Labor Relations Assistant (LRA)

The Office of Financial Management is a non-represented agency and is currently recruiting to fill two (2) exempt LRA positions . One of the positions is full-time exempt. The other position is full-time, time-limited exempt until approximately August 2018 . If you previously have applied for a position and are interested in this position, please reapply.

Special note: In accordance with WAC 357-19-195, employees who left classified service to accept exempt employment have the right to return to the highest class of position in which the employee previously held permanent status, or to a position of similar nature and salary, provided the employee was not terminated from an exempt position for gross misconduct or malfeasance.

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) State Human Resources Labor Relations Section (LRS) is responsible for the negotiation and administration of all state general government and some higher education collective bargaining agreements, as well as agreements with several large non-employee bargaining groups. The incumbent in these positions provide specialized paraprofessional human resources/labor relations support to assigned labor relations professionals and paraprofessional support in contract negotiations, interest arbitration, grievances and associated labor relations and human resources processes.

DUTIES:

Tasks include but are not limited to:

Case Management

• Collect, log and organize bargaining and grievance information and documents;
• Maintain case files and track case status to keep negotiators apprised of deadlines;
• Have a working knowledge and ability to research the various 28 collective bargaining agreements, statutes or rules and apply independent judgement to process a case and respond to inquiries;
• Input and maintain grievance information in HRMS & other recordkeeping systems;
• Verify accuracy of records;
• Confer with negotiators on case scheduling and bargaining logistics;
• Prepare, proof and edit correspondence and collective bargaining agreements for professional staff; and
• Review work of professional staff to ensure that input/output is in conformance with rules and office policies/procedures when such review is necessary.

Contract Administration & Support Using MS Office Suite

• Prepare complex documents in Microsoft Word for negotiations;
• Review and ensure accuracy and completion of documents;
• Finalize collective bargaining agreements and prepare other documents and reports related to collective bargaining;
• Coordinate responses to Human Resources/Labor Relations staff (HR/LR) and labor union inquiries; and
• Attend negotiation sessions taking accurate and clear notes during contract negotiations for follow-up use including possible litigation.

Scheduling

• Schedule high volume multi-party meetings at a senior level with HR/LR staff and union representatives; and
• Make logistical arrangements for meetings, and coordinate travel, training and lodging.

Assigned Special Projects

• Participate in recruitment activities;
• Facilitate internal legislation processes;
• Assist with development and implementation of new employee onboarding;
• Maintain and update LRS website content;
• Assist in records management;
• Conduct small studies and research projects; and
• Prepare estimates from historical data and planning information

Procedural Development & Implementation

• Assist with develop and implement internal office procedures; and
• Recommend changes in procedures or rules to facilitate effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required qualifications

High school graduation or equivalent and four (4) current years of increasingly responsible administrative experience.

Special Position Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Due to the office workload and mission critical needs during contract negotiations, the incumbents in these positions may at times be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays; adjust their work schedule; and travel. Travel during collective bargaining may at times require overnight stays.
• Incumbents in these positions must be flexible in accommodating mission critical needs of the office and its team members;
• Incumbents must on occasion be able to sit and type for long periods of time during meetings and contract negotiations.

In addition, the preferred candidate will:

• Possess a working knowledge of office methods and procedures;
• Be able to produce high-quality work using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Acrobat Professional;
• Have excellent decision making and problem solving skills;
• Have the ability to exercise professional judgment and work with sensitive material while maintaining strict confidentiality;
• Possess careful attention to detail;
• Be able to work as a member of a team and serve as back-up to other members of the team;
• Be a self-starter with the proven ability to anticipate needs, work well in stressful situations and respond appropriately to urgent situations;
• Have the ability to handle competing priorities, complete tasks on time, anticipate demands and take initiative;
• Work effectively with a wide range of personalities and work styles;
• Demonstrate a positive attitude;
• Be punctual, reliable and accountable; and
• Be friendly, enthusiastic and enjoy providing assistance to colleagues and customers alike.

Preferred/desired qualifications

The ideal candidate will also possess one or more of the following desired qualifications:

• Four (4) current years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, two (2) of the years in a Labor Relations/Human Resources setting.
• A college degree or certification in a related field.
• Knowledge of government organization and procedures.

Core competencies

• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Willingness and ability to seek and follow direction;
• Ability to learn quickly;
• Ability to manage an assigned caseload;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and seek resolutions;
• Commitment to continuous process improvement;
• Ability to remain focused and productive in a stressful environment and during periods of fluctuating workload; and
• Understanding of government, state and federal rules and laws.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Interested applicants should submit the following:

Please send completed application packets by mail, fax or email to:

Office of Financial Management

Employee Services

PO Box 43113

Olympia, WA 98504-3113

Fax: (360) 586-0051

Email: ofmhr@ofm.wa.gov

About Us

“Better information. Better decisions. Better government. Better Washington.”

The Office of Financial Management provides the fiscal and policy leadership, direction, and information that the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies need to serve the people of Washington State. We do that by providing timely and accurate information to decision-makers and by leading and supporting statewide initiatives. The State Human Resources Division contributes to this work by providing statewide human resources policy leadership, information, and support. These positions are part of the Labor Relations Section.

The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process, or who wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, may call

360-725-0158 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 711 Relay.