Workforce Relations Consultant

Workforce Relations Consultant Under the direction of the Senior Director for Workforce Relations, the Workforce Relations Consultant provides expert level employee and labor relations support to managers, supervisors, and various functions within Human Resources. The Workforce Relations Consultant plays an integral role in UCI HR's goal to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible. Serves as the subject matter expert for the UCI's staff collective bargaining agreements. Represents the University's interests in the systemwide collective bargaining process. May serve as lead negotiator for local negotiations, including successor negotiations and meet and confer meetings. Represents the University's interests in grievances, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, wage claims, and other staff complaints as needed. Under the direction of the Sr. Director, may be asked to present the University's position verbally and in writing at grievance and arbitration hearings and/or unfair labor practice conferences/hearings; prepares written analyses, recommendations, and University responses. Working with the Sr. Director, facilitates settlement of disputes both informally and formally. Facilitates meetings with union representatives, employees and management in an effort to resolve all levels of problems. Identifies issues requiring corrective action and provides alternatives for resolution. Assists with formal documentation of disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal. Makes necessary referrals to Life Resources Program, HR Mediation Program for Staff, Disability and Management, Workers' Compensation as appropriate. Supports strike contingency planning preparedness and response as needed. Coordinates with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (including Whistleblower), Office of Campus Counsel, Risk Management, Human Resources, and other UCI departments, as needed. Responds to requests for information from counsel or union organizations related to litigation, grievance proceedings, adjudication, or other matters. Provide subject matter expertise at hearings, adjudication proceedings, grievance hearings, and other litigation as needed. Coordinates with Campus Counsel and/or outside counsel regarding pending litigation matters as needed. Partners with HR Business Partners, as appropriate, to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible.