SEIU Internal Organizer (Massachusetts)

[Jason A. Stephany]

Internal Organizer, Private Sector Human Services

SEIU Local 509 – Watertown, MA (Boston)

 

 

ABOUT SEIU LOCAL 509

SEIU Local 509 represents nearly 20,000 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-member 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 early childhood and higher education.

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION
Local 509 is hiring a full-time Internal Organizer on the union’s Private Sector Human Services team. The Internal Organizer will organize and represent private sector human service workers who provide mental health, developmental disability, elder care and other social services.

 

These workers are covered under multiple collective bargaining agreements across the state. And while the bulk of assignments covered by this position are situated in Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, there is a possibility of future assignments anywhere in the Commonwealth. In-state travel will be necessary, along with infrequent trips out-of-state travel.

 

NOTE: Local 509 is transitioning from a traditional Field Representation model to a division of responsibilities that will build union strength and better manage members’ needs. Grievances, arbitration preparation, unfair labor practice charges, urgent informational calls/emails about workplace concerns, formal training and contract enforcement will increasingly be handled by the newly created Member Action Resource Center (MARC). Internal Organizers will work directly with member leaders, providing mentorship and assistance developing and organizing their workplaces for action – including conducting negotiations and organizing contract campaigns.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

•  Identify and develop strong member leaders
  
•  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
  
• Participate in and lead the current internal programs of the union, 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 effective 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, and electoral, legislative and issue-based initiatives
  

 

 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience bargaining and enforcing contracts
  
• Familiarity with union organizing 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
  
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team
  
• Ability to work under pressure and with people from diverse backgrounds
  
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends
  
• Possession of an insured, registered vehicle and a valid driver's license

 

SUPERVISION
Internal Organizers work under the Private Sector Director – who reviews work for effectiveness, timeliness, accuracy and conformance with relevant rules and regulations.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

SEIU Local 509 offers competitive salaries (commensurate with experience) and a generous benefits package – including car allowance.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity — women, people of color and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to:

 

Jon Grossman, Director of Private Sector Human Services

SEIU Local 509

100 Talcott Avenue

Watertown, MA 02472
EMAIL: jgro...@seiu509.org

FAX:     617-924-8248

 

 

The deadline for application is July 5, 2016. No phone calls please.