Employee Relations Specialist - Human Resources

at Sedgwick County in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Description

The Employee Relations Specialists help facilitate a positive employee experience by ensuring Sedgwick County's compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws.  The Employee Relations Specialists must be able to work independently, demonstrating sound judgment and initiative in managing sensitive employee matters, while ensuring compliance with Sedgwick County Personnel Policies, specifically policies related to Equal Employment Opportunity and Employee Conduct and Relations Standards. These positions regularly work closely with the County Counselor’s Office, and must develop positive relationships with the management team. The Employee Relations team serves as advocates, advisors, and educators for all employees regarding the policies and values of the organization. The Employee Relations Specialists are responsible for independently managing assigned projects, demonstrating the ability to take ownership and drive them to completion with minimal supervision.

Employee Relations Complaints

• Investigate discrimination and workplace violence complaints. Analyze investigation findings and make recommendations to resolve issues in accordance with County policies, practices, and procedures. Prepare concise written reports.
• Act as first contact for all employees in the issue resolution process. Independently make decisions/recommendations on appropriate levels of investigations regarding employee matters and employment law issues.
• Ensure compliance with County Personnel Policies and partners with County management and County Counselor’s Office to work through issues as identified.
• Develop positive relationships on behalf of the County Manager, Human Resources, Elected Officials, and the management team while serving as an advocate for the employees, policies, and values of the organization.

Personnel Policy Support

• Provide advice and counsel to all employees on Sedgwick County Personnel Policies as appropriate. 
• Ensure compliance with County Personnel Policies, specifically those related to Equal Employment Opportunity, Employee Conduct (Discipline), and Relations Standards.
• Ensure that personnel policies related to Equal Employment Opportunity and Employee Conduct and Relations Standards are reviewed regularly for procedural accuracy and compliance with current law.
• Research, develop, and propose new Personnel Policies as necessary.

Employee Issues

• Provide consultation on employee performance and disciplinary issues to supervisors and managers.
• Review trends in employee surveys, concerns and investigations. Assist with the development of strategies to proactively address contentious issues and the development/delivery of training based on those trends.
• Responsible for all aspects of exit interviews and employee satisfaction surveys.
• Coordinate the performance management system, including implementation, training and communication.
• Facilitate the Dispute Resolution Process and ensures all timelines are met as outlined in the Dispute Resolution Policy.
• Coordinate all aspects of the Employee Grievance Process, ensures all timelines are met and serves as secretary to the Grievance Board.
• Investigate violations of the Sedgwick County Employee Code of Ethics.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link.  Apply for a Job | Sedgwick County, Kansas