AFGE
American Federation of Government Employees Labor Relations Specialist, DHA Task Force
National President's Office Based in Washington, DC
[National Office] American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Department: National President's Office
Location: National
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Position Title: Labor Relations Specialist, DHA Task Force
Salary: Grade 11/13
Date of Revision/Creations: 4/7/24
I. INTRODUCTION
This position is located in the Washington, D.C. National Office. This position is a professional expert in the labor-management, employee advocacy, workplace representative process and issues specifically within the Defense Health Agency. The DHA Task Force seeks to promote a culture of union building, leadership identification, permanent campaign mode and union transformation. Workplace representation encompasses contract negotiations, mid-term bargaining, contract enforcement, organizing, enforcement or change of existing laws and regulations, the strengthening of locals and councils, and related issues.
These functions are performed in a wide array of program areas such as: labor- management relations and human resource management, and in a wide variety of delivery methodologies, such as casework, organizing, supporting assigned locals and/or council, training institutes and conferences, position papers, and email and internet media.
Although all functions are subject to assignment at any time, the work variability is high, with cyclical shifts among emphases, such as national level bargaining assignment, personnel system design, mobilizing and organizing, and building labor-management adversarial skills among the membership. Frequent travel, sometimes on short notice, is required.
The DHA Task Force works collaboratively, and depends on teamwork, mutual support, and creative thinking.
III. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent is a professional expert in the labor-management relations, employee advocacy and workplace representation rights, processes and related issues. The incumbent will be involved in a full and varied range of activities in the core functions performed by the Department. This will include:
Provide leadership, guidance, and training to help ensure that the DHA Council and locals have a strategic plan for workplace representation. In appropriate cases, serve as chief negotiator for DHA locals or Council. Develop and use training courses to teach locals and the council how to bargain effectively under various conditions, with an emphasis on preparation and on membership involvement. Provide guidance to union representatives in all aspects of collective bargaining (including grassroots membership-based campaigns), grievance rights, appeal rights, contracting out, health & safety, and workers' compensation issues, primarily within the Department of Defense. Provide policy recommendations, position papers, and legislative testimony in support of AFGE positions, and attend meetings as the AFGE representative in matters relating to the Defense Health Agency. Other duties as assigned. The position will require the incumbent to independently confront new issues and problems and to creatively apply knowledge, research, analysis, and problem solving abilities. Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal skills are required.
III. WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional environment working to establish Federation goals as they pertain to the Defense Health Agency. The incumbent will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, fax machines, scanners, and phones. Long hours are periodically required. Travel is required. The employee will periodically be required to do some lifting and/or move items over 10 pounds.
IV. CONTROLS OVER WORK
The incumbent exercises significant control over the work product and helps to ensure that AFGE and office goals and objectives are properly developed and met. The incumbent works under the supervision as determined by the National President's Office for the DHA Task Force. Team work among the task force members is necessary and required.
V. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must have the ability to acquire a broad knowledge of federal labor law, personnel laws and regulations, and applicable precedents, as needed for assigned projects, and be familiar with the collective bargaining process. In addition, applicants must have:
Extensive experience demonstrating a high level of skills in labor-management relations and federal sector employee rights. Extensive experience demonstrating a high level of skill as a chief negotiator of labor agreements, a track record of success in complex bargaining, and recognition of when to use interest-based versus traditional adversarial techniques and union advocate in ULP processes, arbitrations, etc. The ability to diagnose organizational challenges and offer appropriate assistance, as well as lead organizations in developing strategic plans. The ability to speak and write effectively, as well as the ability to mediate, advocate, persuade, teach, and guide others. The ability to analyze information and prepare policy papers with recommendations. The ability to conduct effective research, including but not limited to in the law library and on-line. The ability to prepare teaching and resource material. The ability to work independently with little supervision but as part of a team. The ability to help organize and mobilize workers. Experience engaging in representation on behalf of employees of the Department of Defense/Defense Health Agency and preferably have experience representing employees in a health care environment. Applicants must have completed a four-year college course leading to a bachelor's degree, plus three years specialized experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Post-graduate degrees in law or labor-related programs a plus.
Must have an interest in and loyalty to the labor union movement.
VI. EEO STATEMENT AFGE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, gender identity and/or gender expression. In addition to federal law requirements, AFGE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. The policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. To Apply:
All interested applicants must submit résumés to: . Attention: Vacancy Announcement #28 to Human Resources
WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .
