Employee Relations Manager - Relay Resources

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More about us

Relay Resources is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, OR, that employs more than 700 people, the majority of whom are people with disabilities. We cultivate meaningful work through services we provide to business and government customers, which include janitorial, landscaping, document services, and supply chain solutions. We also own and manage more than 900 units of affordable housing. We create value for our community by delivering quality services to our customers, good jobs to our employees, and affordable homes to our residents.

Equal Opportunity

Relay Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome everyone to our team/to apply. We are committed to a people-first, inclusive culture that benefits our employees, customers, and residents. Relay encourages a diversity of applicants of all backgrounds and identities including disability, race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, parental status, age, and individuals with a Preferred Worker Card. Let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, or to perform the job you are applying for.

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Our mission is to cultivate meaningful work for people with disabilities. We encourage people with a disability and/or a Preferred Worker Card to apply.

The Employee Relations Manager plays a critical role in administering policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements concerning employee and labor relations activities. This position provides consultation, facilitation, and guidance regarding bargaining unit employment issues, including, but not limited to performance management, grievance resolution and other labor/employee relations functions. The Employee Relations Manager also serves as a consultant to management on employee coaching & counseling, discipline, and partners with the Employee Labor Relations Director on investigations and terminations related to performance, code of conduct and policy violations. Driving is an essential function of this job. A presence at the worksite during normal business hours is an essential function of this position.Duties and Responsibilities

• Employee and Labor Relations
• Assists in negotiates and helps resolve union grievances on behalf of Relay Resources
• Develops, implements and administers the management-labor relations area of the personnel program in an effort to improve labor relations
• Interprets and advises management on the administration of negotiated bargaining agreements in relation to employee discipline or grievance procedures
• Determines consequences of conduct that will affect business and advises management of consequences. Recommends disciplinary action to management based on investigation findings
• Gives expert advice to management to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Provides guidance and recommend changes based on this advice
• Prepares evidence for disciplinary hearings
• Conducts internal and external investigations requiring fact-finding, verification and resolution of facts and issues in matters affecting disciplinary actions, grievances, appeals, and complaints
• Communicates potential employee problems to operations management
• Analyzes and evaluates evidence in cases of disciplinary action; develops additional supportive evidence, background information, and documentation
• Reviews and approves employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations
• Provides assistance in labor negotiations and assists in analyzing the impact of negotiation proposals and contractual agreements to the company
• Assists in the review, and analysis regarding changes to proposed and existing classifications that fall within bargaining units
• Facilitates discussions between supervisors, employees, and employee representatives regarding problems adversely affecting an employee's performance
• Guides supervisors through personnel actions: terminations, promotions and transfers

Training and Retention

• Provides employee and management coaching and counseling with objectivity and professionalism in dealing with sensitive issues
• Creates checklists, forms and other tools for supervisors and managers to facilitate ease of policy compliance
• Develops training and trains managers and supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as CBA compliance, progressive discipline, workplace conduct and equal opportunity practices
• Interprets human resources policies and procedures for management and staff
• Communicates with employees and agencies by phone and in person to discuss Relay Resources policies and procedures
• Implements long term HR strategies to increase employee retention
• Visits work sites and conducts HR policy/procedure training for employees at their work locations to accommodate employee schedule
• Assists in the development and presentation of educational programs
• Conducts employee retention interviews to identify issues and analyze trends

Compliance

• Fulfills documentation process to satisfy ISSA Certification requirements
• Ensures required employment posters are current and posted at all required sites

HR Support

• Completes reports and documents contact with employees utilizing Kronos
• Collaborates with managers to update job descriptions when needed
• Represents Relay Resources as an unemployment hearing witness in conjunction with Claims Relations Specialist

Qualifications and Experience

• College degree in related field or HR, Labor or 5+ years employee relations experience.
• Experience working with disabled individuals preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred but not required.
• Strong computer skills including MS, Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Knowledge of research and investigative methods and practices
• Knowledge of mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution methods and practices
• Skill in researching and analyzing statistical or informational data
• Skill in effectively utilizing written communication in the development of investigative reports, management reports, and training guidelines
• Skill in utilizing verbal communication in presentations and responses to inquiries and complaints
• Ability to remain calm and diffuse tense or angry situations
• Ability to handle sensitive and highly personal information
• Knowledge of federal and state employment, labor laws, rules and regulations
• Valid driver's license and reliable automobile, safe driving record and insurance coverage acceptable to Relay Resources' insurance carrier
• Ability to pass drug screening and criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting as appropriate at any time during employment