Employee Relations Specialist

Job Title Employee Relations Specialist Agency Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Department Human Resources Proposed Minimum Salary $6,065.
93 monthly Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description General Summary: The Employee Relations Specialist, under direction, is responsible for helping parties resolve disputes through mediation or negotiation of informal resolution.
Works directly with employees in the organization to explore and assist them in determining options to help resolve conflicts, problematic issues or concerns, and to bring systemic concerns to the attention of the organization for resolution.
Provides case management services for employee complaints, appeals and investigations.
Develops, implements, and oversees current programs aimed at increasing employee satisfaction.
This position reports to the Employee Relations Manager.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of demonstrated experience in Human Resources (HR), Investigations, and/or related experience.
Required Licenses/Certifications: Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Workplace mediation certification.
SHRM-CP or PHR.
Five or more years of experience in conflict resolution, federal/state employment law (ADA, EEOC, Title VII, Title IX) unemployment compensation, and federal/state employment law.
TAMU or other public sector/university experience in employee relations.
Physical Requirements: Ability to remain stationary for extensive periods of time in an office environment.
Physical conditioning consistent with moving/maintaining light and/or moderately weighted files and office supplies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Ability to assess and apply technical knowledge of HR and to deliver HR solutions, tools, and resources in a consultative manner.
Ability to build relationships.
Ability to facilitate group interactions.
Ability to respond appropriately to issues such as conflict resolution using independent judgment.
Effective training and presentation skills.
Knowledge of Title IX and Title VII.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications (Microsoft Office 365).
Familiarity with governmental and higher education operations.
Familiarity with case management systems.
Strong interpersonal and organization skills.
Strong communication skills.
Analytical abilities and aptitude in problem solving.
Ability to work on matters of high sensitivity and confidentiality.
Equipment: Standard office equipment: computer, keyboard, multifunctional printer, telephone.
Notifications: This position is security sensitive.
This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TEEX regulations and procedures.
All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and Agency safety requirements.
As part of TEEX’s mission of providing training, developing practical solutions, and saving lives; this position could be required, if called upon, to deploy within the State of Texas as directed by this position’s Division Director/HQ Department Head.
Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving a personal or TEEX vehicle and/or flying on commercial airlines.
This position directs or evaluates the work of others.
This position allows telecommuting per TEEX guidelines.
Essential Duties, Tasks, and Percentages: Conflict Resolution – 40% Identifies and analyzes complex employee relations issues and possible resolutions.
Designs and administers human resources policies and procedures that pertain to employee relations.
Responsible for facilitating communication between parties to resolve disputes through mediation or negotiation of informal resolution.
Serves as a neutral and unaligned facilitator, impartial, and open to all points of view.
Researches and implements creative resolutions that do not involve the formal investigation and/or hearing process.
Case Management – 30% Intakes employee complaints, provides guidance, advice, and consultation to supervisors, managers, and other administrators on employee relations matters.
Identifies and analyzes any employee relations issues and possible resolutions, including determining the need for formal investigation.
Manages resources for complaint process by assigning investigators, ensuring timelines are met, documenting communications and provides updates about case status to the parties, and updating required logs.
Provides guidance and interpretation on human resources (HR) policies and procedures.
Administrative Tasks - 20% Provides training and outreach to promote agency wide awareness of employee relations program and ensures training materials and resources are current with Federal and State laws, System policies and regulations, and rules.
Administers human resources policies and procedures that pertain to employee relations.
Assists in establishing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, as well as preparing reports on program activities.
Develops, implements, and oversees current programs aimed at increasing employee satisfaction.
Consults with supervisors and assists in developing employee performance improvement plans.
Ensures the confidentiality of employee consultation records.
Develops and updates guidance and collaborates with others to communicate changes in employee records requirements.
Conducts research on best practices, policy, regulation, rules, and laws.
HR Program Assistance - 10% Assists in other areas of HR department as needed.
Coordinates involuntary terminations and other disciplinary actions.
Reviews requests and documentation to ensure compliance with policies and rules and coordinates the approval process with the Office of General Counsel.
Other Duties: Performs additional work duties as assigned.
All positions are security-sensitive.
Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.