Employee Relations Specialist - Employee Conduct, Well-being Liaison

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast-paced and technology-driven global society. The university prepares students for successful careers, leadership in communities, problem solving and life-long learning through personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences through its award-winning, high-impact practices. One of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia and a top 10 ranked public university in the Southeast, GCSU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, 34 graduate programs, doctorates in education and nursing, professional certificates and continuing education programs. 

As a member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), GCSU is committed to fostering a liberal arts environment that values academic preeminence, interdisciplinary inquiry and an inclusive learning community. GCSU enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence and nationally ranked programs according to US News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction - among other ranking sources.

Georgia College & State University takes great pride in combining the educational experience of a private liberal arts college with the affordability of a public university. Faculty and staff are dedicated to student engagement and experiential learning through high-impact practices such as internships, service- and community-based learning, diversity, study abroad opportunities, mentored undergraduate research and a capstone project that fosters intellectual curiosity, reasoned inquiry and critical thinking.

The university's beautiful and historic campus is located downtown in Milledgeville, Georgia, a charming, diverse college town of approximately 19,000 residents in Central Georgia, and only 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. Milledgeville is also the home of noted American author and alumna, Flannery O'Connor, '45, and the college community enjoys many exciting literary arts programs at O'Connor's former home, Andalusia, now owned by the university. Milledgeville is located on the banks of beautiful Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, allowing faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of the environmental and recreational benefits of being part of a lake community. For cultural, educational and leisure opportunities beyond Milledgeville - Macon and Atlanta are located within easy driving distances.

Georgia College & State University is committed to protecting academic freedom in addition to supporting the freedom of expression as outlined in the University System of Georgia's Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom policy and its Ethics Code of Conduct . For more information, visit us online at gcsu.edu.

The primary responsibilities of this job include impartial investigation of complaints regarding employee conduct and other similar concerns. This position will support the Assistant Director of Employee Relations & Benefits Services in a capacity that complies with existing legal and policy regulations. The incumbent also serves as an investigator within the Office of Human Resources on matters pertaining to Title VII, Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO), and other employee conduct related matters. The Employee Relations Specialist Employee Conduct, Well-being Liaison will support the day-to-day activities within the Office of Human Resources to include, but not limited to, ADAAA, employee conduct, training, and project assignment.

Reports to: Assistant Director for Employee Relations & Benefits Services

Investigation - 50
Depending on the most up-to-date institutional investigative processes managed by the Office of Human Resources, fulfills applicable duties an Investigator in complete coordination with all applicable parties including, but not limited to:
Processes inquiries and complaints from the campus community and third parties through appropriate channel depending on the most up-to-date regulations and  follows established timelines. Provides a fair and neutral process for all parties.
Develops investigation plans for each assigned matter and independently investigates.
Gathers pertinent information for investigations, to include interviews with applicable parties who may have relevant information.
Informs individuals involved in the investigative process, including the complainant, respondent, and/or a third party, about reporting options and resources available at the University and in the community.
Creates investigative reports, utilizing the applicable investigative template and process (e.g. employee conduct, etc.) for summation of information collected throughout the respective investigative process.
Consults with managers on progressive disciplinary process and recommended action(s) for employee misconduct by fact-finding and reviewing documentation and supporting material(s).
Compliance - 25
Assists Employee Relations with monitoring applicable University-wide compliance with procedures, requirements and time frames outlined in all state and federal, as well as Board of Regents and University policies related to Title VII (employment discrimination on the basis of a protected class), employee conduct (USG, GCSU, and departmental policies where applicable), and other Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) matters.
Maintains knowledge of and trains the University community on policies, procedures, and relevant state and federal laws. Assists with the creation, coordination, and facilitation of nondiscrimination and employee misconduct prevention training, presentations, and educational materials to the university community as needed in coordination with applicable departments (e.g. Legal Affairs, Internal Audit, etc.). This may be via annual compliance, new hire orientations, and/or ad hoc presentations as needed.
Stays abreast of general regulations and statutes related to Title VII and employee conduct (including, but not limited to USG, GCSU, and departmental policies where applicable), and other EEO matters. Has familiarity with most recent Title IX regulations to route matters to the appropriate entity for review as needed.

Advising - 10
Assists in providing advanced level advisory and consultation services on matters related to investigations and other HR-specific matters (disability accommodations, complex ADA cases, employee relations issues, etc.). According to circumstances, makes recommendations for solutions on complex employee relations matters to the Assistant Director for Employee Relations & Benefit Services. Advises administrators and employees on compliance issues, participates as a presenter on in-service activities related to employee relations, Title IX, Title VII, and other EEO matters.
Assists in managing employee relations issues which include, but are not limited to, providing advice and consultation, leading and coaching managers/supervisors through employee counseling and corrective actions.
Recommends appropriate referrals to members of the campus community as needed (e.g., EAP, ADA, FMLA, etc.).
Follows up with employees and supervisors to ensure that the issues of concern are resolved.
Program Management - 10
Serves as project lead on applicable system initiatives, assists with gathering data for open records requests, and supports HR-specific initiatives as needed.
Serves as subject matter expert on laws and policies pertaining to institutional compliance matters to include, but not limited to, Title VII and other EEO matters, USG and GCSU policies, procedures, and practices. Collaborates with applicable departments and creates, plans, and carries out strategic trainings to ensure that campus is educated on various topics surrounding compliance.
Serves as the official USG Well-being Liaison on behalf of the institution and serve as the subject matter expert on all things USG Well-being. Follows all USG guidance and submits all applicable funding requests according to the established schedule. Plans, coordinates, and carries out USG Well-being events and trainings; carries out all communication pertinent to said events and trainings. Establishes a campus Well-being committee and convenes regular meetings to ensure campus buy-in is obtained regarding plans for Well-being initiatives. Partners with campus organizations (e.g., Staff Council, University Senate) as needed to ensure sufficient consultation and communication on USG Well-being is presented.

Other - 5
Performs other applicable and related duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Other Required Qualifications
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Required Experience
One year of related work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications
HR certification
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Master's Degree (in Social Work, Psychology or Forensic Psychology, Higher Education Administration or other relevant discipline) and/or JD from an accredited law school may be considered beneficial
Preferred Experience
Three years of HR experience and/or demonstrated experience successfully conducting investigations and writing reports

Applicants will need to attach: Resume, Cover Letter and List of References

Base of Salary Grade Range is $52,880.00

ABILITIES
Ability to think creatively, exercise independent judgment and make quick, informed judgments.
Ability to comply with Title VII and employment law regulatory requirements.
Ability to design, lead and implement change initiatives.
Ability to work collaboratively with key constituency groups and community partners.
Ability to build and maintain strong partnerships and work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to perform in a time sensitive environment and work independently.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to privacy.
KNOWLEDGE
Clear understanding of recent Title VII developments, regulatory and enforcement guidance, and legislative initiatives
Familiarity with employment law including, but not limited to, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, etc.
SKILLS
Strong presentation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies.
Strong prioritization, analytical, organizational and communication skills.
Attention to detail including excellent interpersonal and customer skills.
Excellent verbal and writing skills.
Strong interpersonal and listening skills.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is committed to the fundamental principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity conducted by GCSU.

Georgia College & State University is a national award-winning institution in areas of student success and achievement. It strives to achieve excellence in the composition of its community, educational programs, university policies, research and scholarship, campus life, employment practices, extracurricular activities, and community outreach. It is a priority of the university to be a welcoming and inclusive environment so that its campus culture will enhance the ability of its community members to succeed in their endeavors, to be respected as individuals, and to feel a sense of belonging. Please visit Equal Employment Opportunity for more information.