Human Resource Generalist (Labor Relations)

This is not a Civil Service Position.  DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.

SUMMARY:      

The Human Resources Generalist provides Human Resources support to all employee levels of organization and specializes in one or more of the following areas:

• Labor Relations

• Employee Relations

• Classification and Compensation

• Training and Development

• Recruiting/Talent and Acquisition

• Workforce Development

The Human Resources Generalist facilitates labor relations, makes recommendations on disciplinary actions; instructs on best Human Resources practices; collaborates on organizational projects, develops and monitors policies and staff compliance, supports all recruiting functions, supports and develops classifications, job descriptions and compensation analysis and supports Training and Development initiatives. Work is performed in a team environment under the direction of the HR Leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Track progress of Human Resource activities including but not limited to grievances, employee attendance, FMLA, seniority, and related personnel information.   Coordinate and manage the recruitment and selection process through needs analysis, projections, recommendations and close communication with management.

Conduct New Employee Orientation sessions, Ensure compliance with department policy, federal and state workplace laws, regulations, guidelines, work rules and collective bargaining agreements. Instruct and train staff on including but not limited to policies, procedures and best practices for provision of HR services.

Prepare comprehensive reports; provide input and correspondence for the department's performance evaluation programs.  Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties. A valid Michigan Driver's License and the ability to drive a motor vehicle.   Provide on the job training as required.

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:

Research, assemble, and disseminate HR related materials and documentation as required. Contact appropriate parties to elicit information for projects, investigations, discrepancies or operational support. Support any and all DWSD operations.

Develop and recommend changes in general administrative policies. Address complaints and inquiries of an administrative nature. Enforce established disciplinary procedures. Direct specific project activities or work as a team member.  Conduct analysis of HRIS data and employee trend data.  Perform related work duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Human Resources Generalist may be required to perform team coordination activities within the functional unit.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

•    MS-Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

•    Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of administration relating to human resources

•    Employee and management coaching and counseling techniques

•    HR Information Systems usage

•    Data analytics (dashboard and pivot table creation)

•    General HR Policies and Procedures

•    Labor Relations, to include the grievance and corrective action processes

•    Recruiting Software

•    Statutory and regulatory requirements affecting HR programs

SKILL TO:

•    Build relationships with DWSD Operations staff and the City of Detroit HR Team

•    Conduct comprehensive unbiased investigation and formulate reasonable and effective conclusions

•    Exercise extreme discretion and confidentiality regarding HR and DWSD business matters

•    Improve manager and employee performance by identifying current and potential issues as well as evaluating and implementing solutions including training

•    Act as a proactive trusted advisor and leader

•    Operate specialized hardware devices or software programs relating to HR and DWSD performance management systems

•    Communicate effectively with different audience types

•    Create reports and track progression

•    Speak in public settings

•    Instruct on policy enforcement and best practices

•    Support contract negotiations as required

•    Manage employee conflict in stressful, complex environments

•    Lead continuous improvement HR projects

•    Use advanced technology

ABILITY TO:

•    Work effectively in a team-based, flexible workforce with minimal supervision

•    Resolve conflict, apply policies, and distribute information

•    Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

•    Understand and follow verbal and written instructions

•    Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

•    Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about process, equipment or potential problems

•    Direct team activities as required or to work as a team member

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•    A minimum of three (3) years of recent human resources experience with increasing levels of responsibility and authority in a combination of the following areas: recruitment and selection, benefits, labor relations, HR consulting, examinations and test development, classification compensation, succession planning, coaching, job design, HR records, training and development with some experience as a team or project leader.

•    Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:    

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods, walk to meetings located in nearby buildings, operating a vehicle, commute to DWSD work sites; verbal acuity; manual dexterity.

Environmental Working Requirements:      

This position requires the ability to work in the plant or office environment with exposure to computer screens, working in teams and closely with all staffing levels.

Other Requirements:

•    Valid Michigan Driver's License

•    Ability to work irregular hours, to commute to DWSD facilities and work sites, and respond to after hour emergencies and on-call responses

This title is a non-Civil Service and at-will position. The organization may in its sole discretion fill this position on a full-time or part-time basis. The organization may in its sole discretion utilize a contract of employment, "direct hire", or other process to fill the Position within this Title. Incumbency in a position within this title does not create a property right or expectation for the incumbent.

The presence of this title or the position within this title does not in any way restrict the organization's sole discretion to utilize independent contractors or other means to provide for the performance of this work.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.

LABOR RELATIONS

• Lead the CDL random drug screening process

• Lead the drivers license monitoring process

• Lead the CDL verification process by maintaining logs and ensuring all applicable documentation is up to date

• Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and Medical Examiners Certificate (DOT card)

• Lead on CDL compliance

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations

• Assist with the settlement of grievances

• Assist with labor contract preparation and application

• Assist with drafting proposed responses to Union inquiries ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• Assist with inquires and complaints challenging policies and actions of management

• Assist with analyzing proposals and issues submitted by management and union representatives

• Research pertinent labor laws, mediation board and court decisions, previous contracts, current contracts and related materials of other jurisdictions

• Assist with resolving complex issues relating to the application of rules, policies and procedures

• Assist with conducting confidential investigations of employee issues

• Conduct audits of labor relations policies and procedures to ensure consistency in application

• Assist in talent acquisition and recruitment processes

• Assist in employee onboarding

• Assist with employment verification

• Provide support to employees in various HR related topics

• Assist with maintaining all employee personnel records

• Assist with annual audits of employee personnel records

• Assist HR management as necessary

• Assist with employee disciplinary meetings and terminations

• Perform other HR duties as assigned