Employee Relations Specialist

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $52,705 and $66,672, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Responsible for assisting with the management of university-wide employee relations issues and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Assist in implementing employee relation programs, projects, and initiatives that support University and/or business unit operations. Serve as a resource to both management and staff as issues arise related to supervision, management, and quality of work life. Advise departments and schools on complex employee relation issues, interpretation of policies, procedures, and practices, and provide professional support and consultation in decision-making on a varied range of employee concerns/issues. Participate in Human Resource training sessions as presenter and/or facilitator.

Essential Functions

• Investigate employee concerns. Conduct employee interviews, identifying employee relations issues which affect employee work performance, and work with managers and supervisors to improve work unit effectiveness. Serve as a consultant and facilitator to supervisors and management to improve the effectiveness of the work unit through improved communications, identification of service expectations, effective work unit cooperation, and teamwork. Encourage and assist in the positive means of resolving employee and supervisor concerns, problems, and grievances. (60%)
• Form and maintain partnerships with assigned HR Shared Service areas. Develop relationships with customers and becomes a business partner in advising and counseling on employee relations issues. Generate options and recommendations that are responsive to multiple interests, reflective of best practices and aligned with unit goals. Develop and conduct instructional and information sessions with department heads, supervisors, and staff. Participate in employee relations meetings and conflict resolution sessions to include investigating, presenting case materials, facilitating decisions and agreements, and preparing responses. Present new programs and overviews of existing programs to various diverse groups. Assist in planning and program design for HR Administrative meetings, HR Administrative Boot Camp, Supervisory Training Sessions, Employer Assistant Program training, and other HR-sponsored programming. Participate in or lead project teams in the development and implementation of human resource programs, policies, and business process changes. Compile and analyze employee relations data to track employee relations issues; prepare and present data reports as needed (including quarterly reports and annual data). Participate in the long-term resolution of conflicts and other employee relations issues by partnering with management to identify and reduce or eliminate root causes. (22%)
• Keep abreast of Human Resources trends and changes in state and federal laws, regulations, and legislation that impact Human Resources. Interpret policies, advise on complex employee relation issues and policy interpretation requiring case-by-case analysis. Provide advice and consultation to employees and management regarding interpretation and application of a broad range of human resource policies, procedures, practices, and laws. Identify, evaluate, and recommend proactive policies, procedures, programs, and best practices in all areas of employee relations to create efficiencies, that support Case Western Reserve University's commitment to fair, equitable and progressive treatment of all employees, and to identify and resolve potential issues before they arise. (10%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Functions

Review and audit leave of absence requests, supporting documents, and resolution. Serve as a backup to the Leave Specialist when necessary. (3%)

Serve as a consultant in the reorganization and restructuring process of departments and /or management centers. Analyze demographics to ensure legal compliance with ADEA/EEO and other federal, state, and local laws. Participate in reorganization notifications to affected staff when necessary. (2%)

Interact with other staff and participates on committees or teams for university initiatives. Participate in programs that will assist in identifying opportunities for improvement of workforce management. Provide input into the various committees of the Staff Advisory Council. Serve as an HR representative on university committees as necessary. (2%)

Participate in training sessions, HR department staff meetings, HRA Meetings, HR department projects, and Employee Relations team projects. (1%)

Represent the university in unemployment hearings or depositions. (Participate in and support the HR event planning committee (e.g., Benefits Fair, Staff Service Awards, Party on the Quad). (Perform other duties as assigned. (

CONTACTS

Department: Daily interaction with human resources staff by providing advice and guidance regarding policies, procedures, practices and employee relation issues.

University: Daily and regular interaction with management, supervisors and staff across the university. Serve on university committees as necessary.

External: Occasional interaction with other human resources professionals; attend and participate in professional activities.

Students: Little or no contact with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not supervise staff.

Qualifications

Experience: 3 or more years of experience in human resources or HR-related tasks. Experience conducting investigations and applying federal, state, and local regulations related to HR policies required. Higher education experience a plus. Experience in processing leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA leave, paid parental leave, etc.) preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree in related field (such as Management, Human Behavior, Psychology, Sociology, Communication, Public Relations, or related field) required.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to consistently meet attendance requirements.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge in a broad range of Human Resources areas, theories, concepts, practices, programs, and services, with the ability to use in complex difficult, and/or unprecedented situations. Considerable knowledge of human resources principles, regulations, and practices is necessary.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in a role requiring dynamic and abstract problem-solving methods in adaptive situations.
• Ability to apply policy and practice to meet needs of departments; flexibility in applying policy and procedure but maintaining consistent treatment of staff and equity. Demonstrated skills in formulating policies and developing new strategies.
• Strong problem resolution and negotiation skills. Ability to manage difficult customers and situations and understand the implication of decisions. Ability to research issues, analyze situations, and adopt course of action to respond to customer needs with or without precedent.
• Must have excellent judgment, common sense, and be able to make and support decisions. Requires the ability to incorporate creative and innovative approaches to various issues within the university policies, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to work with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with different constituents and employees of all levels and from diverse backgrounds with empathy, care, and sincerity in voice, tone, and words. Ability to convey complex information in a manner understood by the general public.
• Excellent verbal, written, and cross-cultural communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and provide timely and accurate information. Must have excellent grammar skills for composing a variety of written communication for the university community.
• Strong organizational skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects and tasks successfully, changing priorities, and analyze the impact of decisions.
• Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail; look for ways to improve and promote quality. Ability to take a strategic plan and break it into executional tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face-to-face. Must listen and communicate with professionalism and courtesy. Encourages open expression of ideas and opinions.
• Demonstrated ability to form effective partnerships with clients and establish rapport with others. Fosters team spirit and cooperation.
• Handle and maintain confidential and/or sensitive information with proper care and discretion. Maintain ethical values.
• Interpret and analyze a variety of complex data. Ability to utilize project management techniques, decision-support data, and human resource system.
• Support the Human Resources Department and university at large by following policies and procedures. Completes tasks accurately and consistently, working with integrity and honesty, and upholding the HR Department's mission, vision, and goals, and the university's mission and values.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills. Ability to coach and mentor. Ability to negotiate and persuade. Teambuilding and training skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills and proven ability to develop and sustain productive customer relationships. Models and reinforces the P.E.O.P.L.E. customer service behaviors and the Human Resources mission and vision. Ability to maintain a positive environment, treat others with respect, and demonstrate empathy while performing within stressful situations.
• Use time effectively and efficiently. Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to adjust to frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Must be comfortable with multi-tasking, and flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities within a fast-paced office setting.
• Willingness and ability to take initiative and judgment in determining the need for information and process improvements. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while performing within stressful situations and handling complex emotional issues.
• Excellent computer skills. Advanced knowledge of Google Workspace (i.e., Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.,) and Microsoft Office application (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, etc.). Proficient in the use of the internet. Knowledge of Drupal webpage maintenance and HR information systems (i.e., PeopleSoft and/or Oracle HR database system) a plus.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.