SEIU Public Sector Internal Organizer (Boston, MA)

[Jason A. Stephany]

ABOUT SEIU LOCAL 509
SEIU Local 509 represents more than 18,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. We provide a variety of social services to elders, at-risk children and people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities — as well as educational services in both public and private sector settings. From mental health clinicians and social workers to early childhood educators and university lecturers, Local 509 members are united in our mission to raise living standards for all working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.

SEIU Local 509 is part of the 2.1 million members Service Employees International Union, the fastest-growing labor union in the United States. Focused on uniting workers in four sectors — public services, long term care, property services, and hospital systems — SEIU is the nation’s largest health care union, the largest property services union, the second-largest public employee union and the fastest-growing union in higher education.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Local 509 is hiring a full-time Internal Organizer on the union’s Public Sector team. The Internal Organizer will organize and represent members at state agencies that provide human services and social work. Travel throughout the state may be necessary, along with infrequent out-of-state travel.

NOTE: Local 509 is transitioning from a traditional Field Representative model to a division of responsibilities, to build the union and better manage grievances. Effective in Spring 2016, grievances, arbitration preparation, unfair labor practice charges, urgent informational calls/emails about workplace concerns, formal training and contract enforcement will be handled by the newly created Member Action Resource Center (MARC). Separately but working with the MARC, Internal Organizers will work with members as Chapter Advisers, mentoring and assisting member leaders in development and organizing their workplaces for action.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

• Identify and develop strong member leaders
• Serve in the role of Chapter Adviser to specific chapters (chapters mostly based off agency where members work)
• Work with union officers, stewards, and members to solve problems at work through formal (impact bargaining, Labor Management meetings) and informal (direct action, member-led activities) means
• Facilitate and conduct agency Labor-Management meetings at the statewide and local level
• Participate in and lead the current internal programs of the local, including coordination of new member recruitment and member retention
• Build strong contract campaigns and negotiate agreements
• Mentor, develop, and assist member leaders in successful workplace action programs, holding regular worksite meetings, and ensuring worksite communication systems exist
• Mobilize workers and other stakeholders around worksite issues
• Work with the MARC to ensure communication around workplace issues and grievances to establish a strategy to resolve them
• Engage workers in building a powerful political program, including the 509 Committee On Political Education (COPE) fund goals, electoral activity, and legislative activity

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with organizing (union or worker organizing strongly preferred) and contract/issue-based campaigns
• Experience working in human services, or with human service workers preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (listening, speaking and writing)
• Strong commitment to the labor movement and workers
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team, particularly with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities at the same time, be proactive and maintain flexibility, adaptability, and demonstrate a willingness to learn
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends
• Possession of an insured, registered vehicle and a valid driver's license

SUPERVISION
The Internal Organizer works under the Director of the Public Sector Field Services – who reviews work for effectiveness, timeliness, accuracy and conformance with relevant rules and regulations.

SALARY & BENEFITS
SEIU Local 509 offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package – including car allowance.

APPLICATION PROCESS
SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity – women, people of color and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter (please include “Public Sector Internal Organizer position” in the email subject line) to:

Shanna Weston, Director of the Public Sector Field Services
SEIU Local 509
100 Talcott Avenue, 2^nd Floor
Watertown, MA 02472
swe...@seiu509.org
FAX: 617-924-8248

The deadline for application is February 17, 2016. We plan to interview candidates in late February and make a decision by early March -- in anticipation of an April start date. No phone calls please.