Description:
Senior Employee Relations Specialist
Position Summary
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team and serves as a subject matter expert in employee relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management. This role is responsible for fostering a positive and compliant workplace culture through consultation, coaching, and strategic guidance provided to managers, supervisors, and employees. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of employment laws, strong interpersonal and analytical skills, and the ability to balance complex organizational priorities with fairness, discretion, and sound judgment.
Key Responsibilities
Investigations & Case Management
Conduct thorough, fair, and timely investigations into employee complaints, including allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and policy violations.
Manage complex ER cases from intake through resolution, maintaining detailed documentation using internal case management systems.
Draft investigative summaries, findings, and recommended actions in accordance with university and USG policies, employment laws, and best practices.
Collaborate with legal counsel and compliance offices as needed.
Employee Relations Support & Consultation
Provide proactive and responsive consultation to managers and employees on performance management, behavioral concerns, disciplinary actions, and workplace conflict.
Guide leaders through formal disciplinary and grievance procedures, including drafting formal notices and final written warnings.
Coach supervisors and department heads on best practices related to employee engagement, motivation, and team dynamics.
Training & Development
Develop and facilitate engaging and informative training sessions for managers and employees on workplace conduct, performance management, policy compliance, and effective communication.
Contribute to the development of online resources and tools to educate the campus community on ER topics.
Policy & Compliance
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local labor laws, university policies, and USG regulations.
Assist in reviewing and updating HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance and relevance.
Monitor employee relations trends and recommend proactive strategies to mitigate risk.
Unemployment and Claims
Represent the university in unemployment claims hearings and assist with related documentation and preparation.
Coordinate with external agencies and internal stakeholders during employment claims or audits.
Project Management & Process Improvement
Lead or support special projects focused on enhancing the employee experience, improving internal processes, and tracking ER metrics.
Analyze data trends and provide insights and recommendations to HR leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, or related field.
A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in employee relations, HR investigations, or related HR functions.
Demonstrated ability to conduct objective, thorough, and well-documented investigations.
Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple ongoing cases and projects.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in higher education, government, or a unionized/public sector environment.
Familiarity with University client policies and procedures.
Professional certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
Experience developing and implementing HR policies and delivering large-scale training programs.
Demonstrated success representing an employer in unemployment hearings or similar proceedings.
Experience leading or supporting employee grievance procedures or performance management plans.
Familiarity with principles of organizational change and employee engagement initiatives.
Core Competencies
Integrity and Confidentiality: Exercises sound judgment and handles sensitive matters with the utmost discretion.
Customer Service Orientation: Acts as a trusted advisor and resource to employees and managers.
Initiative and Accountability: Takes ownership of work, follows through on commitments, and delivers high-quality outcomes.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Fosters a cooperative work environment and values diverse perspectives.
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status