Director of Employee Relations (Administrative Position) at East Side High School District
About the Employer
As one of California’s largest high school districts, we offer rewarding and exciting employment opportunities that impact our students and community in a positive way. We offer a supportive team environment with a shared passion and common goal of providing students the education and skills they need to succeed in college and career. Apart from competitive salaries and 100% benefits coverage for employees and their dependents, we also focus on personal professional development. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team!
Job Summary
Job Summary
The East Side Union High School District is seeking a person to provide leadership and oversight of the District’s responsibilities to provide a safe and non-discriminatory learning and working environment for all members of the District community; is responsible for the oversight of the District’s benefits program, compliance in mandated training, workers compensation, OSHA and all other regulations impacting workplace safety. The Director is the Uniform Complaint Procedure Officer, and lead investigator, for complaints involving employees; collaborates with district staff for the development and implementation of a comprehensive program for monitoring and compliance with laws, policies, procedures, and practices relating to discrimination, harassment and retaliation prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws.
Job Description / Essential Elements:
Print
East Side Union High School District
JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources the Director of Employee Relations provides leadership and oversight of the District’s responsibilities to provide a safe and non-discriminatory learning and working environment for all members of the District community. The Director is the Uniform Complaint Procedure Officer, and lead investigator, for complains involving employees. The Director collaborates with district staff for the development and implementation of a comprehensive program for monitoring and compliance with laws, policies, procedures, and practices relating to discrimination, harassment and retaliation prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws. The director is responsible for the oversight of the District’s benefits program and is also responsible for the implementation of and ensures compliance in mandated training, workers compensation, OSHA and all other regulations impacting workplace safety.
SUPERVISOR: Reports to the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources or designee
SPECIFIC FUNTIONS AND DUTIES
Receive, tracks and serves as the lead investigator and overseer of investigations and resolution for all UCP complaints against employees.
Assist the Associate Superintendent, Human Resources in directing all aspects of the District’s personnel program for certificated and classified employees.
Supports the values of the District by overseeing institutional compliance efforts with equal
opportunity and non-discrimination laws and practices and by strengthening a culture that
supports a safe and non-discriminatory, positive learning, and working environment.
Work one-on-one with principals and other managers at their school sites or in their departments for appropriate supervision, evaluation, and discipline of classified and certificated personnel; assist in developing strategies for assistance; handle non-reelections and terminations; conduct fair, thorough, and legally sound investigations; assure compliance with bargaining unit agreements, State and federal laws, Board/District policies and regulations, and other applicable rules.
Regularly meets with and trains employees to ensure the full implementation of the District’s policies and procedures relating to discrimination and harassment. Monitors and ensures the overall implementation of state and federal civil laws for the District.
Monitors the documentation of all information related to criminal allegations made against any certificated, classified, or unclassified District employee including the monitoring of law enforcement investigations and court proceedings.
Directs and safeguards recordkeeping related to the notification process to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) regarding certificated employee misconduct. Ensures timely reporting is performed and timely responses are provided to CTC and for information and/or documentation as required by law.
Consults with the CTC, California Department of Justice, California Department of Education, federal and State courts, bargaining unit representatives, law enforcement agencies, and the Office of the General Counsel regarding discipline and dismissal issues related to certificated, classified personnel, and unclassified personnel and investigative inquiries before and during employment.
Oversees, evaluates, and authorizes the release of records pursuant to subpoenas, employee authorizations, or inquiries from law enforcement agencies.
Prepares the District's responses to applicable federal and state agencies, including the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, the California Department of Education and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
Establish and maintain effective communications and relations with administrators, employees, parents, and law enforcement personnel through the investigative process.
Provide training and advisement to District administrators and staff regarding a wide variety of legal compliance issues and interpretation of related laws and codes; serve as a liaison between District administrators and District legal counsel regarding employment law.
