People Operations & Labor Relations Manager - Human Resources (HR)

Abound at SOUND
SOUND Behavioral Health is growing, and we are hiring a People Operations & Labor Relations Manager in Tukwila, WA! Sound is one of King County’s most comprehensive providers of quality mental health and addiction treatment services, supporting our area’s most vulnerable populations. 

If you’re someone who loves supporting others and believes in the power of community behavioral health, you’ll fit right in here. We care deeply about our clients and each other, and we make sure every team member knows exactly how much they matter to what we do.

The People Operations & Labor Relations Manager to manage and facilitate the intake processing, tracking, handling of fact finding and related hearing of issues, settlement of or preparation of grievances for arbitration through the contractual dispute resolution process of both union represented and non-union represented employees. 

This position will provide advice to managers and additional People Operations team members on the effective navigation of labor relations matters, application of collective bargaining agreement provisions, and grievance handling that proactively addresses operational issues or concerns related to team members.

The People Operations & Labor Relations Manager is also responsible for tracking major labor related issues that may require significant adjustments to policies and procedures. The position actively participates in the creation and delivery of proactive labor relations processes and procedures and in responding to specific challenges and/or charges from SEIU.

Schedule: Full-Time. Typically Monday-Friday. Occasional flexibility to meet the needs of our 24/7 teams. 

Location: Hybrid role, with travel throughout the Greater Seattle and surrounding areas. Primary office is located in Tukwila, WA. 

We are accepting applications until 5:00pm on Monday, September 29. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

•Assist in mediating and resolving disputes, and other conflicts. Represent the organization at unemployment hearings as needed.

•Manage and resolve complex represented and non-represented team member relations issues; conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations when necessary.

•Act as subject matter expert on application, interpretation of intent, and terms of collective bargaining agreement provisions.

•Supervise and advise the People Operations Business Partner on all aspects of their role

• Serve as primary contact for the organization for grievance processing and handling

• Oversee the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and foster a productive work relationship with union representatives.

• Ensure the union is kept informed of organizational changes and initiatives;

• Administer and conduct meetings between grieving team members, supervisors, and labor union representatives to investigate and resolve grievances

• Formulate potential avenues and settlement options that assist in achieving business objectives or significantly mitigate potential liability based on extensive analysis and experience

• Proactively communicate with the Director of People Operations about issues, concerns, or proceedings that may have a significant impact on the organization

• Compile, analyze, and maintain files regarding the handling of grievance/dispute resolution to include Step One, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and mediation

• Work collaboratively with union partners to guide the timely and effective resolution of grievances and potential arbitrations to ensure consistency in decision-making and outcomes to reduce potential liability for the organization

• In collaboration with People Operations and Legal Counsel, facilitate the creation of settlement agreements with Labor organizations to include Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) on behalf of the organization.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with the various labor organizations and other key internal stakeholders

• Maintain an accurate and complete database regarding grievances and arbitrations.

• Formulate effective dispute resolution strategies and approaches that leverage the scope and scale of the organization holistically.

• Serve as a liaison to outside labor attorneys on grievances and labor relations issues, and serve as a representative in arbitration and legal proceedings as needed

• Prepare statistical reports, using records of actions taken concerning grievances, arbitration and mediation cases, and related labor relations activities to identify problem areas

• Collect, analyze, and investigate labor relations policies and procedures used within the organization to determine alignment of process and approach across the organization

• Maintain accurate and complete union wage and step data and processes.

• Administer monthly and annual union pay rate changes

• Participate in facilitating Labor Relations specific training to support continual education and development of labor practices.

• Actively participate in conducting and representing the organization in the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the arbitration process

• Participate as SME as needed on internal project teams relating to issues such as consolidation of functions and reorganization of functions where represented team members are impacted

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies.

• Advise and assist with unemployment claims process

• Maintain a professional and confident demeanor when interacting with management, team members, union representatives, consultants and/or external communities

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

• Participate in People Operations projects, reporting, metrics, committees, and initiatives as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience 

• 2 years experience working in Labor Relations/Union Environment 

• 3 years experience in an HR management role

• Demonstrated experience as chief spokesperson/negotiator 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• PHR, SPHR certification preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply provisions of collective bargaining agreements effectively within a business setting.

• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple audiences.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to allow development of collaborative and sustainable working relationships with persons at all levels of the organization.

• Demonstrated ability to compromise effectively when it is in the best interest of the organization and makes sound business sense.

• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to multitask and balance numerous priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

• Understands basic business drivers of the healthcare industry.

• Ability to compile and analyze complex data.

• Ability to think critically, independently, and make good decisions on behalf of the organization.

• Ability to maximize efficiency by developing new procedures and methods.

• Current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Excel

• Ability to analyze complex data

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, in both written and verbal forms.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that a team member must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SENSORY/PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Sensory:

· Speaking; hearing (with or without assistance); near vision, far vision, depth perception, peripheral vision (with or without assistance); touch; smell; and balance.

Physical:

· Extended periods of sitting, computer use, talking and possibly standing

· Simple grasp, firm grasp, fine manipulation, pinch, finger dexterity, supination/pronation, wrist flexion

· Frequent torso/back static position; occasional stooping, bending and twisting

· Some kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying (not over 25 pounds), twisting and reaching

MENTAL:

· Ability to learn and prioritize multiple tasks at a given time and have the capability of handling demanding situations. Analytical/problem solving/critical thinking ability.

· Must be able to manage conflict, communicate effectively and meet time-sensitive deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to work a regular, full-time, Monday-Friday, Hybrid work schedule of in-office and remote work, that is fast-paced with frequent interruptions. Flexibility to work outside of traditional business hours as needed to support 24/7 business units occasionally. Travel throughout the Greater Seattle and surrounding areas.

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS

All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that a team member encounters while working at Sound is considered confidential. Sound team members may encounter protected health information in the regular course of their work. This position may be exposed to and required to deal with highly confidential and sensitive material and must adhere to Sound policies, guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and required skills for the position. Team Members will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.