Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

The Senior HR Specialist for Employee and Labor Relations supports University of Iowa Health Care by carrying out a range of human resources responsibilities within established procedures, policies, and standards under the direction of the Senior HR Director. The role provides consultation to both employees and management on matters related to employee and labor relations, including policy interpretation, performance management, collective bargaining agreements, and related issues.

As a member of a fast‑paced human resources team, this position collaborates closely with human resource representatives and management to advise on the day‑to‑day interpretation and application of University of Iowa and Health Care policies, as well as applicable collective bargaining agreements. The HR Specialist ensures that employment practices are consistent with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and federal and state laws. The role also delivers consultative support to all levels of management regarding progressive discipline, employee counseling, and performance management processes.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and provide effective consultative services to human resource representatives and managers on employee and labor relations issues and processes.

• Expand training and communication with human resource representatives, managers, employee groups and externally with union representatives.

• Assist with day-to-day operations of labor administration including grievance procedure.

• Provide consistent and timely advice and consultation and make recommendations to supervisors on performance management and disciplinary action on contract administration and disciplinary processes.

• Deliver technical training on Labor Relations and the Collective Bargaining Agreements, conduct investigations, and document employment issues.

• Conduct research on a variety of human resource related issues, helping to develop both policies and procedures that reflect best practice.

• Interpret, explain and apply applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Provide training to HR Reps and supervisors to enhance fact gathering and documentation and to increase employee engagements.

• Provide support for Employee and Labor Relations, coordinate grievance meetings, information requests or other related items. Attend SEIU and AFSCME Labor Management Meetings and ELR weekly meetings. Receive and track disciplinary notice for Health Care staff

Pay Level: 4A

Professional and Scientific Pay Structures | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources management or business administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• 3 years of experience working with complex employment and labor relations issues

• Experience with policy development and compliance, progressive discipline, collective bargaining agreements in administering HR policy and practice

• Administration of leave and accommodation request under the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Knowledge of contemporary human resource principles, practices and process and current federal and state laws, statutes, regulations, policies and directives pertaining to Human Resources

• Effective communication and relationship building skills, and ability to work with a variety of constituents

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor or master’s degree in business administration or related field.

• Working knowledge of University of Iowa and UI Health Care policies and procedures, including those covered by the merit system, SEIU, AFSCME, and COGS

• Working knowledge of ADA and FMLA

• Experience in a unionized workplace

• Knowledge of the healthcare environment is highly desirable

Position & Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as required to the submission:

• Resume

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and education verification. Please contact Michael-lynch-2@uiowa.edu with any questions.