Participate in and advise managers and administrators regarding employer-to-employee relations and conflict management techniques; provide updated information and assistance regarding employer-to employee relations. Coordinates restorative practices and mediation involving employees.
Oversee operation of fingerprinting department and review Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history and reports.
Work with Risk Management insurance provider to implement and deploy employee training courses and programs, as appropriate.
Assist with the implementation of mandatory training programs to ensure compliance with legally mandated training requirements; track completion of training programs by District staff.
Supporting sites in the development of FRISK communication and progressive discipline.
Conducts oversight of the District’s worker’s compensation and benefits programs.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
District personnel policies and procedures and general principals of employee relations.
Provisions of the California Education Code, Title 5 of the Administrative Code, the California Penal Code, the Health and Safety Code, Board Rules, and other statutes and regulations pertinent to public school personnel administration.
Laws, rules, court decisions, legal interpretations and regulations pertaining to employee relations and criminal matters.
Fundamental principles and accepted practice, current trends, literature, and research in the field of employee relations.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with employees, students, and community/government agencies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies.
Knowledge of matters relevant to investigating civil rights complaints.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, planning, and management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
Demonstrated experience with and commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, in support of an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Ability to exercise a high level of discretion and manage confidential and sensitive matters.
Ability to mitigate and manage conflicts and high profile media scrutiny.
Work under time sensitive deadlines, pressure, and with frequent interruptions.
A compassionate nature, a talent for listening, and a history of working with confidential and sensitive information.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to problem solve, analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
Deep sensitivity to and thorough understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals who have experienced sexual and gender based harassment and other forms of interpersonal violence.
Ability to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
Prepare and present written and oral reports to diverse audiences that effectively represent the school district to the community.
QUALIFICATIONS
California Administrative Credential
Bachelor’s degree required in related field
Master’s degree preferred
Five years of increasing responsibility in K-12 public education or regulatory compliance is strongly preferred
Valid California driver’s License
Bilingual preferred
WORK YEAR
12-month position
Certificated Administrative Salary Schedule
216-218 Day Positive Work Year
EVALUATION
Annually by the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Seldom = Less than 25%
2. Occasional – 26%-50%
3. Often = 51%-75%
4. Frequent – above 76%
a. Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations [4]
b. Ability to stand for extended periods of time [2]
c. Ability to see to read, prepare and proofread documents [4]
d. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal level [4]
e. Ability to communicate so that others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation [4]
f. Ability to bend and twist, sit, stoop, kneel, push, and pull [4]
g. Ability to lift 5-20 lbs. [2]
h. Ability to carry 5-20 lbs. [2]
i. Ability to operate office equipment [4]
j. Ability to reach in all directions [4]
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Office environment
Required to travel by personal and/or district vehicle to and from District sites and to work at remote District sites as needed to perform work activities.
REASONABLE ACCOMODATION
The District will comply with all legal requirements relating to reasonable accommodation for employees and job applicants.
Approved: 10/25/2022 Bd. Mtg.
Requirements / Qualifications
Requirements / Qualifications
A complete application for the position will include: A personal letter of application stating reasons for being interested in the position and why you should be considered A current Résumé Three (3) current letters of recommendation Copy of Administrative Services credential External Candidates please also include: Copy of Degree(s) Copy of transcripts
SCREENING PROCESS The screening process leading to the appointment of the DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS will consist of: Step 1: Paper Screening—Review of application papers to assure meeting district minimum requirements and state certification requirements. Step 2: Personal Interview(s)—Based on screening and reference checks, qualified candidates will be interviewed by committee(s) and other staff as appropriate. Step 3: Selection—Top unranked candidates will be recommended by the committee(s) to the Superintendent’s Council.* *The Superintendent also has the discretion to appoint. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Valid California Administrative Services credential. 2. Bachelor’s Degree in related field; Master’s Degree preferred. 3. Five years of increasing responsibility in K-12 public education or regulatory compliance is strongly preferred. 4. Valid California Driver’s License. 5. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills. 6. Bilingual preferred.
