Associate Labor Relations Representative

County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara is seeking a labor relations trainee to perform professional-level duties under supervision. You will participate in negotiations, research proposals, draft contract language, and assist with arbitration preparation.

Public sector experience and a California driver’s license are preferred. The position emphasizes training, discipline handling, and employee relations concepts, with opportunities to contribute to training programs and dispute resolution efforts within the

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of professional level analytical experience.
• Experience in the public sector is highly desirable.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and ability to obtain County driver authorization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of negotiating committees.
• Assist in developing negotiating proposals.
• Assist in researching, analyzing and costing union and County proposals.
• Assist in drafting contract language.
• Assist in preparing grievances for arbitration by arranging witnesses and testimony.
• Assist in preparation and presentation of cases in mediation/arbitration.
• Consult and provide routine advice to departments on disciplinary processes and grievances; understand State Labor Law and Merit System Rules.
• Assist in the preparation of discipline appeal cases to the Personnel Board, hearing officer, or arbitrator.
• Assist in the development and presentation of training programs on labor relations topics.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

Negotiation support

Labor relations basics

Research & data collection

Dispute resolution basics

Written & oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Management / Public Administration / Industrial Relations / Human Resources / Political Science / Sociology / Psychology or related field

Job description

Under close supervision, in a training capacity, to perform professional level labor relations staff duties, including labor-management contract negotiations and administration, grievance handling, disciplinary actions, dispute resolution, training and research.

Please note: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take the written examination tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16th.

• Serves as a member of negotiating committees;
• Assists in the development of negotiating proposals;
• Assists in researching, analyzing and costing union and County proposals;
• Assists in drafting contract language;
• Assists in the preparation of grievances for arbitration by arranging witnesses, interviewing and preparing witnesses for testimony, and collecting other information;
• Assists in the preparation and presentation of cases in mediation and/or arbitration;
• Consults and provides routine advice to smaller operating departments regarding handling disciplinary processes, handling grievances, State Labor Law, labor contract interpretation, Employee Relations Ordinance and Merit System Rules;
• Assists in the preparation of discipline appeal cases to the Personnel Board, hearing officer, or arbitrator;
• Assists in the development, implementation and presentation of training programs on labor relations topics;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities to perform this function are acquired through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology or a related technical field, AND One (1) year of professional level analytical experience.

Experience in the public sector is highly desirable.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of organization and management;
• Research and data collection techniques;
• Communication techniques for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information;
• Basic methods of dispute resolution;
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer applications related to the work.

Ability to:

• Perform research, analysis and evaluation of facts and conflicting evidence;
• Reason logically and reach sound conclusions;
• Learn higher level labor relations skills;
• Communicate effectively through clear and concise written correspondence and oral presentation;
• Establish working relationships with management staff and various labor organizations;
• Read, analyze and logically interpret labor contracts, court cases, laws, Merit System Rules, arbitration decisions, policies and procedures;
• Advocate various positions through oral or written communication.