Employee relations specialist [h1.location_city]

The Job

Ride OMNITRANS to a satisfying career that lets you make a difference in the San Bernardino Valley. Omnitrans, provider of public mass transit for the San Bernardino Valley in Southern California is seeking a highly skilled professional to join our award-winning team. Omnitrans is a great place to work; we are located close to the mountains, the desert, and beaches of Southern California. The ideal candidate hired will be under general direction of the Director of Human Resources and will be responsible for the oversight of various human resources functions, with a special focus in the area of Employee and Labor Relations.

Distinguishing Characteristics This single-position class has the responsibility as the employer representative in employee / employer dispute resolution process, legal compliance and labor negotiations, supervises professional and support staff, and manages a variety of human resource functions. The position also includes responsibility for management of agency wide policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission laws, unemployment claims and other areas of compliance. Assignments include highly confidential activities relating to employee and management relations.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position :

• Supervises day-to-day activities of the human resources functions; including developing practices and procedures to ensure efficient service to employees and the public. Establishes and maintains employment, labor, and investigative files.
• Plans, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff.
• Represents agency or serves as a liaison to the Director of Human Resources, in labor negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, and discipline appeals. Collaborates with Director of Human Resources, legal counsel and agency departments in preparation for negotiations, mediation, grievances, arbitrations and appeals as appropriate. Meets with union representatives to address workplace issues and other matters relating to labor relations.
• Acts as management representative in interactions with union officials on matters pertaining to management's decision regarding disciplinary action, promotions, demotions, transfers, separations, layoffs, and wage and salary adjustments.
• Reviews, researches and responds to various inquiries on collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws.
• Investigates employee complaints on various issues including, but not limited to, discrimination and harassment. Responsible for intake, researching allegations, developing an investigation plan, conducting effective interviews and data collections, completing written reports and communication summaries to relevant parties.
• Analyzes and interprets local, State and Federal legislation and regulations regarding employment practices; make recommendations and implements changes; interprets personnel policies and procedures and advises staff on correct interpretation. Conducts special research assignments, including gathering and analyzing data and preparing recommendations for consideration by senior management.
• Assists in the facilitation of various training programs such as sexual harassment prevention, EEO, and other related topics. Advises and trains managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing supervisor problems and employee grievances. Develops further training as needed.
• Performs audits on Human Resources functions such as I-9, Drug and Alcohol, benefits, recruitment, and other required compliance.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Directly supervises Human Resources Staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, labor contracts, and applicable laws.

The Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and possess sufficient training, education, and increasingly responsible experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or an equivalent from a four-year college or university with major work in public or business administration, human resources, labor relations or a closely related field and six (6) or more years of experience in labor relations in a public entity is required. At least two years of supervisory experience is required. Human Resources certification (SHRM-CP, PHR, etc.) is preferred. Attainment of experience in a large public agency is preferred. Graduate study in public administration, business administration, law, or a related field is desired.

Strong knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision and performance management; principles, practices, laws, rules and regulations related to Human Resources; Federal, state, and local laws governing employment such as, Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Meyer-Millias Brown Act (MMBA).

Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret complex data; prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence; establish and maintain effective working relationships; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor / management agreements; objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues; establish and maintain effective working relationships with labor organizations, employees at all levels, legal counsel and other outside agencies, and the general public; communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; utilize planning, organizational skills and problem solving in all aspects of position; take initiative, reason logically, be creative in developing and introducing new ideas in addressing challenges and opportunities; work effectively under stressful situations involving confrontation and conflict; select, supervise, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel, and discipline staff; work collaboratively to identify problem areas and evaluate, recommend and implement alternate solutions to complex issues.

Strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and ability to learn other Human Resources or ERP systems and software; mediation, negotiation, interpreting labor contracts and maintaining effective cooperative relationships with management and unions; strong and effective leadership, communication, team building and time management; investigative, analyzing, and resolving employee grievances and working on collaborative resolutions.

The Selection Process

Candidates will be screened for relevant qualifying experience that consists of an evaluation of education and experience. The most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include a combination of written, performance, and oral examinations. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam, including a drug test, and a criminal background investigation, which will include Live Scan fingerprinting. For further information and to submit an application visit our website at :

https : / / omnitrans.org / business-employment / careers /

Omnitrans in an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer