Partner, ACC

As a Partner at Oregon Health & Science University’s Advice and Counsel Center, your primary responsibilities include responding to employee concerns, managing the investigation process, providing consultation on various employee relations matters, and collaborating with multiple HR teams ensuring compliance with policies and legal regulations. You’ll also guide leadership through grievance meetings and participate in collective bargaining when necessary.

To qualify for the Partner position at OHSU, you will need a bachelor's degree in business, HR or a related field, along with at least 3 years of progressively responsible HR experience that includes employee or labor relations. Experience in a unionized healthcare or educational environment is preferred but not mandatory.

The Partner role at OHSU emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of employee relations. In this position, you will apply a DEI lens to identify trends, design interventions, and drive continuous improvement efforts. Your work will help ensure that all employees feel valued and supported within the organization.

Key skills for the Partner role at OHSU include excellent conflict resolution abilities, investigative best practices, and a strong understanding of employment laws. You should also demonstrate empathy in navigating sensitive situations, possess strong communication skills for drafting reports, and have the capability to provide training to leaders on employee relations decisions.

As a Partner at OHSU, you will have the opportunity to provide training to organization leaders on various topics, including HR policies, conflict resolution strategies, and legal compliance in employee relations. Your training efforts will foster a stronger understanding of employee management resolutions and enhance the organization’s culture.

In addressing complex employee relations issues, I begin by ensuring that I have a clear understanding of the situation through thorough investigation, involving all relevant parties. I strive to maintain confidentiality, exhibit empathy, and align my recommendations with OHSU’s policies, seeking collaborative solutions that are fair to all involved.

Certainly! In a previous role, I encountered a conflict involving two employees with differing perspectives. I facilitated a discussion, allowing both parties to express their viewpoints while guiding them toward finding common ground. It was crucial to listen actively, and I ensured follow-up to monitor progress after implementing the agreed-upon solutions.

To ensure compliance with legal regulations, I stay updated on state and federal employment laws, actively participate in training sessions, and consistently refer back to OHSU’s guidelines. I would also implement training sessions for leaders to foster a compliant culture within the organization.

I utilize OHSU's employee relations case management system to maintain thorough and accurate documentation. This includes recording details of the situation, all communications, and outcomes while ensuring that the information is accessible to authorized individuals as warranted.

Building strong relationships involves proactive communication and collaboration with HR, Legal, and other departments. I aim to understand their specific roles and challenges better, and I often seek their advice and insights to ensure a holistic approach to employee relations, thereby reinforcing our commitment to organizational goals.

I treat all sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring that it is shared only with those who need to know as part of the investigative process. I understand the significance of trust in these situations and work diligently to uphold that trust while adhering to OHSU’s confidentiality policies.

I have participated in collective bargaining processes where I collaborated with union representatives to negotiate terms that benefit both employees and the organization. My focus was on fostering open communication and seeking fair agreements, ensuring that the outcomes aligned with OHSU's values and objectives.

As a Partner, applying diversity and inclusion principles involves ensuring equitable treatment of all employees and recognizing how various perspectives can enrich problem-solving. I actively look for themes or trends relating to inclusivity during investigations and promote interventions that prioritize an inclusive workplace culture.

Upon receiving a report of a policy violation, I would conduct an immediate preliminary investigation to assess the nature and extent of the issue, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity. Collaborating with the HR team, I would guide the investigative process while documenting findings and recommending appropriate action based on OHSU policies.

I stay informed about changes in labor laws through various channels, including industry publications, professional organizations, and attending relevant workshops and conferences. This ongoing education ensures that I can provide accurate and timely advice aligned with current legal frameworks in my role at OHSU.