DEONTRA R. OWENS
Cleveland,Ohio
Summary
Human Resources and Labor Relations professional with 20+ years of progressive experience supporting public sector organizations in workforce management, employee relations, labor relations, compliance, recruitment, training, and organizational development. Proven ability to advise leadership on complex HR matters, conduct investigations, administer collective bargaining agreements, and lead employee engagement initiatives. Skilled in policy interpretation, workforce planning, ADA/FMLA administration, employee development, and regulatory compliance. Recognized for building collaborative workplace cultures, improving operational efficiency, and delivering strategic HR support in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Capital Management Senior Analyst
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
01.2018 - 10.2025
- Managed human resources operations including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, labor relations, payroll coordination, benefits administration, and compliance activities.
- Advised leadership and management on staffing strategies, policy interpretation, disciplinary actions, workplace investigations, and employee performance matters.
- Administered ADA, FMLA, disability, EAP, and leave programs while ensuring compliance with state and federal employment regulations.
- Conducted investigations related to employee complaints, EEO matters, grievances, and workplace concerns while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
- Led workforce recruitment initiatives including career fairs, open interviews, community outreach events, and onboarding programs.
- Developed and facilitated employee training programs in classroom, virtual, and VR learning environments using Teams and Oculus platforms.
- Coordinated labor relations activities including grievance responses, mediations, arbitrations, labor-management meetings, and disciplinary hearings.
- Supported workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
- Managed records management processes, compliance audits, Medicaid surveys, and licensure reviews.
- Assisted with procurement activities, vendor invoice processing, budget monitoring, and fiscal compliance activities.
- Prepared reports, maintained personnel documentation, and monitored compliance with civil service laws, collective bargaining agreements, FLSA, OSHA, and HR policies.
Labor Relations Officer / Administrative Officer
City of Cleveland – Department of Public Utilities
07.2007 - 04.2017
- Served as primary contact for labor and employee relations matters within a unionized workforce environment.
- Represented the department during grievance hearings, disciplinary proceedings, unemployment hearings, mediations, and arbitration processes.
- Interpreted and administered collective bargaining agreements while advising management on labor contract compliance and workplace policies.
- Conducted workplace investigations and prepared recommendations regarding disciplinary and corrective actions.
- Assisted with recruitment, employee onboarding, policy implementation, and workforce administration activities.
- Monitored compliance with federal and state labor regulations including FLSA and labor management laws.
- Prepared reports and analyzed labor relations trends to identify operational and workforce concerns.
Records Manager
City of Cleveland – Department of Public Utilities
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Managed records management systems and maintained confidential personnel and departmental records.
- Conducted records audits and ensured compliance with records retention policies and procedures.
- Improved document organization and tracking processes to support operational efficiency and compliance standards.
Program Manager / Interim Director
City of Cleveland – Department of Aging
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Directed daily program operations and supervised staff in support of departmental objectives and community services.
- Coordinated budgets, contracts, and program activities while ensuring compliance with agency requirements.
- Developed community partnerships and supported outreach initiatives to improve program engagement and service delivery.
Education
Associate Degree - Human Resources
Cuyahoga Community College
Completed Program - undefined
Ohio Collective Bargaining Academy
Skills
- Human Resources & Labor Relations
- Employee Relations
- Labor Relations
- Collective Bargaining
- Recruitment & Retention
- Performance Management
- Employee Investigations
- ADA / FMLA Administration
- EEO Compliance
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Policy Development & Interpretation
- Workforce Planning
- Organizational Development
- Employee Engagement
- Staff Training & Development
- Virtual Facilitation
- Onboarding & Orientation
- Curriculum Development
- Budget & Fiscal Monitoring
- Records Management
- Compliance Audits
- Vendor Coordination
- Procurement Support
- Kronos
- ADP
- OnBase
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- SharePoint
- PolicyTech
- Access
- Teams
- HR Information Systems (HRIS)
- Leadership
- Communication
- Strategic Thinking
- Confidentiality
- Critical Thinking
- Team Building
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Public Speaking
- Problem Solving
- Client management
- Client relationship management
- Data analysis
- Performance monitoring
Certification
- First Aid / CPR Instructor Certification – American Red Cross
- Trauma Responsive Care Certification (TRCC)
- SERV Safe Food Protection Manager Certification
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health – Food Protection Certification
Timeline
Human Capital Management Senior Analyst
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
01.2018 - 10.2025
Labor Relations Officer / Administrative Officer
City of Cleveland – Department of Public Utilities
07.2007 - 04.2017
Records Manager
City of Cleveland – Department of Public Utilities
01.2002 - 01.2007
Program Manager / Interim Director
City of Cleveland – Department of Aging
01.2000 - 01.2002
Completed Program - undefined
Ohio Collective Bargaining Academy
Associate Degree - Human Resources
Cuyahoga Community College