Position Summary:
The decisions made by a Union Representative/Organizer can have profound effects on worker’s lives. As such, a Union Representative/Organizer is responsible for articulating the Union’s message to workers and for carrying out internal and external organizing programs of SEIU United Healthcare Workers - West, as defined by the Officers and Executive Board of the Union and division directors.

The Union Representative/Organizer will also motivate and mobilize potential or existing members to protect their rights and improve the quality of their work lives and fight the boss.

The Union Representative/Organizer will provide effective leadership to carry out the goals of the Union in training and leadership development, new organizing, internal organizing, and political action. The Union Representative will also negotiate collective bargaining agreements, file and resolve grievances, meet and implement Union policies with employer representatives and with members of the community and with community groups.

Areas of Responsibility

• Identifying, recruiting, developing and mobilizing leaders in strategic, sustained, meaningful ways;
• Engaging in one-on-one persuasion, inoculation, assessment and motivation of unorganized workers at the worksite, in meetings, on the phone, and on home visits as necessary;
• Planning and carrying out various actions;
• Developing and working with community and political allies and empowering member leaders in these capacities;
• Training and supervising member organizers;
• Developing and carrying out campaign work plans;
• Developing work issue campaigns based on group issues and coordinating the representational work of stewards;
• Organizing, coordinating, and supporting union political, contract, organizing, and issue campaigns;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire members to develop into leaders and participate in key union programs (i.e. politics, organizing, bargaining, etc.);
• Demonstrated understanding of organizing for power and commitment to social justice;
• Ability to take initiative and be creative in developing new roles for members within the union and providing the support needed to be successful;
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to providing a quality member experience including the ability to establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds;
• Working knowledge of collective bargaining issues;
• Ability to develop member leaders to deal with worksite issues;
• Sound organizational skills to manage and prioritize work subject to deadlines in a dynamic and changing environment, as an individual and as a member of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and deliver on short-term and long-term organizing plans, member development and capacity building goals;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, databases and Internet;
• Successful candidate shall posses relevant education and/or experience in the labor movement or related field;
• Bilingual skills highly desired;
• Driver license and vehicle required.

SEIU-UHW is a powerful, cutting-edge union of healthcare workers and patients leading for better health, quality care, and good jobs. With more than 97,000 members working in nearly every part of the healthcare industry, we are the pre-eminent front-line voice on healthcare in California. Our members have a bold strategy to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all Californians, improve healthcare workers’ standard of living, and make California the healthiest state in the nation — but we can only make it happen with you. SEIU-UHW offers a competitive salary based on experience, generous benefits including fully paid family healthcare, a defined benefit pension, and a work environment that values team building and diversity with a culture of feedback and development.