LABOR/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST III

Job Summary: Serves as a Labor/Employee Relations Specialist with responsibility for performing a combination of labor and employee relations functions for the Navy Exchange Service Command.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

-  Provides advisory services of a highly technical nature that include systematic study in the development of management positions, strategies, and objectives to be achieved in collective bargaining negotiations.

-  Answers and resolves inquiries, including Congressional inquiries, regarding interpretation of policy/procedures as well as individual problems and situations relating to labor and employee relations.

-  Reviews input from Navy Exchange Service Command managers/supervisors and prepares management proposals.

-  Acts as chief spokesperson or chief advisor representing NEXCOM in negotiations.

-  Advises negotiating committee members on the applicability and interpretation of arbitration decisions and precedent decisions of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).

-  Reviews FLRA decisions and cases. Analyzes negotiability decisions in relation to their applicability to NEXCOM cases. Also reviews Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) cases and arbitration awards as they relate to Navy Exchange Service Command cases.

-  Develops/writes new or revised policies and procedures as a result of changes to the NEM, Instructions, Command memos, letters, etc. Drafts a variety of manuals, point papers, and instructions in accordance with appropriate regulations. Considerable modification and creativity are required to develop new material from inception to completion.

-  Maintains liaison with management officials at all levels that include national, district, and local union officers and stewards of the local organization to consult and negotiate difficult and controversial issues and problems. Provides guidance and technical assistance to supervisors and management representatives based on in-depth analysis and interpretation of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

-  Takes part as an equal member of the management team or as chief negotiator in negotiations where controversial issues are expected to arise. Also participates in third-party proceedings as a representative, technical advisor, and witness for management.

-  Resolves difficult and complex problems of negotiated agreement implementation, third-party proceedings, resolution of Unfair Labor Practices, etc. with union and management representatives.

-  Carries out employee relations assignments concerned with situation analysis functions in work situations of more than average complexity combined with management advisory tasks.

-  Provides advice and assistance to NEXCOM exempt and nonexempt associates in the areas of discipline, grievances, counseling, and related functions. Answers and resolves inquiries regarding interpretation of policy/procedures as well as individual problems and situations relating to labor and employee relations.

-  Maintains and encourages objectivity in situations that may be charged with emotion and involve assumptions. Resolves disputed facts, including those that require credibility determinations. Assists the parties in problem definition and assessment of alternative approaches to resolving the problem.

- Ensures official case files are properly maintained in accordance with regulatory guidance to support proposed actions and, when necessary, responds in writing to appeals and/or prepares documents for hearing. Coordinates with military officials, legal officials, arbitrators, and hearing officers as appropriate.

-  Acts as management representative in arbitration and administrative hearings.

-  Develops and conducts training sessions for managers/supervisors in the field and at headquarters level, as necessary.

-  Works under the general supervision of a designated supervisor. Receives assignments with broad objectives and is expected to plan and carry out work independently. Incumbent is expected to resolve most problems independently, except those of a policy nature. We don't review work in progress, but we keep the supervisor informed about sensitive issues and other matters of interest. Completed work is reviewed for results attained and conformance with the overall policies and objectives of the Navy Exchange System.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

#LI-NEX

A total of 7 years' experience consisting of the following:

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:  3 years of responsible experience in non-routine work which enabled the applicant to gain a good general understanding of the systems, methods and administrative machinery for accomplishing work; the ability to analyze problems, apply sound judgment in assessing practical implications of alternative solutions and resolving the problems presented; and the ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing. 

OR

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience, up to a maximum of a 4 year bachelor's degree for 3 years of general experience. 

AND

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:  4 years of progressively responsible experience that provided knowledge of personnel management functions, principles and techniques; and experience in maintaining employee/employer relationships and negotiation and administering labor agreements and resolving disputes; and providing guidance, counseling and assistance on labor/employee relations, benefits and services-related matters; or experience in combination of personnel management work that clearly demonstrated the knowledge and abilities required to perform the work of the position.

Preferred candidates will possess a strong background in Employee Relations.