Labor Relations Specialist

Jefferson Health; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage for employee and/or a

LTE position

At-Will employment

Job summary

Jefferson Health Library Division seeks a Labor Relations Specialist to advise leadership and HR on labor and employee relations. You will foster positive labor-management relations, ensure compliance with labor laws and contracts, and support negotiations.

You will partner with leaders to develop proactive labor relations strategies, oversee grievance administration and dispute resolution, and provide guidance to managers on contract provisions and workplace issues.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or a related field.
• Experience supporting collective bargaining environments.
• Experience managing grievances, investigations, and dispute resolution processes.
• Experience advising leaders on labor and employment matters.

Responsibilities

• Labor relations strategy: advise leaders and HR partners on policies, practices, and risk mitigation.
• Collective bargaining support: prepare for and participate in negotiations, analyze language, research trends.
• Grievance and dispute resolution: investigate complaints and represent the organization in meetings and mediations.
• Contract administration: interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements.
• Compliance and risk management: ensure compliance with laws, consult with counsel, respond to inquiries.
• Leadership and employee support: coach leaders and facilitate discussions.
• Data analysis and reporting: use data to inform strategy and prepare leadership reports.

Skills

Labor relations

Employee relations

Negotiation support

Investigation handling

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a strategic advisor to leadership and Human Resources teams on labor and employee relations matters. This role is responsible for fostering positive labor-management relationships, ensuring compliance with labor laws and collective bargaining agreements, supporting negotiations, and providing guidance on workplace issues, grievance administration, and dispute resolution. Partners with business leaders to develop proactive labor relations strategies that align with organizational goals while maintaining a fair, respectful, and legally compliant work environment.

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

09/13/26

Division:

Library Division

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility:

This role is a Limited position anticipating an assignment end date after one year and offering Medical coverage for both the employee and/or any dependent children for limited rates.

This is a Limited-Term Employee (LTE) position with a maximum duration of two years. The position may be considered for regular employment during or at the conclusion of the LTE assignment; however, conversion to a permanent position is not guaranteed and will be based on business needs and organizational approval. Employment in this LTE position is At-Will.

Salary Range: 69,405.42-111,048.67 USD Annual

Labor Relations Strategy:

• Advise leaders and HR partners on labor relations policies, practices, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assess labor relations impacts of organizational changes, workforce planning initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Develop and implement labor relations initiatives that support organizational objectives and workforce engagement.
• Monitor labor relations trends and recommend best practices to leadership.

Collective Bargaining Support:

• Prepare for and participate in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Analyze contract language and provide recommendations regarding bargaining proposals.
• Research labor market trends, wage data, and industry practices to support negotiation strategies.
• Draft, review, and interpret collective bargaining agreements.

Grievance and Dispute Resolution:

• Investigate employee complaints, grievances, and labor disputes.
• Partner with managers and union representatives to resolve workplace concerns.
• Represent the organization during grievance meetings, mediations, and arbitration proceedings.
• Develop recommendations and action plans to prevent recurring labor issues.

Contract Administration:

• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements.
• Provide guidance to managers regarding contract provisions, work rules, disciplinary actions, and employee rights.
• Ensure organizational compliance with contractual obligations.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Act within compliance in all labor relations activities.
• Provide guidance on compliance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Assess labor relations risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Consult with legal counsel as needed.
• Support responses to labor agency inquiries, audits, and investigations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of labor relations activities and cases.

Leadership and Employee Support:

• Coach leaders on effective employee relations and labor-management practices.
• Facilitate discussions between management and labor representatives.
• Conduct training on labor relations topics, contract administration, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Promote a culture of trust, fairness, and collaboration.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize workforce and labor data to inform negotiation strategy, policy development, and operational decision-making.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve labor-management relationships and operational effectiveness.

Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in labor relations, employee relations, human resources, or a related field.
• Experience supporting collective bargaining environments.
• Experience managing grievances, investigations, and dispute resolution processes.
• Experience advising leaders on labor and employment matters.

Preferred:

• Public Library experience.
• Experience supporting the transition, implementation, and ongoing administration of a newly unionized workforce, including development of labor-management processes and practices.
• Experience participating in labor negotiations.
• Experience representing management in arbitration or mediation proceedings.
• Experience within healthcare, public sector, education, or other similar unionized industries.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Experience:
• Work Experience: Minimum five years

Category:

Administrative, Business Programs and Services