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Mediator (Open Continuous)

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service | Reading, PA

Posted Date 11/21/2023
Description *****This is a Mediator Open Continuous vacancy announcement.

Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period at any time a vacancy becomes available and selections may be made at any point during the announcement open period. Sign Up for FMCS Career Updates to receive vacancy notifications and cut off dates to submit an application for a specific location(s). Applications received after the cut off dates may be considered on future referral lists.*****
As an FMCS Mediator, you will be responsible for promoting the development of sound and stable labor-management relationships by advocating for (a) the practice of collective bargaining, mediation, and arbitration, as well as for (b) the use of full-spectrum conflict management, prevention, and resolution services, in the private, public, and federal sectors.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Mediates labor-management disputes involving collective bargaining agreements in situations that range from a moderate degree of difficulty to those which are somewhat more complex due to their economic impact, the number and difficulty of issues involved, the existence of an actual work stoppage or the imminent threat of one, and/or a history of difficult labor-management relations. Performs research necessary to understand the dispute, the industry or field involved, the labor relations history of the parties, and all other pertinent facts or background information. Works with parties to develop an understanding of the issues involved, as well as their interests and positions. Utilizes factual information and analysis of the overall situation, as well as knowledge of the conflict management and prevention techniques, to determine an appropriate action or approach to be taken. Assists parties in dealing with the media on sensitive matters of public concern.

Identifies opportunities and responds to requests to mediate significant grievances arising during the term of a collective bargaining agreement. Helps parties resolve disputes that might otherwise present obstacles in future rounds of collective bargaining. Improves labor-management relationships through the process of resolving significant and/or backlogged grievances.

Provides relationship development training designed to help labor and management jointly improve their working relationship and the overall day-to-day labor-management relations climate. Conducts assessment of existing relationship and works with parties to develop and deliver customized training programs designed to enhance efficiency, productivity and job security. Effectively utilizes both in-person and web-based program delivery methods.

Mediates and/or facilitates discrimination claims, other workplace conflicts, and regulatory compliance cases. Identifies potential clients within their assigned service delivery area and advocates for the use of agency services.

Engages in education, outreach and advocacy activities to increase awareness of agency services and programs. Leverages creative approaches to identify and/or create opportunities to inform the public about agency services.

Provides full spectrum conflict management and prevention services as assessment dictates.

Demonstrates knowledge of current and creative approaches to help parties resolve disputes and manage conflict. Maintains up-to-date knowledge and awareness of major developments in the fields of labor-management relations, alternative dispute resolution, and conflict management and prevention. Stays apprised of developments involving specific industries, occupations, and bargaining issues, as well as new techniques, theories, practices, and technologies applicable to their work.

Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skill across service delivery areas, both in person and using virtual platforms. Embraces the use of new technologies and electronic communications platforms to creatively and efficiently accomplish their work, including, but not limited to, research, scheduling meetings and conferences, training, and service delivery, including mediation, facilitation, and other activities, using virtual problem-solving platforms.

Effectively makes use of technology resources to accomplish the administrative functions of the position. Mediators are responsible for submitting factual and timely reports on any metrics established by the Service, including stakeholder contact information, case details and relevant updates, activity, and other work products, as appropriate.

Provide assistance to experienced mediators and participate in national projects designed to further their knowledge, capacity, and exposure to the programs and trainings offered by the Service.

Accepts and fulfills, or initiates where required, requests to partner and team with other mediators to achieve the highest quality service delivery across the full range of agency services.

Demonstrates an interest in, and an effort to learn and embrace, skills and approaches beyond those required for industrial relations work, thereby enabling agency mediators to provide "full spectrum" assistance to complex workplace engagements. This includes convening, assessment, reporting, mediation, facilitation, coaching (workplace, leadership, and group), training, education, and change management efforts.To be found qualified for the GS-12 Mediator position with FMCS, your resume must reflect specialized experience as defined below.

Specialized experience for the GS-12 Mediator position is defined as full-time labor relations or workplace dispute experience gained by having:

Engaged in collective bargaining negotiations and/or workplace disputes with parties in one or more of the following capacities: Negotiator, Representative, Counsel, Mediator, Consultant, Facilitator, or Trainer.

In addition, your specialized experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. This experience may include:
  • Participating in the negotiation or mediation of labor agreements or assisting in the resolution of workplace conflict issues;
  • Being in an organizational position that involves identifying and solving problems related to workplace relations and conflict resolution, drawing conclusions and recommending appropriate courses of action;
  • Working as a representative of labor or management in a corporation, company or labor organization;
  • Working for a Federal, state or local government entity in a capacity that involves dealing with labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources, workplace conflict resolution, and/or the interpretation or application of labor laws and regulations;
  • Teaching, training, making presentations, facilitating or leading groups on issues relating to labor relations, human resources, alternative dispute resolution, or conflict management;
  • Serving as a Lead Negotiator, Second Chair Negotiator, or Negotiating Committee Member of a collective bargaining agreement;and/or
  • Serving as Counsel to parties engaged in workplace disputes and/or collective bargaining negotiations; and/or
  • Serving as a Facilitator, Mediator, Counsel, or Negotiator of a public policy matter; and/or
  • Designing workplace conflict management systems; and/or
  • Serving as an Ombuds.

NOTE: When detailing your level of specialized experience, please include years of experience, a detailed description of your specific duties/responsibilities, and any accomplishments. If you have specific collective bargaining experience, include the approximate number and types of contracts negotiated, number and size of bargaining units, and your specific role in each activity. Failure to state the above in your resume may affect the overall rating.


IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited by time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience, you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 11:59 pm EST on 11/20/2024, closing date of this announcement.
Salary82,830.00 - 183,500.00 Annual

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