Senior Employee Relations Consultant

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Senior Employee Relations Consultant

Market Range:

MR20

Approved Date:

1/3/2025 4:31:05 PM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P3

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 3

Job Code:

100866

Job Family:

HR - Human Resources

Sub Family:

EMREL - Employee Relations

Primary Purpose

Serves as a senior member of the central Employee Relations Division providing support, consultation and resolution for employees and managers. Serves as an advanced strategic advisor in regard to investigating workplace complaints, grievances, policy violations, and performance issues to provide appropriate resolutions and ensure fair, equitable and consistent approach to employee relations matters county-wide. Provides advanced policy interpretation, coaching and guidance to employees and leaders pertaining to personnel matters. Exercises considerable independence and judgment in managing workload determining sensitive/precedent-setting situations to escalate. Participates in facilitating employee relations programs including the County's unemployment program and HR compliance initiatives.

•

Utilizes advanced and in-depth knowledge to navigate highly complex employee relations matters. Provides guidance and assistance in developing feedback and corrective actions that align with County practices. Provides expertise in coaching departmental leaders in the preparation of disciplinary forms and documents. Ensures high-quality documentation and recording of employee relations actions based on extensive knowledge of the type of documentation requirements. Advises managers and employees regarding ADA procedures, issues and cases, including personnel policy interpretation and application. Counsels and advises management and employees on employee relations issues and sensitive situations. Coaches employees and leaders regarding a broad range of complex personnel matters. 

1

35%

•

Conducts complex investigations on a broad range of workplace complaints, grievances, policy violations, and performance issues involving federal and state policy and law. Reviews documentation and employee interviews; prepares thorough investigative reports to include findings and recommendations. Uses experience managing complex employee relations cases to independently analyze complex and sensitive assignments. Develops effective action plans to guide/advise managers and Department Heads in carrying out disciplinary actions, performance improvement plans, and other employee relations actions on the more difficult and sensitive situations.

2

30%

•

Proactively analyzes employee relations and employee performance data to identify trends and opportunities for organizational improvement. Research findings and uses judgement to summarize data that support possible innovative solutions. Collaborates on the development and implementation of approved strategies including: education, training and policy and process changes.             

3

15%

•

Designs and delivers in-person and e-learning training to all levels of the organization on conduct and standards, equal employment opportunity, and personnel policies and procedures. Incorporates guidance and clarification of how to comply with legal requirements including but not limited to EEO, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA.             

4

15%

•

Other duties as assigned

5

5%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

P3

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 3

•

Plans and manages projects that have significant impact on Work Group and Division results OR works as a technical expert within a Medical or Scientific Discipline.

•

Shares insights and analyses that inform new processes, and/or operational plans.

•

Responsible for making improvements in processes, systems, or standards to enhance performance of the Work Group.

•

Works to influence parties within and outside of the Work Group and Division regarding projects and procedures.

•

May be responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees within the Work Group.

•

Requires advanced knowledge of the Work Group and Division typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience. May have practical knowledge of project management.

•

Within Medical or Scientific Disciplines, typically requires a doctoral degree.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field

•

Four years of experience in human resources administration

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Detailed knowledge of state and local laws and regulations, court rulings related to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity in public agencies, and current employment regulation best practices

•

Ability to manage and lead special projects

•

Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of personnel

•

Ability to analyze situations, navigate ambiguity, and offer informed recommendations and guidance to resolve problems

•

Working knowledge of conducting one-on-one and group conflict resolutions, mediations, negotiations and investigations

•

Ability to resolve complaints, diffuse high-tension situation and conflicts, and counsel on difficult topics

•

Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion

•

Effective oral/public speaking and written communication skills

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Communication

Creates an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly up and down, inside and outside of the organization; encourages open expression of ideas and opinions.

Consulting

Applies knowledge of policies and procedures in the area of work to advise others across the organization on critical issues.

Enforcing Laws, Rules & Regulations

Enforces governmental laws, rules, and regulations, and initiates enforcement actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable.

Interpersonal Skills

Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.  Perceives, assesses, and positively influences one's own and other individuals’ emotions.

Professionalism

Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of one's words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior. Selects the words or actions most likely to have the desired effect on the individual or group in question. Maintains calmness in stressful or adverse situations. Diplomatically handles challenging or tense interpersonal situations.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have significant impact on a department's credibility, operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X