Illinois Nurses Association
 

Staff Specialist

Based out of INA’s Chicago office or Springfield office

 

Position will be based out of INA’s Chicago office or Springfield office.

Summary
Join the Illinois Nurses Association, a democratic independent union, and join a team working to bring justice to healthcare workers across the state. INA is building power for nurses and healthcare workers to transform healthcare in Illinois. Working under the leadership of the Executive Director, the Staff Specialist provides direct service to collective bargaining members in labor relations representation activities, including contract negotiations, contract interpretation, grievances, and general problem-solving. The Staff Specialist plays an integral role in implementing the organizing model of unionism throughout INA’s existing units. The ideal candidate must be dedicated to the labor movement, able to work with and motivate workers, and willing to work hard to win justice for them

Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Implements and maintains the organizing model of service and contract administration for assigned local units. Assists in the contract negotiation process or serves as lead negotiator as assigned. Monitors the ongoing contract administration.
• Advises members on various aspects of contract interpretation and administration, filing grievances if necessary and teaching members to file grievances and enforce their contracts. Represents the local unit or member throughout the subsequent process, including the grievance and arbitration processes.
• Educates members on what it is to be union, their rights, and how to win change by organizing together. Assists in the development and implementation of educational activities and training for members. Must be able to have an organizing conversation that moves nurses to take action.
• Maintains a current knowledge of healthcare, labor and legal trends relative to labor relations. Keeps abreast of developments in local, state, or national events or activities pertaining to collective bargaining, labor relations, employment law, or other related areas that may impact interpretation and administration of existing local unit contracts.
• Participates in labor/management meetings and discussions, and provides general problem-solving support and assistant to members of assigned local units.
• Works with local unit leadership and general membership in developing and implementing strategic plans for leadership development and member education.
• Develops and conducts educational workshops for members, prospective members, and other audiences on topics related to collective bargaining and labor relations.
• Responds to member inquiries or concerns about INA or the local unit; provides prompt service and assistance.
• Represents the INA in grievance arbitrations as assigned.
• As requested, prepares articles and updates for publication in local unit newsletters, on the INA Website, or for inclusion in other flyers or informational brochures pertaining to labor/collective bargaining activity.
• As requested, performs other duties or tasks necessary to service members of the Association or conduct the business of the Association.

Required Education, Skills and Abilities
Qualifications:

1. Minimum two years’ experience in labor relations and/or labor organizing, demonstrated commitment to the labor movement, or other equivalent experience.
2. Ability to lead and motivate labor union members.
3. Capacity to serve as chief negotiator in contract negotiations if assigned.
4. Experience handling labor arbitrations is desirable but not required.
5. Interpersonal communication skills necessary to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to a wide variety of individuals and audiences, particularly when describing or explaining collective bargaining and labor relations information.
6. Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of individuals, consistently demonstrate a supportive, helpful approach when working with others, and consistently demonstrate the flexibility to lead or follow as various situations demand.
7. Experience with the use of computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Office 365, in the performance of work-related tasks and comfort learning new programs and technologies as necessary. Experience and willingness to work within organizing databases a plus.
8. Analytical skills necessary to accurately understand, interpret, and act on moderately complex information and data, including basic mathematical skills necessary to perform moderately complex calculations.
9. Ability to understand and apply established standards and policies and utilize sound reasoning to resolve problems quickly and effectively.
10. Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a telephone, copier, fax machine, postage machine, computer, and computer printer.
11. Ability to focus attention on detailed tasks and activities, manage and coordinate a variety of tasks, and effectively prioritize work for maximum efficiency and productivity.
12. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach while performing daily duties. Ability to lift and/or carry up to twenty pounds.
13. Self-motivated and willing to work long and irregular hours when required.
14. Bilingual a plus.
15. Must have valid driver’s license and ready access to a vehicle within one month of starting.

Work Environment

1. Normal office environment.
2. Routine travel via automobile, train, or airplane.

This is a full-time exempt position. Pay and benefits are competitive.

People of color, women, LGBTQ+ and healthcare professionals are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY: Please submit résumé and cover letter to Christian Del Rio (cdelrio@illinoisnurses.com) and say you found this job on unionjobs.com. Please put “Staff Specialist Position” in the subject line and advise which office (Chicago or Springfield) you would prefer to work out of.