Labor & Employee Relations Officer

Overview

The Judicial Council of California is accepting applications for the position of Labor & Employee Relations Officer for the Human Resources office. As a government body charged with improving the statewide administration of justice, the Judicial Council has multiple offices with diverse responsibilities relating to court policy & operations. As employees of the council, every member of staff should view and approach their work as one Judicial Council with public service mission that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

The Labor & Employee Relations Officer (LERO) will provide labor and employee relations services to the Judicial Council of California (JCC) and the Superior Courts of California as well as the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court. This position ensures that judicial branch management has the counseling and expertise necessary to ensure that labor agreements and personnel policies stay compliant with state and federal law. The LERO provides advise in person, via email, and over the phone relating to all aspects of HR, including but not limited to: assistance with contract negotiations; day-to-day contract interpretation/advice; strike preparation; preparing responses on behalf of the trial courts to unfair practice charges filed by unions at the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB); direct labor and employee relations training; performance management advice to managers and supervisors, primarily in areas of discipline/discharge, disability accommodation, and employee leaves of absence; resolution of workplace disputes via mediation and facilities conversations; conduct of workplace investigations involving alleged discrimination, retaliation and harassment; and preparing management responses to complaints filed by individuals at the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).

This position frequently interacts with judges, CEO’s, HR professionals, and other management/supervisory employees in both courts the the Judicial Council.

The Judicial Council strives for work-life balance and includes substantial vacation and holiday time. In addition, we offer an excellent benefits package including pension, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending, up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs, and retirement savings plans. In San Francisco, the office is only a 7-minute walk from the Civic Center BART station. In Sacramento, the office is located minutes from downtown, just north of Discovery Park.

The successful candidate will be expected to work in the Judicial Council’s San Francisco or Sacramento office on Wednesday's and starting in January 2025 Thursday is the 2nd day to be in the office. Hybrid work options for employees who live in areas surrounding these locations may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assists courts with union contract negotiations, contract interpretation, impact bargaining, and personnel policy updates:

  • Review current contract for outdated, improper, or illegal language.

  • Determine the financial and policy goals for the court and the contract changes necessary to achieve those goals.

  • Draft proposed contract language changes to present to unions.

  • Meet with unions to negotiate contract changes and updates at formal bargaining sessions and impact negotiations.

• Provide HR services to the JCC and the courts relating to employee discipline, performance evaluations, terminations, and recruitments:

  • Provide advice on proper means of performance management, documenting employee discipline, and potential terminations.

  • Assist with drafting of workplace counseling emails.

  • Deliver oral and/or written notices directly to employees; help supervisors draft discipline memos and prepare for face-to-face disciplinary meetings.

• Conduct Labor Relations in-person and virtual trainings to keep courts updated on developments in labor/employee relations issues each year

  • Develop content for trainings; prepare for presentation of content.

• Investigations of employee complaints regarding alleged improper conduct:
  • Conduct intake interviews related to employee complaints of improper conduct, as well as complaints of discrimination, retaliation and/or harassment.
  • Recommend interim actions during investigations to prevent the basis of the complaint from continuing and also to avoid retaliation claims.
  • Conduct interviews and make findings of facts related to complaints of improper conduct (draft investigation reports); confer with Legal Services re: findings.
  • Assist with resolution of workplace disputes through facilitated conversations.
• Conduct required HR trainings and implement new programs and policies within the JCC:
  • Train supervisors and managers on professional development programs (including, but not limited to performance evaluation training within the JCC) and serve as a resource for questions. Continue to develop the programs so they are effective, and review manager/supervisor progress.
  • Conduct required compliance trainings on HR subjects such as Integrated Disability Management and Preventing Sexual Harassment.
  • Assist with presentations and ongoing development of courses for Analyst series. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree, and five (5) years of directly related labor and employee relations experience. An additional four years of experience as noted above may substitute for the bachelor’s degree. Or, additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

OR

Juris doctor, and two (2) years of experience in employee relations investigations and/or labor contract negotiations.

OR

One year as a Senior Human Resources Analyst with the Judicial Council of California or one year of experience performing the duties of a class comparable in the level of responsibility to that of a Senior Human Resources Analyst in a California Superior Court or California state-level government entity.

Licensing and Certifications

− None, though current, active membership with the State Bar of California is preferred.

Other Information

Please note, if you are selected for hire, verification of employment authorization to work in the United States will be required.

How To Apply

This position will remain open until filled and requires the submission of our official application and a resume.

To complete an online application, please click the Apply for Job button.

The Judicial Council provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who request such accommodation. Reasonable accommodation needs should be requested through Human Resources at (415) 865-4260. 

Pay and Benefits

$8,264.00 - $12,394.00 per month

Some highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flex Elect Program
• Pretax Parking
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Judicial Council of California Is an Equal Opportunity Employer.