Oakland County Hiring for Chief Employee and Labor Relations Officer at Waterford, Michigan Full Time

Under the direction of the Director of Human Resources and/or Deputy County Executive, manages and directs the employee and labor relations program of the County. Program activities include negotiation of collective bargaining agreements; contract administration and interpretation; and guidance/coordination of related management activities consistent with the mission of the County and the direction of the County Executive. The Chief Employee and Labor Relations Officer supervises a team of professional Human Resources staff providing direct service to County departments and serves as a key contributor to development and maintenance of comprehensive Human Resources policies and strategies. This position will work closely with Corporation Counsel to ensures that federal and state law, and County policies and procedures are followed.

Administers and manages labor contracts and merit rules; oversees processes for review and resolution of employee grievances.

Advises managers and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievance and arbitration procedures, performance issues and disciplinary actions; advises and assists managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate course of action.

Serves as the County’s chief negotiator in contract negotiations with recognized employee organizations and/or bargaining units and/or supports the Director of Human Resources with negotiations.

Uses appropriate negotiation strategies to develop bargaining goals and negotiate contracts consistent with the County’s mission, values, and goals.

Oversees revisions to Collective Bargaining Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding and the Merit Rules as well as interpretation and application to all employees.

Maintains current knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support contract negotiations and employee relations.

Supports County departments in matters brought before the Personnel Appeal Board, involving reviewing circumstances surrounding disciplinary actions. Assist Corporation Counsel in interviewing supervisors, employees, and other witnesses, and preparing them to testify before the Appeal Board.
Assist Corporation Counsel in preparing to defend the County in grievance and arbitration matters.

Manages the employee relations team to provide guidance to management staff by contract interpretation, investigation, and advice on a full range of employee relations matters including informal and formal grievances, development of performance management plans, disciplinary issues, employee assistance referrals, and reduction in force issues.

Facilitates on-going communication and working relationships with employee representative organizations including coordination of joint labor-management committees.

Provides information, advice and assistance to Human Resources department managers and staff regarding application of statutes, regulations, contracts, and employee relations practices relating to their functional areas.

Supports, mentors, and coaches all employees within the division to assist in their growth and development as leaders and addresses performance on a regular basis.

Acts as a member of the Human Resources department management team and participates in setting the direction of human resources support activities for the County. Develops and recommends to the Director of Human Resources policies and procedures concerning employee relations and personnel practices.

Supervises staff. Hires, evaluates, trains, disciplines, and recommends dismissal of staff as necessary.

Manages the process to investigate complaints identified through state and federal agencies.

May be assigned responsibility for program administration in areas such as ADA compliance or other related Human Resource regulatory programs.

Works collaboratively with the Oakland County Chief Diversity Officer to ensure that all employee and labor relations directly addresses equity and inclusion on all decisions, policies and programs within Employee and Labor Relations.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Performs other related duties as assigned and as needed.

Requirements:

1. Be licensed to practice law in the Courts of the State of Michigan, Federal Courts and any applicable State or Federal agencies that require attorney licensure.

2. Have had at least seven (7) years of full-time work experience in the practice of employment and labor law.

3. Pass the complete examination including the employment physical established for this classification.

4. Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.

5. Must remain in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan and shall be eligible for admission to the United States District Court.

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