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 LEAD SPECIALIST**
Job Location: Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS)
Employee Relations Unit
Address: 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Posting Details: Salary: $58,240.00 to $64,480.00 Annually
Grade: 22
Closing Date: Open until sufficient resumes are received 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 that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) strengthens Arizona communities by bridging and minimizing gaps to employment and independence.
The Department of Economic Security, Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations Lead Specialist. Under direction, is responsible for work of considerable difficulty serving as an Employee Relations Lead Specialist to all administrations within the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS).
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
Job DutiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides front-line support in the prevention, investigation, resolution, and referral of ER problems, recommends, or takes appropriate actions to address concerns as needed.
• Researches, analyzes, and presents data related to area of assignment.
• Manages high volume of high priority employee relations cases.
• Tracks and monitors personnel activities to ensure timely status updates and results.
• Provides counsel and assistance to staff and all levels of management on ER issues.

Knowledge OfKnowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Current principles, practices and methods used in the administration of an HR program.
• Administrative investigative techniques, interviewing techniques, and report writing/formatting.
• DES organizational structure and the services provided.

Skill In

• Developing 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.
• Developing and implementing various improvement initiatives for assigned program areas.

Ability To

• Analyze specific problem situations and determine acceptable solutions within the framework of laws, rules, and regulations.
• Research and interpret applicable policies, procedures, rules, federal and state laws affecting personnel management.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Selective Preference(s)The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Two (2) years of Employee Relations Investigative experience, one (1) year of Talent Acquisition experience, and one (1) year of consulting on State and Federal employment laws, & HR policies.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)/Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is highly desirable.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two (2) year's experience as an Intermediate Human Resources Analyst OR five (5) years of equivalent experience at a human resources intermediate level.
• This position will require a current, valid Arizona driver's license. This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

BenefitsThe Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• 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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
• Opportunity to work remotely (home office) on an ad-hoc basis
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

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 here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
RetirementState 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 life-long 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.
Contact UsFor questions about this career opportunity, please contact Anthony Vallone at (480) 356-2946 or email avallone@azdes.gov.
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 Anthony Vallone at (480) 356-2946. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.