Workforce Relations Consultant & Investigator - University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The HR enterprise is comprised of three unique business units: 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.

https://hr.uci.edu/

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 conducts complex investigations and provides employee and labor relations support to managers and supervisors in order to resolve all levels of issues, and serves as first or second chair in arbitration and other hearings, or as hearing officer in administrative proceedings, as needed. 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.

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.

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 disputes both informally and formally. In consultation with the Director, negotiates and finalizes written settlement agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures.

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.

Partners with HR Business Partners, as appropriate, to reduce and mitigate employment liability claims and achieve informal resolution wherever possible.

Provides employee and 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. 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

Recognized functional expert who regularly leads employee relations projects of criticality to organization. Utilizes comprehensive and in-depth employee relations expertise to provide guidance and recommendations regarding strategic direction for the organization. Works on employee relations matters that are the most diverse and complex in scope and where analysis of data and situations requires evaluation of many factors and implications with broad impact on the organization. Develops internal and external contacts often pertaining to organization-wide plans and objectives. Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and functions as a lead with other employee relations professionals. Is considered a subject matter expert of the organization.

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 compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $116,000- $170,100 (Annual).


Required:

• 7-10 years experience in the field of labor and employee relations.
• 7-10 years experience in performing complex workplace investigations.
• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Preferred:

• Bilingual language skills.
• J.D. preferred but not required
• Trial/litigation/arbitration experience

Special Conditions:

• 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 - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

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

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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 eec@uci.edu.