Workforce Relations Specialist

at  National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team!
We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Human Resources department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for a Workforce Relations Specialist. The hours are 7 am – 4 pm, Monday-Friday.
Shift : ALL
Security Clearance : No Clearance

SUMMARY

The Workforce Relations Specialist uses keen independent judgement and strong interpersonal communication skills to provide advanced-level advice and customer service in the management of Labor and Employee Relations matters. Principal emphasis is to support the policies and programs designed to manage both the represented and non-represented members of the workforce; to administer, interpret and enforce the applicable policies and/or collective bargaining agreements (CBA); and to lead the investigation and resolution of reported or identified workforce relations performance and compliance issues.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Personnel Administration or Industrial Relations required; equivalent combination of education and direct work experience may be considered. Minimum three (3) years of experience leading complex investigations required; prior labor relations experienced highly preferred. Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communication skills required; ability to establish strong cross-functional relationships and to effectively interact and influence others in a Union environment is essential to this position. Skills and abilities in leading effective conflict resolution, investigations, grievances, and other employee relations activities. Must exhibit high degree of emotional intelligence, discretion, integrity, and confidentiality. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Serves as a primary point of contact for communications with the Union, supervisors and employees in the identification, documentation and resolution of performance, compliance and other workforce relations matters. Uses highly developed communication and conflict resolution skills to establish trust, build and maintain strong working relationships, and influence optimal outcomes; Advises and assists supervisors on the development and delivery of disciplinary action memos and written warnings for performance deficiencies, including violations of policies, procedures, Standards of Conduct or the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement; leads the mediation of workplace conflicts, escalating when appropriate; Administers the grievance process. Schedules, facilitates and tracks all meetings and outcomes related to disciplinary action and grievances; drafts and delivers to the Union all Company responses and associated information for CBA compliance; Serves as the subject matter expert and lead investigator in all workforce relations and Ethics Helpline reports. Develops investigation plans and interview questions; leads fact-finding interviews of implicated persons, reporters, witnesses and other sources of information; documents investigation findings and conclusions, offering recommendation for corrective action or mitigation of identified issues. Assigns investigations to other Human Resources staff, as needed; mentors and advises coworkers on investigation techniques and best practices; tracks and reports investigation case outcomes and statistics; Uses strong persuasive writing techniques to independently develop responses to EEOC charges and mandatory disclosure supplemental information requests. Leads the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation program, including the coordination of post-accident medical exams and Drug-Free Workplace substance use screening. Works in conjunction with EHS and Sage/Signal to obtain and submit information for required First Report of Injury, authorization for release of information and other required reports. Works with supervisors and Sage/Signal to review medical restrictions of injured workers to identify possible accommodations for return to work; communicates with occupational medicine providers to ensure protocols are in place for all screening exams and communication of results; Manages the tracking, analysis and reporting of workforce relation metrics; Completes assigned projects involving the research and organization of information used for the development of policies and procedures, compliance, training, retention, or other workforce relation matters; Assists with the preparation for union negotiations, arbitration, NLRB hearings, Wage and Hour claims, and other hearings as directed. Actively participates in developing, implementing and monitoring continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, improve quality, reduce cycle time, and reduce costs. Regular, reliable on-site attendance is an essential function of this position. Other responsibilities as assigned.