A complete application for the position will include: A personal letter of application stating reasons for being interested in the position and why you should be considered A current Résumé Three (3) current letters of recommendation Copy of Administrative Services credential External Candidates please also include: Copy of Degree(s) Copy of transcripts
SCREENING PROCESS The screening process leading to the appointment of the DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS will consist of: Step 1: Paper Screening—Review of application papers to assure meeting district minimum requirements and state certification requirements. Step 2: Personal Interview(s)—Based on screening and reference checks, qualified candidates will be interviewed by committee(s) and other staff as appropriate. Step 3: Selection—Top unranked candidates will be recommended by the committee(s) to the Superintendent’s Council.* *The Superintendent also has the discretion to appoint. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Valid California Administrative Services credential. 2. Bachelor’s Degree in related field; Master’s Degree preferred. 3. Five years of increasing responsibility in K-12 public education or regulatory compliance is strongly preferred. 4. Valid California Driver’s License. 5. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills. 6. Bilingual preferred.
Comments and Other Information
In addition to possessing the ability to successfully meet the duties and responsibilities as per the job description, the successful DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS applicant will be selected on the basis of the following:
1. Knowledge and ability to receive, track and serve as the lead investigator and overseer of investigations and resolution for all UCP complaints against employees.
2. Ability to assist the Associate Superintendent, Human Resources in directing all aspects of the District’s personnel program for certificated and classified employees; and to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
3. Ability to regularly meet with and train employees to ensure the full implementation of the District’s
policies and procedures relating to discrimination and harassment; and to monitor and ensure the overall implementation of state and federal civil laws for the District.
4. Ability to monitor the documentation of all information related to criminal allegations made against any certificated, classified, or unclassified District employee including the monitoring of law enforcement investigations and court proceedings.
5. Ability and knowledge to participate in and advise managers and administrators regarding employer-to-employee relations and conflict management techniques; provide updated information and assistance regarding employer-to employee relations. Coordinates restorative practices and mediation involving employees.
6. Ability to support sites in the development of FRISK communication and progressive discipline.
7. Conducts oversight of the District’s worker’s compensation and benefits programs.
8. Bilingual candidates preferred.
Comments and Other Information
In addition to possessing the ability to successfully meet the duties and responsibilities as per the job description, the successful DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS applicant will be selected on the basis of the following:
1. Knowledge and ability to receive, track and serve as the lead investigator and overseer of investigations and resolution for all UCP complaints against employees.
2. Ability to assist the Associate Superintendent, Human Resources in directing all aspects of the District’s personnel program for certificated and classified employees; and to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
3. Ability to regularly meet with and train employees to ensure the full implementation of the District’s
policies and procedures relating to discrimination and harassment; and to monitor and ensure the overall implementation of state and federal civil laws for the District.
4. Ability to monitor the documentation of all information related to criminal allegations made against any certificated, classified, or unclassified District employee including the monitoring of law enforcement investigations and court proceedings.
5. Ability and knowledge to participate in and advise managers and administrators regarding employer-to-employee relations and conflict management techniques; provide updated information and assistance regarding employer-to employee relations. Coordinates restorative practices and mediation involving employees.
6. Ability to support sites in the development of FRISK communication and progressive discipline.
7. Conducts oversight of the District’s worker’s compensation and benefits programs.
8. Bilingual candidates preferred.
Application Deadline
10/2/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
Date Posted
7/7/2023
Contact
Becky Laguna
408.347.5251
408.347.5251
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Add'l Salary Info
$152,184 / year - $172,418 / year
Length of Work Year
216-218 Days
Employment Type
Full Time
Doctorate Degree Stipend
$3,196 / year
Benefits
District-paid medical, dental and vision (includes spouse and qualified dependents).
Sick Leave
12 days per year (prorated if employment less than 12 months; July 1 - June 30)
Position Effective
Immediately Upon Selection
Work Location
Education Center - Human Resources Division