Senior Employee Relations Consultant at Mass General Brigham in Somerville, Massachusetts

Job Description:

This is a hybrid role that requires at least 1x/week onsite at Assembly Row. Travel to other Mass General Brigham sites is required when necessary for completing employee investigations.



As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community by leading innovation across our system. Founded by Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General Brigham supports a complete continuum of care including community and specialty hospitals, a managed care organization, a physician network, community health centers, home care, and other health-related entities. Several of our hospitals are teaching affiliates of Harvard Medical School, and our system is a national leader in biomedical research.


We're focused on a people-first culture for our system's patients and our professional family. That's why we provide our employees with more ways to achieve their potential. Mass General Brigham is committed to aligning our employees' personal aspirations with projects that match their capabilities and creating a culture that empowers our managers to become trusted mentors. We support each member of our team to own their personal development-and we recognize success at every step.


Our employees use the Mass General Brigham values to govern decisions, actions, and behaviors. These values guide how we get our work done: Patients, Affordability, Accountability & Service Commitment, Decisiveness, Innovation & Thoughtful Risk; and how we treat each other: Diversity & Inclusion, Integrity & Respect, Learning, Continuous Improvement & Personal Growth, Teamwork & Collaboration.


The Sr. ER/LR consultant is responsible for working with the Executive Director and other team members to advise HR professionals system-wide regarding employee relations situations and the interpretation of personnel policies, State/Federal employment laws, and labor contracts. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the incumbent will provide internal employee/labor relations consultation throughout the MGB system and will prepare responses to internal and external complaints, including working closely with local HR and OGC to respond to MCAD and EEOC cases. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, the Sr. ER/LR Consultant will assist in or may conduct investigations and draft related reports and findings. The incumbent will conduct training on employee relations and labor issues as assigned. The Sr. ER/LR Consultant will triage concerns submitted via the Know the Line portal for issues related to discrimination, harassment, and other HR policy violations using the guidelines provided.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Using judgement in the application of guidelines, reviews concerns received through the Know the Line reporting system and recommends appropriate assignment to local HRBP, ER/LR, DE&I or other areas, consistent with organizational practices. Uses technology to update case management system to assign case to appropriate group and adds relevant information to the case file in accordance with established procedures. Creates reports and reviews trends.
2. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, handles a caseload of investigations, working both autonomously and collaboratively with team members, HR clients, organizational leadership, Office of General Counsel, security and others.
3. In support of the HR Business Partner/shared services model advises HR professionals system-wide regarding the interpretation and application of personnel policies, Federal and State employment and labor laws and labor contracts.
4. Under the guidance of the Executive Director, works with assigned HR professionals, Managers and Executives on employee relations issues such as workplace violence, substance abuse/drug diversion, and reductions in force.
5. In conjunction with the Legal Department, assists with the preparation of a response to complaints filed with the MCAD, EEOC or other relevant agencies and attends and/or testifies at hearings and arbitrations as appropriate.
6. Partners with senior team members to conducts investigations throughout the system in conjunction with entity HR professionals and the Office of the General Counsel and prepares draft reports of the findings for review. May present findings to specific audiences, as determined by the Executive Director based the complexity of the case.
7. Consults with HR professionals concerning the processing of grievances and assists with gathering all required documentation.
8. Presents programs and workshops concerning employee and labor relations issues, such as Common Ground Healthcare (Will Interactive anti-harassment/anti-discrimination training), United Against Racism (UAR) training, Progressive Discipline, Employment and Labor Laws, Workplace Violence ADA/FMLA, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML) to managers and HR professionals. Periodically surveys HRBPs to identify current training needs.
9. Working with a senior member of the team, conducts climate assessments to evaluate the general environmental tone within a department or between departments to determine areas of employee concern and/or potential third-party activity.
10. Maintains a current body of knowledge of state and federal employment and labor laws and all Mass General Brigham labor contracts.
11. Advises management staff during union organizing drives, meets with supervisors/managers and provides education, expertise and guidance.
12. Assists with the development and interpretation of employee relations policies and procedures and local policies as needed.
13. Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationships with all appropriate parties at each entity and serves on committees as needed.
14. Performs related duties as assigned.



Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

• In-depth knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts acquired through a Bachelor's degree and five (5) or more years of directly related experience.


• Sound knowledge of applicable legislation including employment and labor laws required.


• Employee and labor relations experience is required; healthcare and management experience is preferred.


• Reliable transportation is required for travel between multiple sites in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.


• Bi-lingual (Spanish or Haitian Creole) preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• The ability to deal tactfully and professionally with a wide variety of people including managers, department directors, physicians, vice presidents, attorneys and federal and state government officials.


• Must be flexible, adaptable and politically savvy and able to navigate effectively through a complex system of multiple organizations with unique cultures and policies.


• Demonstrated problem solving ability in dealing with complex and sensitive employee related issues and the ability to prioritize work.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to apply critical thinking skills in evolving situations.


• Demonstrated customer service skills.


• Must be able to communicate effectively to all levels of staff and possess excellent writing skills.


• Well organized, self-directed, professional demeanor under pressure, and able to prioritize multiple work demands.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality.


• Ability to develop and effectively deliver training materials to various audiences.


• Ability to negotiate effectively.


• Analytical skills to gather, integrate, and assess information from various sources, summarize information and recommend solutions.


• Facility with software applications/programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Peoplesoft) to create and run reports, compile and analyze data, and generate graphs, tables, and charts to present data and support recommendations.


• Schedule flexibility as needed to meet specific project, negotiation, or investigatory timelines.

EEO Statement

Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under the law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Apply Now