LORI BALLANTINI
Columbus,IN
Summary
Experienced professional with a solid background in labor relations and case management. Skilled in guiding employees and managers through HR policies and procedures. Proven history of fostering strong working relationships and resolving workplace concerns. Seeking to leverage expertise in employee relations and conflict resolution to contribute to Roche’s world-class employee experience.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Multi-District Substitute Teacher
01.2024 - Current
- Assist with creation of standards-based curriculum and aligning those plans with structured goals
- Collaborate with teachers on creating and implementing structured performance improvement plans for underperforming students
- Solid understanding of the learning process for special needs children with a broad range of mental and developmental special needs and intellectual disabilities
- Trained to effectively manage combative and aggressive behavior of students by defusing the situation using a variety of tools and techniques
- Ability to interpret psychological and evaluation reports.
- Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
- Organized lesson plans and activities for students.
- Assisted with classroom management issues when needed.
Family Case Manager
Indiana Department of Child Services
Columbus, IN
04.2023 - 09.2024
- Provided case management services to families in need of assistance.
- Assisted families with accessing resources such as housing, employment opportunities, and health care.
- Developed individualized service plans for each family based on their needs and goals.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety and stability of family members.
- Facilitated group meetings with other family members to discuss challenges and solutions.
- Participated in trainings regarding relevant topics such as crisis intervention, trauma-informed care.
- Provided referrals to outside providers when necessary such as mental health specialists or legal representatives.
- Attended court hearings representing clients when necessary.
Labor Relations Specialist
Teamsters, Local Union 135
Indianapolis, Indiana
10.2016 - 09.2019
- Managed over 300 collective bargaining agreements, managed grievances and participated in contract negotiations
- Collaborated with members ensuring they had a clear understanding of the contract terms and their rights, fostering positive labor-management relationships and reducing conflict in the workplace
- Led grievance management efforts, investigating employee concerns, and effectively resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation, resulting in a reduction in unresolved grievances
- Involved in the contract negotiation process by analyzing proposals, presenting recommendations, and advocating for union members interests, resulting in successful contract renewals.
- Reviewed collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
- Developed strategies for successful negotiation of collective bargaining agreements.
- Participated in the development of new or revised personnel policies and practices related to labor relations activities.
Labor Management Relations Examiner
National Labor Relations Board, Region 25
Indianapolis, IN
09.2003 - 06.2016
- Conducted thorough investigations into unfair labor practice charges, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and analyzing relevant documentation to determine the merits of each case
- Utilized strong analytical and legal research skills to assess complex labor relations issues and apply federal labor laws and regulations in making determinations
- Prepared comprehensive investigative reports with clear findings and recommendations, effectively communicating the results of investigations to stakeholders, and facilitating resolution of disputes
- Actively engaged in settlement negotiations, leveraging negotiation skills and expertise in labor relations to achieve mutually acceptable outcomes and avoid costly litigation
- Collaborated with legal counsel and represented the organization's interests in administrative hearings and proceedings, presenting evidence and arguments to support findings and recommendations
- Utilized effective communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with union representatives and management, facilitating productive discussions and reaching consensus on contentious issues.
- Conducted research and analysis of labor relations issues to determine the best course of action.
- Developed strategies for resolving grievances and collective bargaining disputes.
- Prepared reports and analyses related to union activity, contract negotiations, arbitrations, and other labor relations matters.
- Assisted in the development of labor contracts with unions.
- Interpreted labor laws and regulations as they relate to employee and employer relationships.
- Collaborated with Human Resources personnel to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws relating to labor relations activities.
- Facilitated effective communication between employer representatives and union officials.
- Investigated complaints from employees regarding violations of their rights under collective bargaining agreements or relevant statutes.
- Coordinated mediation sessions between employers and unions when conflicts arise over contractual interpretation or implementation.
- Served as link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems.
- Assessed risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.
Claim Representative
Office of the Indiana Attorney General
11.2002 - 09.2003
- Reviewed, investigated, and made determinations of ownership on unclaimed property claims.
- Investigated suspicious claims to identify potential fraud or abuse.
- Resolved customer inquiries regarding claim status, payments, and denials in a timely manner.
Senior Administrative Assistant
Maricopa County Superior Court/Conciliation Services
05.1995 - 09.2003
- Provided case-management support for 13 family evaluators and mediators
- Assisted in the support staff interviewing, hiring, training and in ensuring they had access to the tools necessary for their long-term success.
- Created and distributed documents, reports, presentations, and correspondence.
- Maintained confidential information regarding employees, customers, and business operations.
- Compiled data from various sources into organized formats for reporting purposes.
- Conducted interviews with prospective candidates for open positions within the company.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Management -
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Skills
- Leadership
- Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
- Investigative Skills
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Strong Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills
- Legal Research and Analysis
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Mindfulness and Ability to Maintain Accurate Documentation
- Creative Problem Solving
- Experience in interpreting HR Policies and Procedures
- Proficient in Case Management
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Group and individual instruction
- Elementary Education
- Group Instruction
- Analytical Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Instructional Strategies
- Results-focused
- Organizational abilities
- Compliance
- Special Education
- Interpersonal Skills
- Decision-Making
- Multitasking
- Grievance management
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Self Motivation
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Complaint Handling
- Report Preparation
- Interviewing witnesses
- Legal knowledge
- Interview techniques
- Research skills
- Deadline and results-oriented
Volunteer Experience
- Member of the NLRB Bridge Program Committee, and tasked with representing support staff interests at the annual Labor Management Conferences
- Served as NLRBU Secretary Treasurer
Timeline
Multi-District Substitute Teacher
01.2024 - Current
Family Case Manager
Indiana Department of Child Services
04.2023 - 09.2024
Labor Relations Specialist
Teamsters, Local Union 135
10.2016 - 09.2019
Labor Management Relations Examiner
National Labor Relations Board, Region 25
09.2003 - 06.2016
Claim Representative
Office of the Indiana Attorney General
11.2002 - 09.2003
Senior Administrative Assistant
Maricopa County Superior Court/Conciliation Services
05.1995 - 09.2003
Bachelor of Science in Business Management -
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY