Public School Employees of Washington (PSE) is a labor union dedicated exclusively to representing education Support Professionals in Washington state’s public education system. Our 30,000 members play a vital role in the operation of early learning, K-12 and universities throughout the state.
No other labor organization in Washington represents educational support professionals with the power and might of PSE. We are constantly working on the front lines to improve the quality of our public education system and to gain better recognition for those women and men who often work behind the scenes to help our students succeed.
It is the mission of Public School Employees of Washington, SEIU/Local 1948 to improve the lives of our members and their families, empowering them to have a greater impact on their communities and the next generation.
Position Summary
This is a highly responsible field staff position that negotiates, administers and enforces collective bargaining agreements of a limited and defined membership size on behalf of PSE members within school districts and higher education institutions. Represents members on job-related issues including grievances, disciplinary matters and other situations involving wages, hours, benefits and working condition disputes. Most of this work will be done remotely.
Field Representatives are core members of PSE’s regional Growth Engine teams. While their primary focus remains contract enforcement, grievance handling, and chapter leadership development, FRs actively support regional growth by coordinating with Organizers and Field Representative/Administrative Organizers on campaign participation, promoting sign-up opportunities at chapter touchpoints, and elevating organizing leads identified through grievance, bargaining, and day-to-day member contact.
Essential Functions
- This position serves as a remote-first Field Representative, responsible for rural chapters with smaller membership bases and/or limited infrastructure. The role focuses on high-quality service delivery via call center operations, chapter development, and collaboration with regional teams to support visibility and organizing goals.
- Answer incoming calls to the union call center professionally, courteously, and efficiently. Unanswered calls should be returned no later than the next business day.
- Provide accurate information to members regarding their rights, union policies, and ongoing cases or issues.
- Accurately document member inquiries and service outcomes using approved case management tools.
- Route complex or sensitive issues to the appropriate staff or departments for further action.
- Follow up with members as needed to ensure their concerns are addressed and resolved in a timely manner.
- Works directly with local chapter leadership to deliver the highest quality service to all represented employees and promote active participation of members in PSE activities.
- Works directly with assigned chapters (caseload determined regionally) to deliver high-quality contract enforcement and coordinate campaign participation appropriate to chapter size and strategic opportunity.
- Consistently exercises independent judgment and discretion in dealing with a variety of issues affecting members.
- Assists chapters in formulating goals, objectives and operating procedures within the parameters of state and local bylaws.
- Continuously identifies service and growth opportunities within assigned chapters and communicates needs/trends to the regional team. Through regular communication, is attentive to potential problems and works to resolve them as quickly as possible.
- Active in recruiting and training new leadership.
- May provide instruction in areas of personal expertise in PSE’s education and training programs.
- Functions in a spirit of friendly cooperation with other staff members in all facets of field and support operations.
- Promotes and works toward the accomplishment of PSE’s mission within the parameters of the adopted values and policies and procedures.
- Coordinates with Organizers and FR/AO staff to refer organizing leads, new hire data, and member activation opportunities surfaced through grievance, bargaining, and contract administration work.
- Performs other duties as assigned and directed.
Required Education/Experience/Abilities
- Experience in labor relations field, and/or possession of a Bachelor’s Degree/BA in labor relations, business administration public administration or education preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of labor organizations, labor law and contemporary labor relations trends, issues and practices.
- Knowledge of the public education system, education issues, and the role classified K-12 and higher education employees serve in the education system.
- Ability to effectively negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to listen effectively and be responsive.
- The ability to work well with people in a variety of settings and circumstances.
- The ability to produce high quality work through planned, organized and systematic work habits.
- The ability to work well under pressure, changing and unexpected conditions, and meet deadlines.
- Excellent analytical, problem solving, decision-making and dispute resolution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to apply creativity, innovation, and flexibility in pursuit of quality membership programs and services.
- Unquestioned integrity and commitment to personal and organizational ethics and values.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and a willingness to expand skill levels when new software and tools are implemented.
- Possession of valid Washington driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle in course of employment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee can work in office or a home office setting with regular visits to the school districts assigned. Regularly required to use standard office equipment. Attend meetings, siting and standing intermittently. Must be able to lift 10 pounds or less.
Residency Requirements
Must reside within Washington State.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a salary position. Hours will vary daily according to member needs. Frequent late afternoon/evening meetings will be required. Periodic weekend hours will be required.
Travel
Travel within the state for meetings and conferences will be required.
AAP/EEO
PSE/SEIU 1948 shall not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, national origin, genetic information, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, gender identity or expression or persons with disabilities who with or without reasonable accommodations can perform the essential functions of the position.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedule
Work Location:
- Auburn, WA
- Home Office
- On the road
Paid Training:
Yes
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $89,618.16 - $124,878.32 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
