Employee Relations Specialist

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

UNG Core Values: https://ung.edu/about/mission-vision-values.php

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for an Employee Relations Specialist on the Gainesville campus. The Employee Relations Specialist will serve as a trusted advisor and resource to employees, managers, and leadership on a wide range of employee relations matters. Responsibilities include providing guidance on university policies and procedures including investigating complaints, performance and progressive discipline processes, alternative dispute resolution and grievance process, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, managing separation and department of labor processes, and assisting with campus wellness and training initiatives. Maintains accurate and confidential case files on employee matters. Travel between all UNG campuses will be necessary.

• Conduct thorough and objective investigations into possible policy violations or employee complaints including, but not limited to, allegations of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct. Coordinate efforts with multiple departments to gather pertinent information and interview necessary personnel in efforts to resolve matters. Prepare an investigative report with findings and escalates matters to the Director of Employee Relations & Engagement as appropriate.
• Provide employees with guidance on university policies, procedures, and available resources.  Facilitate a positive work environment by mediating conflicts and fostering collaborative problem-solving through various techniques.  Clearly explain and guide employees through grievance procedures and facilitate as necessary.
• Work with supervisors on performance and behavioral management of employees, documentation of incidents, disciplinary action, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP). Serves as liaison between employees and supervisors in resolving concerns.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze information obtained. Assist in developing training programs that enhance employee performance, retention, and morale. Research retention strategies and propose plans to address concerns and utilize presented themes and feedback to assist with employee well-being initiatives.
• Assist in both gathering and preparing information and research related to externally initiated investigations, such as EEOC inquiries, as well as matters under review within Legal, Title IX, Audit, or other.
• Maintain and utilize Employee Relations Management software in managing investigative/documenting process.
• Manage unemployment hearing/appeal process by coordinating efforts with necessary departments to gather requested information for the Department of Labor; draft memoranda for the DOL Board of Review when contesting unemployment benefits and participate in hearings as a representative of the University.
• Coordinate termination process to include participation in meetings, removal of access, preparing letters of separation and state separation notices, internal notifications and other documents or activities related to the final employment actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent planning, organizational, dispute resolution, negotiation, analytical, customer service, and project management skills. 
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and implement HR policies and procedures. 
• Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels. 
• Ability to foster a participative management style that utilizes teamwork. 

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three to five years of experience related to the job duties above.

• Dispute resolution training is a plus.

Standard hiring range: $58,887 - $64,776

• Resume 
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts 
• Contact information for three professional references.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.

• This role is considered a position of trust.
• Please note, the University of North Georgia career board updates daily and job postings are subject to be removed when closed or filled.

• Position of Trust + Education