Employee Relations Specialist

Job Title: Employee Relations Specialist

Location: UNG - Gainesville

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 291189

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for an Employee Relations Specialist on the Gainesville campus. The Employee Relations Specialist will serve as a trusted advisor and resource to employees, managers, and leadership on a wide range of employee relations matters. Responsibilities include providing guidance on university policies and procedures including investigating complaints, performance and progressive discipline processes, alternative dispute resolution and grievance process, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, managing separation and department of labor processes, and assisting with campus wellness and training initiatives. Maintains accurate and confidential case files on employee matters. Travel between all UNG campuses will be necessary

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and objective investigations into possible policy violations or employee complaints including, but not limited to, allegations of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. Coordinate efforts with multiple departments to gather pertinent information and interview necessary personnel in efforts to resolve matters. Prepare an investigative report with findings and escalate matters to the Director of Employee Relations & Engagement as appropriate.
• Provide employees with guidance on university policies, procedures, and available resources. Facilitate a positive work environment by mediating conflicts and fostering collaborative problem-solving through various techniques. Clearly explain and guide employees through grievance procedures and facilitation as necessary.
• Work with supervisors on performance and behavioral management of employees, documentation of incidents, disciplinary action, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP). Serves as liaison between employees and supervisors in resolving concerns.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze information obtained. Assist in developing training programs that enhance employee performance, retention, and morale. Research retention strategies and propose plans to address concerns and utilize presented themes and feedback to assist with employee well-being initiatives.
• Assist in both gathering and preparing information and research related to externally initiated investigations, such as EEOC inquiries, as well as matters under review within Legal, Title IX, Audit, or other.
• Manage unemployment hearing/appeal process by coordinating efforts with necessary departments to gather requested information for the Department of Labor; draft memoranda for the DOL Board of Review when contesting unemployment benefits and participate in hearings as a representative of the University.
• Coordinate termination process to include participation in meetings, removal of access, preparing letters of separation and state separation notices, internal notifications and other documents or activities related to the final employment actions.
• Work with Benefits Specialist and other areas as necessary to plan and facilitate employee wellbeing activities and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent planning, organizational, dispute resolution, negotiation, analytical, customer service, and project management skills.
• Personal computer and related software skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and implement HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.
• Ability to foster a participative management style that utilizes teamwork.
• On Campus presence is essential.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three-Five (3-5) years of experience in Human Resources; or a combination of education and Human Resources experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Dispute resolution training is a plus.
  
  

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three professional references
  
  

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

Other Information

• This is not a supervisory position.
• This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
• This position will be required to drive.
• This role is considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
• This position will travel 1% - 24%.
• This position does not require security clearance.
  
  

Please note: the University of North Georgia career board updates daily, positions are subject to be removed without prior notice or before the posting expires.

Background Check

• Position of Trust Education