THE POSITION

Washington County is searching for a transformational and human-centered leader to fill the strategic position of Employee and Labor Relations Manager (ELRM). Under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer, you will plan, lead, and manage the activities of the Senior Human Resources Business Partner team. You will serve as a champion in the delivery of comprehensive Countywide ELR programs and provide expert advice and counsel to Human Resources team members and Washington County Departments. In this role you will center Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as you advance employee relations, classification and compensation, pay equity, performance management, labor relations, policy development, and numerous essential HR projects.

About you!
We are seeking a visionary leader committed to developing an exemplary team and dedicated to providing exceptional collaborative service for County departments. The ideal ELRM will actively promote an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society. In addition to possessing excellent leadership skills, the ELRM should be a self-aware, empathetic individual with high emotional intelligence and be able to effectively communicate with all audiences and explain complex topics in a relatable manner.

Some of the most important characteristics the County is seeking in its ELRM include:

• 
  Understanding and experience with EDI programs and implementation. Washington County is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within its workforce and the ELRM is expected to be a key contributor to the County’s efforts. Experience promoting and working with EDI programs within large and complex organizations is beneficial.
• A strategic, innovative, and forward-thinking manager who plans long term and works to address trends in the HR field. The ELRM will have an opportunity to be an integral leader in positioning the HR department as a strategic asset for the County for years to come. The County is seeking a visionary leader who can guide their team in an environment of evolving priorities and actively assist with labor negotiations and investigations.
• A highly experienced and knowledgeable HR professional, preferably with a background in large organizations, either public or private. The ELRM will have the management acumen to effectively lead a diverse team with complex responsibilities within a large organization. Proficiency with all aspects and functions of employee relations will be critical to the ELRM’s success. Including union negotiation, and investigations. Appreciation of HR best practices from both a public and private sector perspective will also be beneficial.
• A proven leader who makes decisions, maintains accountability, addresses conflict, and can facilitate structural and cultural organizational change. Decisive, steadfast, and proactive leadership will be central to the ELRM’s ability to guide his/her work group through a period of growth and development.
• An open-minded listener with excellent interpersonal skills and strong emotional intelligence. The ability to understand, connect with, and earn the trust of employees is highly desirable. The ELRM must maintain a work environment in which team members feel valued, appreciated, and heard.
• The ability to develop a customer-focused ethic and approach. The ELRM must work to reinforce rigorous service expectations and a commitment to efficiency and responsiveness. The ELRM must foster collaborative partnerships with departments, working seamlessly to support County operations and goals.
• A commitment to transparency and open communication to keep people informed. The ELRM is highly visible within the County organization, proactively communicating with other departments to explain HR policies and updates. Verbal and written communication skills are essential to success.

For a complete list of essential duties, please use this link: Employee and Labor Relations Manager

This is a hybrid role that will work in-office 1-2 days per week and as business needs arise.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described above.

In order to be considered, please fully complete the application AND submit a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should tell a brief story of your experience in Employee and Labor Relations and your passion for the work.

Click here or visit the Benefits tab to learn more about our award-winning Benefit and Wellness Program at Washington County!
Minimum Qualifications

• An Associate Degree in business or public administration, human resources management, a behavioral science, or a related degree; AND Six (6) years of responsible Human Resource management experience that includes Human Resource functional areas, including, but not limited to, employee relations, personnel management and labor relations and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience. OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in business or public administration, human resources management, a behavioral science, or a related degree; AND Four (4) years of responsible Human Resource management experience that includes Human Resource functional areas, including, but not limited to, employee relations, personnel management and labor relations and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or other HR discipline-specific specialties.
• 2+ years experience leading labor negotiations

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Next Steps

• Apply today! You are required to complete and submit an online application, including a cover letter and resume, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Act.
• MQ Review: HR will screen applications for MQs after the posting closes - after April 30, 2023.
• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews as soon as possible. Our first round of virtual interviews is tentatively scheduled during the week of May 15, 2023.
• Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate(s) and extend an offer of appointment.
• Post-Offer Check: The successful candidate will undergo a thorough background check.
• Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

Please note: Candidates who are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to request veterans' preference points for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
• Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at 503-846-8606 or careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before the step(s) of the selection process for which you feel you need an accommodation.

Additional Resources

• Questions about this recruitment? Contact Mia at mia_richards@washingtoncountyor.gov

• New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process. Need technical support? Call Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.

Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.

For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:Click Here

This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!
Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here .

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.