Member Relations Representative

Job Purpose

 The Member Relations Representative acts as an advocate for members while assisting in the retention, education, and organizing of members.  The MRR advocates on the behalf of members at their worksite. 

 This is a great position if you have hands-on experience in employment law and labor relations, and want to make a difference in improving lives, education and communities.

FCFT has members who work in Fairfax Co. Public Schools.   Our members are Teachers, para-educators(IAs), and administrative / support staff.

 We are dedicated to improving and expanding the rights of classified school employees by securing benefits, pensions, protections and funding for the service they provide. We believe our values for social justice, affordable health care and security for working families are worth fighting for, we are committed to advocating for the rights, dignity and welfare of working people, and if you feel passionate about improving lives, our schools, and communities, this opportunity will have special appeal to you.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advocates, educates, and trains members
• Represents members in hearings and proceedings
• Continually keep current on federal, state and local labor laws
• Interprets and negotiates members’ contracts with respect to grievances, wages or salaries, employee welfare, healthcare benefits, pensions, union practices, and other stipulations.
• Guides members on matters related to work-place issues.
• Communicates with Fairfax Co. Public Schools to ensure compliance with FCPS policies and regulations and member contracts.
• Reviews and edits case-related documents and ensure proper safe keeping and documentation on all sensitive member information.
• Conduct the reconciliation process with school system representatives on member issues.
• Consult with the FCFT President once a week to report current case load, get input into aspects of personnel policies, developing new or revised union contracts, compiling information on statistics, and maintaining records of wage and salary surveys or correspondence. Maintenance of detailed notes, logs, and data are essential.

Qualifications

Education:

 Bachelor’s Degree or at least 5 years of labor/labor relations experience in a unionized setting.

Skills:

• Experience with negotiations, advocacy or dispute resolution is a strong plus
• Excellent communications skills
• Knowledge of contract negotiation and grievance procedures strongly preferred
• Familiar with school system policies and procedures preferred
• Computer proficiency and an established comfort level with Microsoft applications
• Data and detail minded (organizational skills)

Ability to:

• Be a leader 
• Be strategic
• Work with diverse groups
• Research and understand policy
• Computer proficiency
• Show initiative, creativity and exercise sound judgment 
• Keep sensitive information confidential
• Be a trusted advisor
• Act collected and professional under pressure
• Quickly develop an understanding of FCFT culture

 Working conditions

The Member Relations Representative primarily works in the FCFT office, but may attend meetings outside the office. Special working conditions may occasionally require evening, holiday or weekend work. Candidate must also have a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Physical requirements

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided for the position:

• Involves analytical and problem-solving skills
• Use of clear and articulate speech
• Written/oral communication skills
• Interpersonal and customer service skills
• Moderate lifting (up to 15 lbs.)
• Use of a computer keyboard
• Sitting/standing for long periods and ability to travel by various means, e.g., train, plane, automobile.

Direct reports

There are no staff members that report directly to the Member Relations Representative.