Compliance & Employee Relations Manager (San Diego, CA) - United Domestic Workers

UDW Overview: 

United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 is a statewide labor union that represents more than 170,000 home care and family child care providers in 45 counties in California. Founded in 1979, UDW is a diverse, progressive labor organization that seeks dynamic, committed individuals who will support our members and those for whom they care locally, statewide and at the national level. 

UDW is one of California’s largest labor unions. We consistently support and lead important social justice initiatives like fighting for racial justice, income inequality, and affordable health care for all. We are committed to respect and dignity for seniors, people with disabilities, and the children in our care.  We fight for better working conditions and fair pay for home care and child care providers, and full funding for life-saving programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and subsidized family child care. For more information about UDW, please visit our website at www.udw.org.

Job Information: 
Job Title: Compliance & Employee Relations Manager
Job Type: Exempt (Salary)
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Assistant Director of Human Resources
Job Location:  San Diego, CA 92115
Schedule: Full-time - Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, In-person/ In office 
Starting Salary: $73,857.00/ year to $107,205.00/year (depending on experience)

Job Summary:
The Compliance & Employee Relations Manager at UDW serves as a strategic partner for all compliance and employee relations matters by fostering trusting working relationships and maintaining a healthy and positive workplace culture. This critical role involves planning, implementing, and administering HR policies and programs, with a focus on employee relations, labor relations, and employment law compliance at federal, state, and local levels. The manager is responsible for staying current with legislative changes, drafting policies, conducting training, handling sensitive data, and ensuring the organization meets all compliance standards. Additionally, the role encompasses advising on HR policies, mediating workplace issues, conducting workplace investigations, and participating in labor negotiations, requiring a candidate with strong technical knowledge, analytical skills, labor union experience and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

HR Compliance - Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Stay up-to-date on all employee-related legislative and regulatory changes and/or developments, and ensure changes to rules and regulations are incorporated into HR systems, policies, articles, and practices.
•    Research changes in laws and regulations analyze their impact on the organization and communicate findings to stakeholders.
•    Responsible for drafting, updating and maintaining organizational policies, processes, and procedures to improve the compliance posture of the organization.
•    Responsible for preparing and delivering compliance-related training and communications to employees and leadership.
•    Collaborate with other functional areas in the delivery of compliance programs and training to employees.
•    Create a program for the applicant and employee testing (e.g., post, incident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing)
•    Input and ensure the accuracy of all interactions and information in the employee relations case management system.
•    Responsible for assisting with the maintenance of OSHA and company-mandated reports on all accidents, injuries, and illnesses in cross-collaboration with UDW’s Safety Manager and the Administrative Services Department.
•    Handle sensitive employee data or reports in a discreet manner.
•    Ensure UDW meets all standards required for internal and external audits and develop corrective action plans to immediately resolve discrepancies.
•    Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., California Consumer Privacy Act, General Data Protection Regulation, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, if applicable) and oversee the implementation of data privacy and security measures for employee and member information.
•    Monitor and ensure compliance with environmental regulations that may affect the organization's operations.
•    Develop, implement, and maintain an organizational ethics program and code of conduct, including regular training and updates.
•    Oversee compliance requirements for vendors and contractors, ensuring they adhere to the organization's standards and relevant regulations.
•    Evaluate, recommend, and implement compliance management software and tools to streamline complaint management processes and enhance monitoring capabilities.
•    Develop and manage a whistleblower program, ensuring confidentiality and proper handling of reported issues.
•    Conduct regular benchmarking against industry standards and best practices in compliance and employee relations.
•    Work closely with other programs and departments to ensure compliance measures are integrated and consistent across the organization.
•    Establish and lead a cross-functional compliance committee to address organization-wide compliance issues and initiatives.
•    Lead change management initiatives related to new compliance requirements or employee relations policies
•    Ensure compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to maintain the integrity of protecting the rights of bargaining unit employees and oversee the implementation of the union’s collective bargaining agreement.
•    Complete and maintain all internal and external reporting requirements; including EEO reports, California Pay Data Reporting, HR data dashboards and employee relations case management reports.
•    Respond to letters from the Employment Development Department and file appeals where appropriate.
•    Assist with department projects and perform other duties as assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of work in this job classification.

