Labor Counsel

Washington State Nurses Association
Washington

Washington State Nurses Association
Labor Counsel Job – posted 5/12/20, revised 12/03/2020

Washington State Nurses Association is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington. We represent more than 17,000 collective bargaining members and the professional interests of more than 103,000 registered nurses. For more than 100 years, WSNA has championed issues that support nurses, advance professional standards, and improve the health of individuals and families in Washington state.

We are seeking a committed professional attorney with specialized experience in labor and employment law, dealing primarily with the relationships between employers and unions. Candidates must have experience in collective bargaining, both public and private preferred. Experience to include contract negotiations, drafting, and preparation.

Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills within and across departments and externally is required. Must be able to work independently and as a team player with flexibility and be willing to work on a broad range of legal matters.

Must be eligible for admission to Washington State Bar Association. Minimum 4-6 years of experience in labor law and must have demonstrated commitment to social justice and the labor movement.

The applicant should have excellent research, writing and analytical skills, be able to multi-task and manage multiple projects, be capable of handling assignments with minimal supervision, and work well in a collegial setting with other attorneys and staff. See the position description that follows.

Excellent benefits package. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ people encouraged to apply.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a legal writing sample to Anne Pizza at APiazza@wsna.org

WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION

Position Title             Labor Counsel

Reports to                  Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Non-Bargaining Unit Exempt

Position Summary

Labor Counsel represents WSNA in contract negotiations and provides consultation to WSNA staff. WSNA membership in labor relations matters before Federal, State and local regulatory agencies and courts.

Duties and Responsibilities Common to All Positions

Supports WSNA Purpose, Mission, Vision, Goals

Works with others, role modeling collaboration, communication and teamwork Strives for excellence in work performance

Remains current in field of expertise

Performs other duties as assigned to meet association needs including participation in staff teams, committees

Acquires and maintains knowledge of Microsoft Office

Duties and Responsibilities

Consistent with the direction of the General Counsel(s):

1. Represents WSNA and its members in contract negotiations, mediations and settlement meetings.
2. Collaborates with staff in managing field campaigns and related communications.
3. Develops and disseminates information through WSNA communication vehicles.
4. Represents WSNA and its members in representation/decertification proceedings.
5. Represents WSNA and its members in unfair labor practice proceedings.
6. Represents WSNA and its members in arbitrations.
7. Collaborates in the development and presentation of training programs for local unit officers and membership.
8. Remains current in labor law, rules and regulations of governing agencies that impact the Economic and General Welfare (E&GW) program and WSNA.

Education/Experience

Juris Doctorate required.

Admission to the Washington State Bar required.

Essential Skills/Competencies

Four to six years’ experience in labor law.

Experience in labor relations, health care, economics preferred.

Experience as labor negotiator including contract negotiations, writing contract language, costing contracts and coordinating related activities; serving as chief spokesperson.

Strategic thinker and ability to understand workplace dynamics.

Ability to handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and take initiative.

Physical requirements

This job requires:

Some travel and attendance at out of office events.

A valid driver’s license in the state of residence and access to an operational motor vehicle that is currently insured.