Labor Relations Advocate

This job is a match for you if you maintain a productive attitude in the midst of conflict and challenge and will be dedicated to maintaining the longstanding positive labor-management relationship in Hennepin County.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487, and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be flexible within core business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022, to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment.

About the position type:
This position is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as a Labor Relations Advocate.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

Note: You must attach a cover letter and resume with your application materials to be considered for this position.

In this position, you will:

• Administer labor contracts and agreements, including providing day to day advice and counsel to Human Resources Business Partners and county departments regarding contract language, disciplinary decisions and other employment matters associated with union-represented employees.
• Communicate with managers, supervisors and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities under bargaining agreements, applicable labor laws, and Human Resources Rules; provide manager/supervisor training regarding managing successfully in a unionized environment as well as participating in regular Meet and Confer sessions.
• Manage the grievance process for assigned line of business up to and including preparing and presenting cases in grievance and interest arbitration, administrative and mediation proceedings and representation elections.
• Prepare legal briefs and other documents for arbitration or administrative proceedings.
• Participate in the development of bargaining strategy including analysis of salary and benefit data and serve as the chief spokesperson for assigned labor contract negotiations.
• Assist in the coordination and management of all information requests related to grievances and negotiations including interfacing with the compensation team as we continue to refine our processes.
• Assist in the management of the department budget in conjunction with the Department Director.
  

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Eight years or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, industrial relations, or a field closely related to the position and four years or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.
  • Master's degree in business administration, human resources, industrial relations, or a field closely related to the position and two years or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.
  • Law degree and one year or more of professional labor relations, human resources or industrial relations experience.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • With labor relations, human resources or industrial relations in a union represented workforce.
  • With labor negotiations, including proposal preparation, note-taking and research.
  • Leading and facilitating groups with diverse and complex opinions.
  • Administering/interpreting labor contract language and providing management with consultative services regarding labor contract provisions and human resource/employee relations issues including evaluating disciplinary situations.
• An understanding of the principles and practices of successful labor-management relations, including knowledge of Minnesota statutes relating to public sector collective bargaining.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to understand compensation data and analyze costing for labor agreements, and the ability to create and utilize Excel spreadsheets.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships and manage conflict professionally at all times.
• Ability to negotiate contracts and present at grievance hearings independently.

About the department:
Labor Relations promotes stable, productive, and cooperative relationships between the county and its union represented employees. The five members of the Labor Relations department work collaboratively across the county in negotiating, administering, and interpreting the collectively bargained agreements with all labor unions; providing management with sound advice with respect to labor contract interpretation and application; providing support and training to supervisors with respect to discipline, grievances, and managing successfully in a unionized environment; administering the grievance process; facilitating Labor/Management meetings and Meet and Confers.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals - that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.

Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge - select Guest.

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

Your future. Made here.

This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates will be required to complete a background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Roberta.Arpinar
Roberta.Arpinar@hennepin.us

Why work here?

Hennepin County embraces the Total Rewards philosophy. We want our employees to succeed – not only at work but as they move through life and its milestones. We offer advantages and opportunities others can't – including:

• Meaningful work
• Public service
• Competitive pay
• Work-life balance
• Generous benefits
• Opportunities to grow
• Commitment to your success

By working in public service, we are a part of something larger than ourselves. Together, we support those in need. We help people access information and services. We empower vibrant and diverse communities. We serve residents.

Employee Benefits Summary

Visit our benefits page to learn more: bridge.hennepin.us/eligibility.

If you are a current Hennepin County employee please be aware that any change in job classification may affect your current benefits (such as a conversion from Vacation/Sick Leave to Paid Time Off and/or enrollment in a Health Care Saving Plan.) .