Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist performs senior-level highly complex work. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Responsible for providing support and guidance with all levels of staff on employee relations matters. The Employee Relations Specialist will work with the supervisors to assess employee performance concerns along with behavioral and engagement concerns. Conducts objective and thorough workplace investigations, including employee interviews, fact finding, documentation, analysis, and recommendations. Reviews and/or develops corrective action plans or disciplinary documents. This position works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Administrative Services, Civil Service Director, HR Director, City Attorney, and Work Shield staff if applicable.Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provides support to management and employees on employee relations policies, procedures, and programs.
• Advises supervisors on employee relations matters to include assessing root causes, determining appropriate strategies for addressing problems, and coaching and supporting supervisors through execution of identified actions, including corrective actions as appropriate.
• Recognizes potential statute and policy violations in the workplace and leads or participates in investigations of such matters.
• Conducts objective and thorough climate assessments and internal investigations of grievances and complaints.
• Support corrective action processes, including coaching, written warnings, performance improvement plans, and employment separations.
• Partners with HR leadership and Legal to evaluate potential employment risk and determine appropriate action.
• Reviews and provides guidance on employee relations documentation to promote consistency, fairness, and appropriate risk management.
• Identify trends in employee relations activities and recommends proactive solutions to processes and leadership.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality and documentation throughout employee relations processes.
• Conducts in person exit interviews and provides separating employees with an exit survey.
• Compiles monthly turnover data and other KPI’s.
• Reviews and updates city personnel policies and standard operating procedures.
• Advises management and employees on City corrective action and grievance policies.
• Creates and conducts training related to city policies, federal/state laws, rules and regulations.
• As needed, receives, reviews, and processes unemployment claims and participates in unemployment hearings.
• Contributes to HR projects, process improvements, and initiatives that improve the employee experience and effectiveness of HR services.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Human Resources Management, Conflict Management and Resolution, Business or Public Administration, Psychology or Sociology AND a minimum of four years of experience in employee relations, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and employment separations.

OR:

• A high school diploma and a minimum eight years of experience in employee relations experience, including investigations, performance management, corrective action, and employment separations.

Required Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License from any U.S. State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laws and programs related to TWC, DOL and Title VII.
• Experience writing detailed and grammatically correct investigation reports.
• Experience developing curriculum or delivering employee relations-related and progressive disciplinary training.
• Experience developing and updating policies and procedures and implementing process improvements.
• Experience in employee complaint resolution and in conducting workplace investigations regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, employee conduct, and/or retaliation.
• Experience in conflict resolution strategies, including de-escalation, facilitating crucial conversations, and/or mediation.
• Certified Mediator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of Civil Service under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• Ability to conduct investigations, interviews, review and develop documentation, and conflict-resolution.
• Skill with strong judgment and discretion when managing sensitive employee matters.
• Ability to coach leaders through difficult and sometimes high-risk employee situations.
• Ability to have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex HR or employment requirements in practical business terms.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistent and accurate documentation.
• Ability in organizational skills and able to manage multiple employee relations matters simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while effectively partnering with the HR team as needed.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle and feel items, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift or move 30 lbs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be considered.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.