Employee Relations - Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Advise and coach managers and employees in the application and interpretation of Human Resources policies, labor union contracts, and employee relations. 
•    Mediate problems between managers and employees. Participate in the grievance process, labor-management meetings, arbitrations, claims, and all other legal proceedings. Advise on performance management; equal employment; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; department transfers, separations and terminations.
•    Conduct in-depth investigations regarding employee relations matters, including but not limited to PAGA, DOL, and EEO claims, sexual harassment, hostility and violence in the workplace, domestic violence, impairment, and drug diversion. Make recommendations regarding resolutions, terminations, and disciplinary action.
•    Assess critical situations and make sound decisions to involve additional resources including safety organizations, employee assistance programs and emergency mental health, to ensure a safe work environment.
•    Assist managers in the development and implementation of employee relations efforts designed to build trust and enhance employee engagement. Recommend and ensure appropriate documentation, training, and corrective action plans when necessary.
•    Participate in labor negotiations and provide counsel to negotiators on the needs of the business in collaboration with UDW’s general counsel, where applicable.
•    Assist managers in the decision-making process to ensure adherence to labor contracts and policies.
•    Maintains database, records, reports, and files as required or directed.
•    Comply with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.
•    Attend a variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed to keep up with professional development and current trends, regulations and best practices.
•    Respect diverse views and approaches, and contribute to maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility, and acceptance toward all stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
•    Technical knowledge of local, state and federal labor and employment law and employee relations management, such as the following:
o    Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Equal Pay Act (EPA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving ability to improve situations for employees
•    Ability to create effective programs
•    Data analysis and interpretation skills
•    Strong conflict resolution, mediation and training skills
•    Passion to improve others’ well-being through advocacy, organizing, employee development and workplace decorum
•    Technology skills with experience using various HR software programs
•    Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
•    Ability to engage and train internal stakeholders across multifunctional teams through effective communication.
•    Must be highly adaptable and organized; able to prioritize and meet target dates in a changing environment.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication and human relations skills 
•    Ability to manage information/data for tracking, analysis, reporting, and driving-related actionable objectives.
•    Ability to use independent judgment, problem-solve and answer questions.
•    Ability to handle and work with highly confidential information. 
•    Results driven and accountable for actions; focus on planning and execution.
•    Ability to work independently yet sees others as partners and essential team members. 
•    Strong organizational and systems implementation. 
•    Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Follows through on commitments.
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and presentation/graphic design software. 

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree in law, labor studies, employment relations, human resources, business administration, or relevant field.
•    A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a compliance officer, compliance manager, labor/employee relations manager or similar position.
•    5 -7 years of experience of leadership or supervisory experience.
•    Strong understanding of labor and employment law and employee relations; community and labor organizing experience a plus.
•    Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
•    An analytical mindset with excellent organizational skills.
•    Proven ability to successfully accomplish timely completion of multiple projects with competing deadlines. 
•    A high level of professionalism, honesty, integrity, and work ethic are essential. 
•    Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office products  
•    Strong communication and training delivery skills
•    Energetic, enthusiastic, and self-motivated
•    Excellent time management and prioritization skills
•    HR certifications: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM – SCP credential (preferred)
•    Fluency in Spanish (preferred)

Requirements: 
•    Ability to work after hours and during the weekends for special events or as required.
•    Some travel required with reliable transportation.

Preferred Bilingual Language(s) in either:
•    Spanish 
•    Vietnamese 
•    Korean
•    Tagalog
•    Russian 
•    Assyrian
•    Somali
•    Arabic

Employee Benefits:
•    Health Insurance
•    Dental Insurance
•    Vision Insurance
•    Life / AD&D
•    Long Term Disability (LTD)
•    401(k) Savings Plan
•    Pension Plan
•    Paid Vacation Days
•    Paid Sick Leave
•    Personal Day (8 hours)
•    16 Paid Holiday
•    Floating Holiday
•    Upskilling through eLearning Platforms

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
UDW has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, our employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment: 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments which can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Notice of E-Verify Participation: 
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS (888) 897-7781, dhs.gov/e-verify

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please visit UDW’s career page and submit your application.
UDW’s career link →   https://udwa.hiringplatform.com/list/careers