Labor Relations Specialist

Distinguishing Features of Work

Strong labor relations create stronger organizations. As the Senior Human Resource Specialist Labor Relations Specialist, you will serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership by fostering productive partnerships between management and represented employees. This strategic role leads collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance resolution, and labor relations initiatives for the City's labor agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Teamsters Transit, Teamsters Airport, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

You will interpret collective bargaining agreements, develop negotiation strategies, provide guidance on complex employment matters, and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and employment laws. Your expertise in negotiations, conflict resolution, and relationship building will directly strengthen the City's workforce, support organizational effectiveness, and help deliver high-quality public services to the Wichita community.

Examples of Work Performed

• Provides human resource information as requested both inside and outside the organization.
• Researches and analyzes alternative program options for area of responsibility and/or as assigned.
• Develops and/or modifies programs and policies in response to legal requirements, organizational change, and labor market trends.
• Aids other divisions and departments in interpreting personnel policies and procedures; develops or revises personnel policies and procedures.
• Drafting of proposal language as part of the collective bargaining process.
• Provides interpretation and guidance to ensure compliance with contract provisions, wage laws, and standard regulations.
• Building positive, long-term relationships with labor and management.
• Management of the administration process for labor contracts including, but not limited to, negotiating key issues such as compensation rates, contract provisions, healthcare, wages, pensions, union requirements, and management guidelines.
• Managing the grievance process for investigation of claims and providing mediation to resolve conflicts and communication difficulties.
• Work with collective bargaining and negotiate with large groups to address worker complaints and apply policy appropriately.
• May supervise other professional or support staff.
• Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.

Requirements of Work

• Considerable knowledge of principles of human resources management.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations affecting human resources practices.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret, and record information.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other Departments, representatives of outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally, in writing, and/or by whatever creative means are necessary to cross communication barriers.
• Researching skills are required to retrieve relevant data and analyze alternatives, offer recommendations, and impact outcomes.
• Tactical communication skills are required to provide advice and counsel in difficult conflicts and disputes.
• Management of grievance HRIS systems and process is critical to maintain efficient, ongoing administration.
• May require ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others.
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license.

An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.