Employee Relations Specialist - Hybrid

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 05/14/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

This position will work a hybrid schedule which includes a combination of working both onsite at 6333 Greenwich Dr. and remote.

Reporting to the Employee Relations Director, the Employee Relations Specialist serves as an integral part of the Employee Relations team within Health Human Resources (HHR). HHR supports all of UC San Diego Health, which includes the Health System, UC San Diego School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and Student Health & Well-Being.

This position involves the administration of programs, procedures and plans related to employee workplace issues such as conduct, discipline, performance, communications, policies and procedures. Uses employee relations concepts and applies policies and procedures to resolve a variety of employee relations issues and situations. Provides guidance to all levels within the organization, utilizing specialized employee relations expertise within area of responsibility to resolve questions, concerns and grievances for a large, complex group of employees in creative and effective ways. Internal and external contacts often pertain to significant employee relations programs and objectives. Normally receives little direction on assignments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Applies advanced employee relations specific concepts and skills to investigate formal and informal employee complaints (including whistleblower / UC hotline complaints) and develops recommendations on the organization's response to employees.

• May conduct highly sensitive termination interviews, analyze separation statistics and make recommendations.

• Ensures that legal and regulatory requirements are met in terms of employee relations to minimize exposure to liability for the organization.

• Provides advice and counsel to managers on such issues as performance management, complex organizational changes, work place climate and other related areas.

• Determines appropriate level of corrective action and discipline up to and including termination.

• Responds to employee relations issues according to state and federal laws and union / labor contracts. Coordinates analysis of issues and develops recommendations for integrated human resources solutions to clients.

• Provides advice and counsel to assigned client groups according to established human resources and employee relations policies and procedures.

• Manages sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.

• Prioritizes work assignments, adapts to changing priorities, and conducts complex and varied analyses and develops resulting recommendations.

• Reviews and analyzes a variety of human resources issues, e.g., policy revision proposals, internal procedures and practices.

• Coordinates with Office of General Counsel and outside counsel to respond to employment litigation.

• Works effectively with people from diverse cultures to provide employee relations related support.

• Seven years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three years of related experience/training.

• Experience and proven success performing employee relations functions, ideally within in a large, complex organization.

• Excellent communication skills. Provides written analyses, recommendations and presentations to various audiences, including leadership.

• Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state labor laws and regulations.

• Thorough knowledge associated with administering labor/ union contracts, dispute resolution, grievance procedures and facilitation and mediation processes.

• Highly effective analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and organizational and advanced computer skills.

• Demonstrated ability to handle extremely sensitive, difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively.

• University of California experience.

• SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $79,200 - $143,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $37.93 - $68.68

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).