Internal Organizer - Homecare

Organization Overview:

SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa represents over 50,000 healthcare and long-term care workers in hospitals, clinics, nursing home, and home care across Minnesota and Iowa. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa is dedicated to building an organization which advances social and economic justice through work on local, state, national and even global policy issues which affect our members; our patients, residents, and clients; and our communities. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, long term care, and home care, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare, and more secure jobs for our communities, uniting their strength with their counterparts around the state and world to help ensure that workers benefit from today’s global economy.

Summary of Position:

An Internal Organizer at SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa carries out a variety of job functions. An Internal Organizer (“IO”) will be asked to participate in organizing, legislative and political action, training of members, developing leaders, contract negotiations, and other tasks as the need arises. Any candidate must be willing to work long and irregular hours including weekends and evenings when called for. The IO must also be willing to travel with some possible overnight stays.

The Union IO shall be required to perform services in accordance with the needs of the Local and at such times and places as are necessary. The Union IO must have a dedication to improving the position of our members and strengthen the role of our Union in every venture. There must be a willingness to become educated in health care issues, and a desire to lead and inspire our member leaders and rank and file.

This is a one-year temporary position. The Union hopes to be able to extend the position after successful completion of one year but cannot commit to that in advance because of the grant-funded nature of the position.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Continuous work on internal organizing within facilities.
• Identify, recruit, train and develop member leaders; assist in defining member leader roles (Orientation, Work Site, Political, Grievance); assist in developing plans for work- site campaigns.
• Create and implement an onsite visit schedule to be posted on the internal shared calendar.
• Support the member leaders in developing a process for new member orientation
• Develop a program for COPE
• Support member leaders in processing grievances and carrying out investigations.
• Create or assist members in creating communication systems; write and edit leaflets, proposals, and newsletters
• Negotiate contracts and assist other staff in negotiating contracts– from proposals through strike preparation
• Train Member leaders to ensure accordance of collective bargaining agreements at your worksites by management; meeting timelines and procedures related to labor contracts.
• Participate in organizing campaigns when requested, lead residual organizing campaigns in existing jurisdictions.
• Monitor policies in work sites, concerning members, ensuring contract compliance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or GED, Secondary Education preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position
• Previous work experience in a Union setting
• Ability to communicate well in writing and orally
• Good personal organizational skills; good record keeping
• Must be computer literate, advanced computer skills a plus
• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle in good working condition. Must have proof of auto insurance.

SKILLS NEEDED

• Ability to establish rapport with members from diverse ethnic, social and economic groups
• Ability to identify and develop leaders
• Ability to develop campaign plans and execute contract and other organizing campaigns
• Ability to mobilize membership around issues
• Knowledge of labor rights and contract language
• Ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements
• Ability to gather, analyze and present statistical data
• Ability to maintain a commitment to educating the members on the Union and their contract

BEHAVIORAL QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

• Good judgment and ability to discern priorities when faced with many important tasks.
• Ability to handle challenging, negative situations and organize to have the best outcome.
• Manage conflicting demands.
• Maintain rapport with members.
• Reassure members, by your actions, that you are for them and will not take management’s word over theirs or “favor” management.
• Work under pressure independently.
• Maintain HIGH degree of confidentiality, both for your members and the union as a whole.
• Show professional demeanor at worksites and in the community.
• Maintain respectful, professional relationship with Union member leaders; supporting them in their roles.
• History of high level of proven leadership.

Candidate will be assigned to meet the needs of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa, and management may alter assignment as those needs change.

Compensation and benefits as set forth in the contract with USW Local 7263-21 for “Union Representative and Organizer.”

Qualified applicants should email a résumé, cover letter, and references to EVP Phillip Cryan Phillip.cryan@seiuhcmnia.org stating clearly that they are applying for the “Internal Organizer-Home Care” position. This position will remain open until filled. Interviews are on a rolling basis.