EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (ER) SPECIALIST

Department of Economic Security Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. Employee Relations (ER) Specialist Job Location Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Posting Details Salary: $53,300.11 – $60,000.00 Annually. Grade: 22. Closing Date: June 14, 2026. Job Summary Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist. This position will be responsible for the communication, guidance and education of core and common Employee Relations, Operations, Human Resource policies, as well as possess a working knowledge of Talent Acquisition. This position acts as an independent, confidential resource providing analysis of facts, conclusions and recommendations as appropriate researching and evaluating complex and sensitive human resource related issues/cases, recommends solutions or best practices. Job Duties Providing front-line support in the prevention, investigation, resolution, and referral of ER problems, recommends or takes appropriate actions to address concerns as needed. Conducting on-site internal investigations often involving complex employment matters and prepare comprehensive investigation reports with recommended findings. Investigating employee, management and/or applicant complaints/issues and problems to allegations of unequal treatment, discrimination, harassment and other violations of federal and state laws regarding human resources personnel policy, program guidelines and records. Delivering counsel and assistance to staff and all levels of management on ER issues. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to Human Resources. Arizona Department of Administration Personnel Rules, American with Disabilities Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Current principles, practices and methods used in the administration of an HR program to include: Employee Relations, Operations, Talent Acquisition and Classification & Compensation. Administrative investigative techniques, interviewing techniques, and report writing/formatting. Skilled In Cultivating interpersonal relationships, establishing, and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of staff and various levels of management, other state agencies, community resources, vendors, and the public. Researching, collecting, and analyzing data and reports. Effective oral and written communication, public speaking, investigative and interviewing techniques. Establishing priorities and time management among conflicting needs. Google, AZ360, Case Management software, Performance Management software and various software to monitor and track Human Resources actions. Ability To Analyze specific problem situations and determine acceptable solutions within the framework of laws, rules, and regulations. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service. Collect and analyze data and report information, negotiate and apply reason persuasively to resolve employee relations issues. Monitor, track and follow-up on action items and make independent decisions, while maintaining confidentiality. Work autonomously and as a team. Interact with integrity and a high level of professionalism with all levels of staff and management. Selective Preference(s) Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two (2) years as an Intermediate Human Resources Analyst or Five (5) years of equivalent experience at a human resources intermediate level. Pre-Employment Requirements This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function. Required items include a current, valid driver’s license, completion of all required training, and passing all necessary driver’s license record checks. Employees driving on state business are subject to license record checks and must maintain acceptable driving records and complete training. Employees operating a personally owned vehicle must maintain statutory liability insurance. All applicants must successfully pass background and reference checks. All state employees are required to complete the E-Verify program. Benefits Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans 10 paid holidays per year Paid vacation and sick time Paid Parental Leave – up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child Deferred compensation plan Wellness plans Tuition Reimbursement Stipend Opportunities Infant at Work Program Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion. Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program. For a complete list of benefits provided by the State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page. Retirement State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the state-sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for lifelong income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments. On or shortly after your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates. Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting View phone number on click.appcast.io. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Arizona State Government