SENIOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

As a Senior Employee Relations Specialist, you will play a key role in fostering a positive, productive work environment for employees across the organization. You'll serve as a trusted advisor, problem-solver, and subject-matter expert on employee relations matters—helping leaders navigate complex situations while ensuring compliance, consistency, and care.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, resolving challenges with empathy and professionalism, and strengthening organizational culture through thoughtful HR practices.

You will lead and support a wide range of employee relations activities, including:

• Build strong working relationships across departments to promote collaboration, trust, and open communication.
• Coach and advise managers on positive corrective action strategies that support employee success.
• Review and process corrective action recommendations to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance.
• Prepare and refine HR documentation including reports, correspondence, and case summaries.
• Manage grievances and employee concerns while ensuring adherence to established rules, timelines, and procedures.
• Conduct thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct and recommend appropriate outcomes.
• Participate in Indefinite Suspension and Medical Separation meetings.
• Represent the department in Civil Service Commission Appeals and Unemployment Hearings.
• Develop and interpret HR procedures to support operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Deliver training to departments on HR policies, updates, and best practices.
• Coordinate responses to EEOC complaints and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Assist with ADA accommodations, supporting employees' access to equitable workplace solutions.
• Perform additional HR duties as needed to support departmental goals.

Working Conditions:

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Minimum Requirements

Education Requirements Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Social Science, Liberal Arts, or a closely related field. Experience Requirements Three years of related professional experience in human resources are required. Pertinent experience at the professional level may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. License Requirements None

Preferences

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other Factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. Experience Assisting in ADA Accommodation is highly Preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience managing ADA interactive processes, evaluating accommodation requests, and applying ADAAA requirements in employee relations contexts.

General Information

Selection/Skills Tests Required The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Department may administer skills assessment test. Safety Impact Position Yes This position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, the candidate must pass an assignment drug test. Pay Grade - 21 Salary Information Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. Application Procedures Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you need special services or accommodations, call View phone number on click.appcast.io. (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Benefits

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit