Labor Relations Specialist

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for nearly 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff.

Our dedicated staff is what makes our longevity possible! A majority of our frontline staff is unionized, we are seeking a Full Time Labor Relations Specialist to complement our Human Resources team. If “adversary” is what you think when you hear Union – this is not the job for you.

We expect positive relationships with our union partners and creative, pro-employee solutions to workplace issues which honor the CBA. The Labor Relations Specialist will assist in the implementation of all Collectively Bargained Agreements, negotiations, grievances; Support all areas of Employee Relations (Investigations, Mediations, Settlement Agreements, Conflict Resolution, Arbitration Prep, Drug & Alcohol Policy issues, Worker’s Compensation, and Strategic Labor Relations); as well as demonstrated competency and willingness to jump-in and back up HR generalist duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interpret and ensure compliance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements. Maintain open communication with union delegates and employees.
• Organizes monthly Labor Management Council meetings with bargaining unit. Compile necessary reports to be given to bargaining units.
• Provide counsel and advice regarding performance management and discipline to managers.
• Responsible for coordinating the grievance process and providing arbitration support. Assist with negotiating the bargaining unit agreement.
• Handles employee complaints and responds to employee questions.
• Reviews and approves all disciplinary actions including written reprimands, suspensions, and terminations.
• Assists supervisors in dealing with bargaining unit employee discipline issues. Providing individual guidance to supervisors who are considering initiating disciplinary action. Serve as back up for NBU discipline issues.
• Responsible for responding to unemployment claims.
• Assists with agency internal investigations.
• Protects the interests of employees and the company in accordance with agency HR policies and governmental laws and regulations.
• Determines and recommends employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale. Actively participates in/ manages the application of policy and procedures to address and resolve issues.
• Serve as Safety Council representative for HR.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specific/Individual Competencies:

• Respectful: engaging ambassador or HR and Zepf Center
• Computer skills including platform navigation (Paylocity, Relias, Workplace), Excel, and Word
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Time management skills: ability to multi-task and meet identified deadlines.
• Commitment to quality: great attention to detail in spelling, email, postings, copying, filing, etc.
• Reliable: able to have good attendance and work identified hours

Position qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field required
• 5 years' years of related experience required
• PHR or SHRM-CP/SCP certification preferred

Join our team and enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to support your well-being and financial security! We offer a high deductible health plan with no premium cost per pay, along with a Health Savings Account featuring a generous $1,000 seed money ($2,000 for family coverage). Dental and vision coverage are also offered. Additionally, employees can take advantage of a 403b retirement plan with a company match of up to 3% and a company contribution of 2% after one year of employment, ensuring a solid financial future. We provide life insurance coverage equivalent to 1x annual salary. Time off benefits include sick leave, vacation, personal time, and holiday pay for 9 recognized holidays. Furthermore, we support your professional growth with tuition reimbursement and license reimbursement programs. Join us and thrive with our comprehensive benefits package!

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO