Jennifer Foster
Rowlett,TX
Summary
Experienced Senior Employee/Labor Relations Specialist with a robust background in employment law and facilitating positive outcomes in diverse workforce environments. Skilled in case analysis with a keen understanding of employment laws, conducting and applying legal research and representing the Agency as an expert witness. Prepares declarations in support of summary judgments for third-party cases against the Agency. Accomplished in problem-solving, conflict management, and compliance. Excels in reducing grievances through effective leadership and strategic labor union negotiations, ensuring adherence to labor laws and contracts. Proven track record in enhancing workplace efficiency and fostering meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals by creating ne processes. Adept at training managers to improve employee/labor relations, increase understanding of legal requirements and effectively motivating employees and strengthening relationships at all levels. Articulate, inspiring and hands-on leader with strength in program development, process improvement and collaboration. Forward-thinking, results-driven and focused on facilitating relationships and collaboration between diverse employees and departments in order to accomplish common goals through cross-cultivation activities. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. and committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success. Strong focus on team cohesion, team collaboration and achieving results and strategic objectives for assigned projects. Obtained the VHA Certified Mentor.Coach Fellow designation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Employee/Labor Relations Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2016 - Current
- Works collaboratively with the Office of General Counsel
- Prepares narratives for disciplinary actions to be decided by Agency leadership and escalated to third parties, like the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Disciplinary Appeals Board, or an Arbitrator.
- Collaborates with legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
- Provides guidance on interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements to prevent misunderstandings or violations.
- Advises management on best practices in employee relations, fostering a positive work environment.
- Provides subject matter expertise during organizational restructuring efforts, ensuring minimal disruption to employee morale and productivity.
- Manages multiple complex cases simultaneously while maintaining a high level of professionalism under tight deadlines.
- Manages high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Reduces grievances and arbitration needs by 50 % educating front line managers on techniques for enhancing interactions between labor and leadership.
- Selects charges based on thorough review of investigations pertaining to allegations of workplace misconduct.
- Advises management on conflict resolution strategies for improved workplace efficiency.
- Leads negotiations with labor unions to secure mutually beneficial agreements, maintaining labor peace.
- Interprets and advises on labor relations policies and previously negotiated agreements.
- Assisted human resources department in developing policies that aligned with both organizational goals and legal requirements.
Training Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2008 - 02.2016
- Evaluated training effectiveness using feedback surveys and assessments, making continuous improvements as needed.
- Enhanced employee performance by developing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Coached over 200 employees per year on various topics including conflict resolution, goal setting, and career planning to foster individual growth within the company.
- Developed training handbooks, computer tutorials and reference materials.
- Assessed additional needs based on training progress and collaborated with management to meet requirements.
- Boosted overall workplace efficiency by introducing cross-training initiatives that increased employees'' versatility in performing various tasks.
- Collaborated with department managers to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training interventions.
- Developed customized training materials including presentations, job aids, and facilitator guides for effective knowledge transfer.
- Led workshops on various topics such as leadership development, communication skills, and time management, improving employee competencies across the organization.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Substance Abuse Counseling
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA05-2003
Skills
- Certified MentorCoach Fellow
- Case management
- Customer service
- Strategic planning
- Persuasion techniques
- Verbal and written communication
- Contract Interpretation
- Case law and outcome analysis
- Employment law
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Legal writing and documentation
- Litigation support
Accomplishments
- Facility Strategic Planning Subject Matter Expert
- Chairperson, Employee Education Subcommittee
- Interim Designated Learning Officer
- Talent Management System Administrator
- Systems Redesign Team Member
- Pandemic Flu Committee Subject Matter Expert
- Healthcare Failure Mode & Effect Analysis team member
- High performer, Outstanding Performance Rating 5 consecutive years
Affiliations
- The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
- Psi Chi National Honor Society
Military Experience
United States Army (Active Duty) Sergeant (4/90 - 12/98)
Deployments
- Desert Shield/Desert Storm
- Operation Provide Comfort I & II
Awards & Honors
- Army Commendation Medal (2) Dec. 15, 1998, Aug. 24, 1993
- Army Achievement Medal (3) Jan. 16, 1994, Jul. 9, 1993, Aug. 21, 1991
- Southwest Asia Service Medal Aug. 21, 1991
- Humanitarian Service Medal Aug. 21, 1991
Leadership Training
- Fort Polk Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy - Sep. 20, 1996
- Honor Graduate
- Commandants List GPA 94.1
- Brigadier General Richard H. Sharpe Distinguished Leadership Award Recipient
Certification
Certified Mentor Coach & Core Trainer, Veterans Health Administration, May 2013
Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Mentor, May 2014
Timeline
Senior Employee/Labor Relations Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2016 - Current
Training Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2008 - 02.2016
Certified Mentor Coach & Core Trainer, Veterans Health Administration, May 2013
Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Mentor, May 2014
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Substance Abuse Counseling
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
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