With 140,000 members, UHW is the largest union of healthcare workers on the West Coast. It represents nursing, service, technical and maintenance workers in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and clinics throughout California.

Under the supervision of the Convalescent Division Director, the Assistant Director oversees division related organizing and representational activities. As part of the senior staff body, the Assistant Director collaborates in the overall development and implementation of the strategic organizational plan for SEIU UHW. 

Directs Organizers/Field Representatives in developing the leadership of the organization including the design and implementation of organizing or political campaigns to build organizational leadership identification, recruitment, development, and training

The Assistant Director oversees and directs the work of staff in his/her division, including the development and training of shop stewards.

Develops within his/her Division specific organizing campaigns for represented and unrepresented facilities

Develops uniform standards for review and evaluation of campaigns.

Develops action-based campaigns facility specific and union-wide on staffing and scheduling, infectious disease control and patient care.

Ensures the tracking and reporting on all membership activity in all represented facilities

Ensures the handling of contract renewals, grievances and arbitration as per SEIU UHW’s coordinated approach.

Coordinates all information and develops a collective bargaining strategy appropriate for each instance to achieve more uniform contracts terms and expiration dates.

Acts as a spokesperson with allied organizations in the fight for better conditions in the facilities – service groups, patient advocates, community groups, and resident and family councils.

Develops and coordinates all membership-based legislative activity with other appropriate staff that relates to acute care hospital campaign or worksite issues.

Provides direction, staff development and disciplinary action (if needed) to staff in his/her Division.

Develops recommended budgets, allocates resources effectively and plans and implements program activities as appropriate.

Acts as the chief spokesperson and negotiator in collective bargaining for assigned representational units.

Interprets collective bargaining agreements to members, staff, stewards and other workers

Analyzes employee relation problems and recommends solutions to workers, stewards, staff and officials of the Union or employer

Conducts surveys, job audits, investigation and related activities to and in development of Union policies, bargaining positions and development of effective representation programs.

Testifies as expert witness before various agencies

Evaluates and initiates requests for arbitration and other 3 party proceedings.

The Assistant Director is required to have a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and a working automobile. Vehicles purchased after becoming an Assistant Director must be union made.

A minimum of three years of experience as a Union staff person with increasing responsibilities

In depth knowledge of relevant special body of knowledge including labor law like NLRA, MMBA, FLSA, Cal OSHA, FMLA, Title 22, ADA, Workers Compensation, etc.

Knowledge of workers, the workplace, labor, and political issues

Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to relate, establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds

Adept at leading and motivating workers in necessary struggles

Dedication to workers’ rights and social justice

Skilled at managing and meeting many and varying deadlines 

Effective informal and formal negotiating skills

Effective demonstrable oral, written and listening skills in English; bilingual skills highly desirable 

Excellent analytical and judgement skills as demonstrable by the ability to assess information and evidence and act strategically

Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills showing flexibility as needed; adept at dealing with conflicting/changing priorities

Effective facilitating and organizing meeting skills

Experience organizing independently and as part of a team

Working knowledge of computer programs including Word, e-mail, accessing the Internet, and databases

Program planning and administrative skills

Previous staff supervisory experience

The Assistant Director is required to work long and varying hours including weekends, nights and holidays. Driving long distances for extended periods of time is also required. Travel both statewide and out of state with overnights and periods away from home may be required