Job Description

Updated: Jan 17, 2024
Location: Irvine-Campus
Job Type:
Department: Partnership Human Resources

Job Opening ID: 59757

Reports To: Senior Director of Workforce Relations

Working Title: Workforce Relations Consultant and Investigator

Department: Partnership Human Resources

Bargaining Unit: 99

FLSA: Exempt

Payroll Job Code: 000516

Job Location: Orange- Hybrid

Percent of Time: 100%

Work Schedule: 8-5, M-F, Hybrid Work Schedule

Position Summary:

The HR enterprise is comprised of three unique business units: UCI Health, Health Sciences, and Campus. The Partnership serves as a strategic center responsible for planning and implementing strategic initiatives across the entire UCI HR enterprise. Members of the Partnership work in close collaboration with all three business units to leverage expertise across the enterprise.

As a member of the UCI HR Partnership for Strategy and Innovation (Partnership), and reporting to the Senior Director of Workforce Relations, the Workforce Relations Consultant and Investigator provides labor and employee relations support to managers and supervisors to resolve all levels of issues, and conducts complex investigations. The Workforce Relations Consultant and Investigator plays an integral role in UCI HR\'s goal to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible.

Provides labor relations support to managers and supervisors in order to resolve all levels of issues. Facilitates meetings with union representatives, employees and management in an effort to resolve problems. Engages in system wide and local collective bargaining. 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.

May serve as Hearing Officer or management advocate as appropriate Campus, Health Sciences or Medical Center grievances and staff complaints; under the direction of the Director may be asked to present the University s position verbally and in writing at grievance and arbitration hearings; prepares written analyses and recommendations; writes responses for University management; assists hearing officers or committees with the administrative/grievance review process as necessary. Working with the Director, facilitates settlement of grievances and other disputes both informally and formally. In consultation with the Director, negotiates and finalizes written settlement agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures.

Independently leads and conducts complex investigations into a variety of employment issues, and writes clear, professional, well reasoned, and comprehensive investigation reports, under the auspices of the HR Lead Investigator, including employee complaints, unlawful workplace activity, bullying or abusive conduct, and violations of UC/UCI policies and procedures in an efficient, thorough and professional manner. Investigates issues raised via the Whistleblower complaints, PPSM 70 complaints, grievances, or other employment issues raised.

Plans and conducts neutral fact-finding investigations. Performs intake interviews. Designs and develops an investigation plan in accordance with University policies and procedures. Interviews relevant parties, including the complainant, the respondent, and all witnesses. Reviews and analyzes evidence, documents, and information. Applies the appropriate standard evidence to the evidence to make determinations of policy violations. Authors detailed, well-written, confidential investigative reports.

Effectively manages investigative caseload and meets deadlines. Communicates timelines with appropriate parties, sharing updates on the process along the way. Tracks investigations with regular reporting to senior management. Identifies trends and alerts management.

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.

Respond to requests for information from outside legal counsel retained by the Office of the General Counsel in preparation of litigation, grievance proceedings, or adjudication. Provide subject matter expertise and expert testimony at depositions, hearings, adjudication proceedings, grievance hearings, and litigation.

Total Compensation:

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our and .

$111,200.00 - $215,000.00 (Annual Salary)

Required:

• 7-10 years\' experience in the field of labor and employee relations.
• Experience in working in employee relations with success in early, informal resolution. Workplace mediation experience preferred but not required
• Bachelor\'s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Advanced analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of employee relations function and other subject areas of human resources.
• In-depth knowledge of organization policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Human Resources and the organization.
• Strong knowledge of dispute resolution and grievance procedures and expert knowledge of administering and ensuring adherence to labor / union contracts.
• Exhibits in-depth knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and regulations needed to minimize exposure.
• Capable in developing, interpreting, implementing and administering organization-wide human resources policies and processes.
• Superior written, verbal and presentation skills for presenting and communicating complex information to managers at varying levels in the organization on employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated ability to handle the most difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively.
• Demonstrated skills to provide guidance to managers and employees on highly complex and significant employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in conflict and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment in responding to highly complex employee relations related requests.
• Understanding of the principles related to management, supervision and leadership to provide expert level advice and counsel.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing information, problems, situations, practices and /or procedures to define the problem or objective, identify relevant concerns, identify patterns and relationships, formulate logical and objective conclusions, and recognize alternatives and their implications.
• Interview and/or investigation skills.

Preferred:

• J.D. preferred but not required
• Bilingual language skills.

Special Conditions Required:

This position may be required to report at different work sites between Irvine and Orange. The incumbent must be able to provide their own means of transportation to/from work locations.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

Background Check and Live Scan

Legal Right to work in the United States

Vaccination Policies

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

Drug Free Environment

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

E-Verify

Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page -

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the .

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or

University of California, Irvine