Employee Relations Consultant

The Agency's mission is to be boldly innovative in improving the health and quality of life for South Carolinians. Location: Human Resources, Richland County. This is an in-office role and not a telecommute or remote position. Are you the One? We are looking for an Employee Relations Consultant who investigates and researches complaints of discrimination, harassment, grievances and other employment issues or conflicts. Complaints may arise from employees, management, federal/state agency inquiries and concerns from the public. Follows up in a timely manner with all parties and works towards finding solutions to resolve issues. Disseminates appropriate information to employees and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary. Counsels and advises managers and employees to resolve problems; properly documents all investigations and actions. Researches issues, formulates policy alternatives and proposes strategies to improve the effectiveness of human resources management in state government. Have specialized knowledge and skills related to employee relations and operate under limited supervision from Employee Relations Manager and have limited decision‑making authority within guidance and established policies and guidelines. Responsibilities Coaching/consulting in employee relations process and procedures to ensure consistency. Consults with managers, employees and executive staff on employee grievance, progressive discipline, Employee Performance Management System (performance appraisal), supervisory best practices, anti‑discrimination, anti‑harassment, code of conduct, etc. This includes researching and interpreting human resources and labor rules, regulations, policies and legislation. Conducts internal investigations to determine best steps for conflict resolution at the lowest administrative remedy. Provides managers the documentation for unemployment claims, grievance, appeal, general/formal complaints, discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), State Human Affairs Commission (SHAC) and any other employee related complaints. Tracks, monitors and provides status reports and measures on the Department’s activities. Conducts new employee orientation for temporary workers as needed. Ensures all presentations are up to date. Responsible for communicating agency policies to temporary workers. Coordinates hiring contract personnel and temporary workers. Maintains the state temporary worker system relationships with temporary agencies, filing system for temporary workers, and temporary personnel spreadsheets. Serves as the Employee Relations Liaison for Employee Relations matters concerning temporary workers. Consults with managers, employees, supervisors and executive staff on Employee Performance Management System questions, and due dates for performance reviews. Tracks, monitors and provides status reports and measures the Department activities. Interprets documents and communicates internal policies and procedures and State Human Resources regulations related to human resource management. Conducts relevant research of Human Resources policies, procedures, practices and trends. Identifies policy changes and best practices and provides feedback and input on HR policy for the Department. Stays abreast of changes in state and federal regulations and statutes and common law practices pertaining to human resource policies and procedures and ensures changes are communicated within the HR team. Conducts NeoGov Performance Training for Supervisors and Managers. Stays abreast of changing landscape as it related to Human Resources. Attends professional development courses, conferences, or webinars. Travels throughout the state to conduct onsite Employee Relations training. Responsible for assisting in managing the Department's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Coordinates EAP assistance visits for offices that may have experienced a traumatic event, such as a death or violent incident, or for team building purposes. Coordinates EAP classes for employees that may require additional training due to disciplinary action. Performs other duties as assigned. Benefits The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE and TGE positions that includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year. 15 days sick leave per year. 13 paid holidays. State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs. A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related area and two (2) years of experience in relevant human resources management programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted with prior State Human Resources approval. Preferred: A relevant Master's degree and at least two (2) years of employee relations experience. Degrees must be from a college or higher education institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); official transcripts may be required upon request. Additional Requirements Occasional overnight travel. Valid driver's license. Requires holder to drive routinely. Overtime and/or weekend work with Deputy approval. Sitting or standing for long periods of time. Lifting requirements:10lbs. In-office role. Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management. Knowledge of policies and procedures of the agency. Knowledge of federal laws and state regulations affecting human resources management. Knowledge of management and organizational concepts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively. Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures. These employees have specialized knowledge and skills related to employee relations and operate under limited supervision and have decision‑making authority within established policies guidelines. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application for qualification purposes. All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from the Office of Human Resources will be through electronic mail. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr