What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist position at St. Mary's County Government?
Job Summary
The Employee Relations and Investigations Specialist is responsible for conducting fair, thorough, and timely investigations into workplace concerns, including harassment, discrimination, misconduct, policy violations, performance, and employee relations issues. This role ensures compliance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and best-practice standards, while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and neutrality throughout the investigative process. This position exercises independent judgment and discretion in evaluating workplace concerns, conducting investigations, interpreting policies, assessing risk, and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
This specialist serves as a key resource in promoting a fair, respectful, and productive workplace. The role provides guidance on employment policies, supports supervisors and employees with workplace issues, and leads employee relations activities such as investigations, performance management support, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation. The specialist ensures compliance with employment laws and organizational standards while fostering positive working relationships across the organization.
The hiring salary for this position is $82,638 - $89,086.
Essential Functions
- Receive and assess complaints related to workplace behavior, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts, safety concerns, and other HR matters;
- Conduct impartial investigations by interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses;
- Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure investigations are conducted in a respectful, trauma-informed, and compliant manner;
- Gather, analyze, and secure evidence such as documents, electronic communications, personnel files, and other relevant materials;
- Maintain detailed, organized, and accurate investigation records and timelines;
- Prepare clear, comprehensively written investigative reports summarizing findings, evidence reviewed, credibility assessments, and conclusions;
- Partner with HR leadership, legal counsel, and management to recommend appropriate corrective actions based on the investigative findings;
- Advise department leadership on complex employee relations matters and recommend appropriate courses of action consistent with County policy and employment law;
- Provide guidance to supervisors and employees on policies, workplace conduct expectations, reporting procedures, discipline, performance management, and complaint processes;
- Serve as the primary HR resource for the County’s performance management program by reviewing employee performance evaluations, advising supervisors and employees on performance-related matters, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and providing training and support on performance management best practices;
- Stay current on relevant labor laws, regulations, and best practices related to workplace investigations;
- Support broader HR functions such as policy development, training, and compliance initiatives as needed;
- Facilitate conflict resolution meetings, coaching sessions, and mediation between employees and managers;
- Assist supervisors in drafting performance improvement plans, disciplinary documents, counseling memos, and corrective action recommendations;
- Analyze employee relations trends and recommend strategies, training, or policy updates to reduce issues and strengthen workplace culture;
- Maintain thorough and accurate documentation for investigations, consultations, and employee relations cases;
- Collaborate with HR leadership and legal counsel to ensure consistent application of policies and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws;
- Support onboarding, offboarding, and exit interviews to identify themes and areas for organizational improvement;
- Develop and deliver training for supervisors and employees on topics such as workplace conduct, communication, conflict resolution, and HR policies;
- Participate in updating HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook materials;
- Serve as a trusted HR resource while maintaining neutrality, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., Title VII, EEOC, FMLA, FLSA);
- Principles and practices of workplace investigations, including evidence evaluation, witness interviewing, credibility assessments, and report writing;
- Demonstrated ability to conduct fair and objective investigations;
- Exceptional interviewing, listening, and conflict-resolution skills;
- Excellent written communication skills, especially in preparing concise and defensible investigative reports;
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion;
- High level of professionalism, empathy, and neutrality;
- Strong decision-making and critical-thinking skills;
- Ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously and meet established timelines;
- Skilled in maintaining composure in challenging or emotionally charged situations.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field;
- Three or more years of experience in HR investigations, employee relations, compliance, or similar field;
- Experience conducting workplace interviews and writing investigative summaries or reports;
- Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP; and/or workplace investigations training or certification through the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) or similar organization. Experience in government Human Resources compliance.
Additional Requirements:
- Negative drug screen;
- Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results;
- Must possess valid Maryland driver’s license.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings and training rooms.
Full salary range for this position is $82,638 - $142,355 annually. The full salary range does not reflect the anticipated hiring salary for this position. The anticipated hiring range is $82,638 - $89,086 annually, based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, identity theft protection, sick-leave transfer, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Regular Part-time employees who work an average of 20 or more hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page: Benefits Summary
Salary : $82,638 - $142,355