Position Summary

The Opportunity: The HR Manager – Labor & Employee Relations is a hands-on manager position that will work in partnership with the Associate Vice President of Human Resources and other HR team members to serve as the principal employee consultant for a wide range of high-touch employment functions including employee and labor relations, leave administration, reasonable accommodation, performance management, workplace health and safety, employee training, and professional development for a diverse mix of employees, which include faculty, classified, civil service exempt, temporary, and student employees. A full detailed job description will be provided at time of interview.

In the event that candidates do not have the commensurate knowledge, skills and abilities, SVC reserves the right to hire this position as a HR Generalist.

This is a full-time, exempt position based at the campus in Mount Vernon, WA. This position is exempt from civil service, but may be eligible for overtime depending upon salary placement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance and resolve concerns for employees and managers by identifying the issue and analyzing employment laws, state regulations, applicable collective bargaining agreements, college policies, practices, and procedures, system constraints, and human resource best practices;
• Perform intake and conduct employment investigations;
• Manage the performance evaluation processes.

Labor Relations

• Ensure labor contract compliance, and advise employees and supervisory staff on the interpretation and application of the negotiated agreements;
• Manage and resolve issues related to work hours and schedules, telework agreements, suspended operations, civil service classification, and temporary appointments in compliance with negotiated agreements;
• May provide support for labor negotiations and labor management meetings; may serve on union contract negotiation teams.

Leave Management/Workers Compensation/Unemployment

• Manage FMLA/PFML and other leave processes;
• Manage the reasonable accommodation process;
• Serve as the Labor & Industries specialist by managing worker’s compensation claims, responds to on-the-job injuries and return to work efforts;
• Represent the college in unemployment claims appeals and hearings.

Training

• Identify staff professional development opportunities and collaborate with appropriate personnel to create professional development solutions;
• Manage employee training programs;
• Manage the classified and exempt professional development fund programs.

Other duties

• May assist the Talent Acquisition Manager with position review requests and classified reallocations;
• May assist the Talent Acquisition Manager with reviewing and researching proposed job descriptions;
• May represent the Associate VP of HR and the Human Resources team on campus committees, task forces, initiatives, or other meetings as assigned;
• May track legal issues and assist with management of legal cases;
• May provide additional assistance to the Human Resources department as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge or understanding of:
  • Federal and State employment laws and regulations;
  • Human resource management practices and procedures, including employment, compensation, and benefit practices, preferably in a public sector environment;
  • HRIS and related reporting;
  • Collective bargaining contract provisions.

Skilled in:

• Microsoft Office software products, and be able to use a computer for written communication, data entry, spreadsheets, and report creation.

Ability to:

• Develop positive relationships and effectively interact within all levels of the organization and with external customers;
• Maintain strong customer relationships by being highly responsive, non-judgmental, and supportive;
• Communicate both orally and in writing to respond to and initiate communication with employees and staff, other educational institutions, and outside agencies;
• Demonstrate ownership of the work while taking responsibility for resolving errors;
• Perform detailed work with accuracy;
• Work with and maintain the security of highly confidential data;
• Demonstrate a good sense of humor;
• Contribute to equity and inclusion by fostering a climate of multicultural appreciation and awareness, and work effectively with populations representing diverse backgrounds, cultures, life experiences and various learning and working styles;
• Maintain a professional, positive service attitude under sometimes stressful situations;
• Handle difficult/sensitive situations, using sound and independent judgment within policy and legal constraints as well as best practice guidelines;
• Manage multiple tasks and projects, and adjust priorities quickly in response to urgent needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in human resources, organizational behavioral sciences, business management, or a related field, and
• Three (3) year of professional level human resources experience.

OR

• An equivalent combination of higher education and progressively responsible human resources.

Desired Qualifications:

• Professional Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR), or Society for Human Resource Management certification (SHRM CP/SCP).
• Human Resource experience in a higher education or government setting.
• Prior experience preparing and disseminating internal and external communications.
• Prior work experience requiring policy, procedure or practice development, analysis, interpretation, and communication.
• Understanding of employment classification and wage and hour laws.
• Prior work experience with coaching, advising and supporting management, supervisors, and leaders.
• Knowledge of Human Resource office practices and procedures, State and Federal employment rules and laws, and provisions of negotiated agreements.
• Experience working in a union environment.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure

Salary and Benefits:

• Annual salary rate for this full-time position is $58,000 - $75,000 depending on experience;
• This position is exempt from civil service.
• This position may be eligible for overtime dependent on salary placement.
• Salary, retirement, medical and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on health insurance benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx. This position is eligible to participate in the State Board Retirement Plan.

Conditions of Employment:

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.

Application Procedure:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications and;
• Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:

• The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions;
• A current resume; (Attachment: Resume)
• A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Application Deadline: Priority screening date has been extended to February 24, 2023. Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040 .

For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.

SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act requires all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October. All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at: https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/

Skagit Valley College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. SVC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community. Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”

SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Mission : Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision : The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Guiding Principles : Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration,
and Compassion.

Did You Know: Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating student learning experiences that foster equity and diversity to strengthen our local and global communities. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our increasingly diverse district. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an equitable, diverse, innovative, learning-centered environment.

Skagit Valley College offers:

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.