Employee Relations Specialist

Overview

At Utah State University we believe in fostering an environment where employees can thrive. We are looking to add another Employee Relations Specialist to our Human Resources Team:

A skilled Employee Relations Specialist is customer experience oriented and empowered to engage employees so they can contribute their strongest personal talents to achieving the mission of the University.

We have high expectations of performance and values. We believe in maintaining an open-minded approach to problem-solving, conflict management, and decision-making. Our staff members are team players who excel at building trusting relationships with customers and co-workers. We strive for a reputation of integrity. If you desire to work in such an environment and meet the qualifications, we welcome your application!

Exempt positions are eligible for excellent benefits including: 13 paid holidays, earn 22 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, 50% tuition reduction for eligible employee, spouse, and children, competitive health benefits packages and a generous contribution into your retirement.

Employee Relations Specialist - This position must maintain strict confidentiality with case information. Responsibilities include the intake of employee relations cases, participating in university investigations, drafting reports and advising on outcomes. Conducts and documents moderately complex assignments where analysis of situations and data requires the review and interpretation of a variety of factors.

Employee Relations works collaboratively with other functional areas in Human Resources and the Office of Equity to promote and integrate the principles of equal opportunity, affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and inclusiveness  position documents these collaborative efforts and provides support during university risk assessments, case analysis and referrals. Incumbents serve as a resource to employees throughout the University by interpreting policies and procedures, advising and recommending solutions, and providing guidance to ensure compliance with human resource policies and procedures.

They collect and analyze data to determine program effectiveness and recommend changes and improvements in policies, procedures, and practices.

• HR Partnership with Leadership: Partner with administrators to understand department goals and develop HR strategies to support them.
  Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on people-related matters.

• Employee Relations: Provide high-level support in handling complex employee relations issues, including investigations, conflict resolution, and recommendations for disciplinary actions.

• Promote a positive organizational culture by advising supervisors on employee engagement, recognition programs, and team‑building activities.

• Ensure compliance with USU policies and federal & state employment laws.

• Performance Management: Advise leaders on performance management processes, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Work with supervisors to develop and implement performance improvement plans for underperforming employees.

• Help build a culture of accountability and continuous feedback.

• HR Analytics: Leverage data and HR metrics to provide insights and drive decision-making.

• Track and analyze trends in turnover, employee satisfaction, and other key HR metrics.

• Learning and Development: Work with leaders to identify learning needs and create development opportunities for employees.

• Promote leadership and employee development through training programs, mentorship, and career progression initiatives.

• Support leaders in fostering a learning culture within their teams.

• Policy and Compliance: Ensure the college, division, or department complies with local, state, and federal employment laws.

• Update and maintain HR policies and procedures to support compliance requirements.

• Support the development and implementation of department employee procedures and guidelines.

• Minimum Qualifications: Six years of experience in human resources; or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience in human resources, or a related field, is required.

• Must be able to work on-site full-time.

• Must be able to travel occasionally to other USU statewide locations.

• Preferred Qualifications: Experience reviewing and working with highly confidential data.

• Experience in responding to and maintaining compliance with internal and/or external regulatory requirements.

• Experience in working with Case Management systems (Service Now Case Management, Maxient, or Navex Ethics point is a plus), complaint handling, and preventive trainings.

• Working knowledge and experience interpreting and analyzing employer policies and implementing processes, protocols and procedures.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Strong written skills.

• Interviewing and investigation skills.

• Experience with change management, and…