Employee Relations Specialist - Repost

JOB STATUS : UNTIL FILLED POSTING DATE : 01 / 28 / 2025 POSTING NUMBER : E24 / 25-18.56.4 LOCATION : Human Resources POSITION TITLE : Employee Relations Specialist - Repost

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Human Resources announces an opening for the position of Employee Relations Specialist. This is a full-time, Grade E-13 position located in the Department of Human Resources.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Employee Relations Specialist ensures that human resource and employee relations practices are consistent and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Conducts investigations, writes, and presents reports to appropriate parties. Assists in the development and implementation of policies. Works collaboratively with district council, county agencies, outside counsel, and local law enforcement departments to deliver efficient and systematic resolutions to investigations and employee relations matters.

SUPERVISION

Reports to the Supervisor of Employee Relations. Most workflows are consistent with the incumbent's functional responsibilities; the incumbent plans and performs the work independently in consultation with the supervisor and in coordination with other parties. Work is evaluated in terms of effectiveness in meeting these requirements / standards, quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors such as skill and ingenuity in overcoming challenges. The incumbent has no student supervisory responsibilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class performs specialized, professional human resources work. This class is distinguished as it ensures that human resources practices are consistent with legal and regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, human resources best practices, and APS policies and policy implementation procedures (PIPs). The work affects the entirety of the school district, the workforce, and job applicants.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include, but are not limited to, Federal, Virginia and APS employment regulations, programs, processes and procedures such as ADA and Title VII provisions, US EEOC and Virginia Commission on Human Rights (VCHR) procedures, privacy requirements as they relate to personal data, and generally-accepted merit system principles; Arlington School Board Policies (SBPs) and priorities, APS policies and policy implementation procedures (PIPs) on employment processes such as SBP G-2.30 (Employee Relations - EEO) and PIP G-2.13 (Grievance Procedures); the APS Strategic Plan; Department of Human Resources systems, policies, procedures and practices; diversity-inclusion issues / approaches / initiatives pertinent to the workplace; and general references. Some guidelines require strict adherence, some leave gaps and others allow for (or require) discretion and initiative. Incumbent uses mature judgment

in selecting and applying guidelines or adapting, adjusting, or developing them.

CONTACTS

Contacts include, but are not limited to, management personnel and employees at all levels, employee advisory committees, employee organizations, injury / disability management personnel, medical professionals, other consultants / contractors, and, occasionally, US EEOC and VCHR personnel. Purposes of contacts include, but are not limited to, the exchange of routine and non-routine information about EEO, ADA, employee engagement, classification / compensation, and other HR matters. Purposes also include 'active listening' to understand wants, needs, concerns, and perspectives of managers, employees / complainants, consultants, and others.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties)

Conduct internal investigations on behalf of the district concerning violations of district policy, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and other employee relations matters. Conduct Title IX investigations related to students and employees. Use appropriate and acceptable standards / methods of investigative practices to complete a thorough investigation. Compile relevant documents, formulate the official investigative case report, and provide information to management. Maintain a tracking system on the outcome of all investigated cases.

Gather, organize, and analyze complaint information to support written investigative reports. Perform initial analysis of all complaints. Partner with other team members to determine investigative strategy. Assemble pertinent data, records, and other evidence to support written investigative reports.

Prepare and maintain accurate logs, complete reports, and other documentation relating to investigations. Maintain confidentiality and organization of files of investigations conducted and information received.

Assists agency management in resolving or preventing negative workplace conflicts, grievances, and disagreements by creating action plans to address problem areas where disparate treatment / impact is identified.

Research, investigate, and respond to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges and requests for information.

Conducts exit interviews, summarizes findings, and discusses trends and concerns with senior management.

Assists in the development and implementation of policies, reporting procedures, and administrative guidelines.

Attends conferences and meetings, as employee-management liaison, to facilitate communication between parties.

Oversee the research, investigation, and response to unemployment insurance claims and unemployment insurance hearings.

Develop and deliver training for employee, management, and human resource audiences as needed.

Assist district legal counsel in matters dealing with complaints filed internally and on behalf of employee representation.

Completes and maintains all disciplinary records. Responds to all inquiries regarding the employee's disciplinary history.

Communicates and interacts effectively with internal and external business contacts, including APS personnel at all levels; models objectivity, seeks equity, and demonstrates skill in human relations.

Uses a computer and modern office suite software (such as MS Office), enterprise software, and specialized software for planning, scheduling, communicating (email), word processing, manipulating data, preparing presentations, reporting time and attendance, researching (the Internet), and performing other functions.

Maintains confidentiality of data, including legally protected personal information, sensitive decision-making and programmatic data, and other sensitive information.

Operates a motor vehicle to get to / from meetings with managers, employees, and outside parties on a regularly recurring basis

Performs related duties, as required or assigned.

EXPERIENCE :

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, case law, principles, and practices related to employee conduct, performance, and dispute resolution. Knowledge of hiring, classification, benefits, labor relations, negotiation, and federal, state, and local employment regulations. Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, government organization and functions, and the democratic political process. Knowledge of federal and state employment law. Knowledge of administrative, licensed, certified, and classified contracts preferred at hire.

Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, district policies, building, and department procedures. Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with all people, including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds. Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator. Ability to stay current with district policy, standards, and training in the areas of data quality, data privacy, and cybersecurity with respect to student and staff data and related information systems. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job. Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions. Ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations.

Skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving. Skilled in excellent facilitation and presentation skills.

QUALIFICATIONS :

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIREMENTS

Education

A bachelor's in human resources, business, social science, or any other field providing a strong foundation for success in the duties and responsibilities in this class specification, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that totals four years, is required .

Experience

Four years of progressively responsible experience in HR management, which include substantive work in workplace or criminal investigations experience, employee relations experience, and participation in labor relations training, are required .

LICENSE / CERTIFICATION

A valid driver's license is required.

Certification as a Professional in Human Resources® (PHR), a SHRM Certified Professional® (SHRM-CP), or an IPMA-HR Certified Professional® (IPMA-CP), or possession of another fully equivalent HR certification pertinent to the essential functions of this class, is desired .

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work is mainly sedentary and involves light physical effort. It requires moving about to obtain work objects, supplies, etc.; distributing work products; coordinating with others; and performing related functions; operating office and communications equipment such as a computer and a telephone; and reviewing written documents containing small print, symbols, and special notations. In driving, uses judgment in consideration of traffic, weather, and other factors.

HAZARDS / UNUSUAL DEMANDS

Most work is performed indoors in offices, conference rooms, etc. Generally, work involves exposure only to normal, everyday risks.

Work involves some after-hours duty and is subject to changing priorities, tight deadlines, peak periods, and emergencies.

CONTACT INFORMATION :

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates must submit an application online and attach a resume, a written statement of interest in and qualifications for this position. Please complete the online Administrative / Technical application on the APS website in the Employment section, www.apsva.us. A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation must also be attached. (Recommendation letters may be sent in separately.)

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AND WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION IS INCLUDED.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Arlington County School Board, as stated in the School Board Policy G-2.30, that employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, or disability.

APPLY TO :

Please follow the directions above.

SALARY :

Salary range of $97,320 to $159,510 (salary based on the 2024-2025 pay plan)

DAYS :

Salary : $97,320 - $159,510