legal requirements. May participate in strike planning and provide onsite support activities.

This role cultivates strong, collaborative relationships with HR colleagues and organizational clients and serves as a reliable resource for assigned functional areas. Applies employee relations expertise to address and resolve questions, concerns, and workplace matters for a diverse group of employees in creative and effective ways. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required: Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations. Thorough knowledge of other areas of HR. Thorough knowledge of organizational policies and procedures; knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas. Thorough knowledge of union / labor contracts. Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Thorough knowledge of employee relations practices and programs. Effective written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated experience with conflict resolution. Demonstrated ability to handle very difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively. Experience providing employee relations related support to assigned client groups. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, and reporting to support business decisions. Demonstrated experience with applying employee relations specific concepts. Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training 3+ years relevant experience performing related employee and/or labor relations functions in a complex organization.

Preferred: Experience working in a higher education or healthcare institution. Experience in project management and/or applying lean process improvement methodologies. Current PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP Certification Association of Workplace Investigators Certification