HR Generalist - Employee & Labor Relations

Position Details

Position Information

Posting Number
S363P

Posting Text

Job Title
HR Generalist - Employee & Labor Relations

Type of Employment
Full Time

Bargaining Unit
Management

FLSA
Exempt

Salary Range
$66,589

Position Classification
Manager 180

Department
Human Resources

Posting Text

Job Summary / Basic Function

The HR Generalist - Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) provides case-level labor relations, employee relations, and classification support for PennWest University across the three campuses. The position conducts investigations, supports grievance administration, interprets routine provisions of collective bargaining agreements, and provides day-to-day guidance to supervisors. The role reports directly to the Executive Director of Human Resources, who maintains institution-wide HR operational oversight, HRConnect liaison responsibilities, and supervisory authority for HR staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

A. Employee & Labor Relations (Approx. 50%)

• Receive, investigate, document, and track employee complaints, workplace concerns, and management issues.
• Conduct Pre-Disciplinary Conferences (PDCs) and prepare investigative summaries and recommended actions.
• Support grievance administration, including evidence gathering, timelines, scheduling, step responses, and maintaining case documentation.
• Provide supervisors with routine guidance on contract interpretation across AFSCME, SPFPA, POA, OPEIU, and SCUPA bargaining units.
• Process routine contracting-out requests in accordance with AFSCME contractual requirements, including documentation, coordination of required meet-and-discuss discussions, and ensuring timelines and notification obligations are met.
• Participate in labor-management meetings or meet-and-discuss sessions as assigned.

B. Supervisor Guidance, Contract Interpretation & Conflict Resolution (Approx. 20%)

• Advise supervisors on documentation standards, employee conduct, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution.
• Draft written notices, counseling documents, timelines, and other ELR-related communications.
• Assist with the development and delivery of ELR training for front-line managers and supervisors
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Human Resources to identify and support training needs for staff related to employee relations concerns and assist in developing and delivering training contact for front-line employees and supervisors. This is in conjunction with the Compliance department training administrative lead for PennWest.

C. Classification & Position Review Support (Approx. 15%)

• Conduct fact-finding for classification evaluations and prepare supporting documentation and recommendations for review by the Executive Director of HR.
• Assist in maintaining accurate job descriptions, organizational charts, and role documentation across departments.
• Support organizational management changes, manager/faculty transitions, and related classification procedures.

D. Personnel Transactions & HR Operations Support (Approx. 10%)

• Prepare and process case-level personnel actions, ensuring accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Collaborate with PASSHE Shared Services (HRConnect) to resolve personnel transaction issues at the case level, while systemic liaison responsibilities remain with the Executive Director.
• Ensure compliance with audit and documentation standards.

E. Additional HR Support & Projects (Approx. 5%)

• Assist with HR projects, evaluations, pay and classification analyses, and policy implementation tasks.
• Provide HR support to campus leaders, compliance and DEI partners, and administrative units as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Conduct employee and labor relations activities, including investigations, grievance support, and routine contract interpretation.
• Review and interpret policies, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, managers, union representatives, and campus partners.
• Process HR casework such as personnel actions, documentation, and classification-related support.
• Use standard office equipment and HR systems to complete daily responsibilities.
• Participate in required training and professional development.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and meet operational needs across campuses.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and labor relations practices in a multi-union environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate employee relations issues and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to support effective interactions with supervisors, employees, and union representatives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, investigations, and contractual timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR information systems, including tools used for documentation, case management, and personnel transactions.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across campuses and with union partners.

Minimum of Education / TrainingRequired Education Summary

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field
• 3 or more years of HR experience with exposure to labor and employee relations.
• Knowledge of discipline processes, labor agreements, investigations, and relevant laws.
• Experience working in unionized environment
• Or, equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education and/or multi-campus/location operations
• Human resources certification preferred (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).

Physical Demands

• This position is primarily sedentary in nature and requires extended periods of working at a desk and computer.
• Requires frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, operating standard office equipment, and handling paperwork.
• Requires the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, including participating in meetings, discussions, and presentations.
• May occasionally be required to stand, walk, bend, or reach during normal office activities.
• May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds, such as files, office materials, or small pieces of equipment.
• Requires the ability to travel periodically to other PennWest campus locations, meetings, or training sessions.
• Requires the ability to navigate office and campus environments, including stairs and varying building layouts.

Work Location
Any PennWest Campus

Is travel to other PennWest campuses required for this position? If so, how often?

Work Hours
8am - 4pm Monday-Friday

Posting Date
04/02/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Diversity Statement

PennWest University's Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement (CORE) provides strategic leadership in fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, belonging, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff. Through comprehensive programs and collaborative partnerships, CORE advances student success, cultivates academic and leadership development, and strengthens community engagement in alignment with the university's mission.

ADA Statement

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Amy Salsgiver, ADA Coordinator, asalsgiver@pennwest.edu; 814-393-2109. Pennsylvania Western University complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.

EEO Statement

Pennsylvania Western University of Pennsylvania is committed to providing equal access to all individuals and prohibiting any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations. Direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator, 423 Becht Hall Clarion Campus 16214-1232; email asalsgiver@pennwest.edu or phone 814-393-2109. Inquiries may also be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201.