Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist

The University's Office of Human Resources serves as a strategic campus partner by providing solutions that attract, engage, develop, and retain employees.

Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Purpose

This role provides employee relations support across assigned administrative and operational units, with a primary focus on corrective action and performance management. The Specialist provides hands-on guidance to managers, prepares and reviews documentation, and helps ensure consistent application of university policies and workplace practices. It requires direct experience guiding managers through corrective action processes and the ability to think critically and exercise sound judgment in unpredictable situations.

Responsibilities

• Guide managers through the corrective action process by drafting, reviewing, and editing documentation; coaching managers on documentation expectations; coordinating timely delivery to employees; and ensuring consistency across employee groups.
• Advise managers and employees on performance management, corrective action, and related conduct, attendance, and workplace concerns. Assess concerns, gather relevant information, document findings, and recommend next steps consistent with university policies and practice. Escalate complex or high-risk matters to senior HR staff.
• Consult with ADA, Legal Affairs, and offices within central Human Resources on employee relations cases requiring specialized guidance. Coordinate responses consistent with university policies and procedures.
• Facilitate employee relations training on workplace expectations, respectful workplace practices, corrective action processes, and performance management. Assist with the development of training materials, communications, and employee feedback initiatives.
• Serve as the final level of administrative review for recruitment and compensation actions in Workday, ensuring alignment with established HR practices. Manage dual state employment, unemployment claims, and audit reporting for assigned units.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field and two years of experience in employee relations and performance management.
• Experience working directly with managers or leaders on corrective action, including assessing concerns, recommending next steps, and preparing or reviewing documentation.
• Ability to assess incomplete or conflicting information, exercise sound judgment, and explain recommendations clearly in writing and conversation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and client groups, build effective working relationships, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or an organization with a high volume of operational employees and employee relations matters.
• Experience providing employee relations support across multiple units in a centralized or shared services HR model.
• Experience using Workday.
• Fluent in Spanish and able to translate between Spanish and English to provide support to a Spanish speaking employee population.

Salary Range

$60,000 - $65,000, depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• This role is based in Austin, TX and must be on site three days per week, with an option of working remotely up to two days per week. May change due to business need. Relocation assistance is not available.
• Work-life balance within a typical 40-hour work week.
• Work around standard office conditions.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest: Must be written in your own words and not AI-generated. Please include how your specific experience prepares you to advise managers on employee relations and corrective action.