Employee Relations Consultant

The Agency's mission is to be boldly innovative in improving the health and quality of life for South Carolinians.

Location: Human Resources, Richland County. This is an in-office role and not a telecommute or remote position.

We are looking for an Employee Relations Consultant who investigates and researches complaints of discrimination, harassment, grievances and other employment issues or conflicts. Complaints may arise from employees, management, federal/state agency inquiries and concerns from the public. Follows up in a timely manner with all parties and works towards finding solutions to resolve issues. Disseminates appropriate information to employees and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary.

Counsels and advises managers and employees to resolve problems; properly documents all investigations and actions. Researches issues, formulates policy alternatives and proposes strategies to improve the effectiveness of human resources management in state government. Have specialized knowledge and skills related to employee relations and operate under limited supervision from Employee Relations Manager and have limited decision‑making authority within guidance and established policies and guidelines.

• Coaching/consulting in employee relations process and procedures to ensure consistency. Consults with managers, employees and executive staff on employee grievance, progressive discipline, Employee Performance Management System (performance appraisal), supervisory best practices, anti‑discrimination, anti‑harassment, code of conduct, etc. This includes researching and interpreting human resources and labor rules, regulations, policies and legislation. Conducts internal investigations to determine best steps for conflict resolution at the lowest administrative remedy.
  
  Provides managers the documentation for unemployment claims, grievance, appeal, general/formal complaints, discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), State Human Affairs Commission (SHAC) and any other employee related complaints. Tracks, monitors and provides status reports and measures on the Department’s activities.
• Conducts new employee orientation for temporary workers as needed. Ensures all presentations are up to date. Responsible for communicating agency policies to temporary workers. Coordinates hiring contract personnel and temporary workers. Maintains the state temporary worker system relationships with temporary agencies, filing system for temporary workers, and temporary personnel spreadsheets. Serves as the Employee Relations Liaison for Employee Relations matters concerning temporary workers.
• Consults with managers, employees, supervisors and executive staff on Employee Performance Management System questions, and due dates for performance reviews. Tracks, monitors and provides status reports and measures the Department activities.
• Interprets documents and communicates internal policies and procedures and State Human Resources regulations related to human resource management. Conducts relevant research of Human Resources policies, procedures, practices and trends. Identifies policy changes and best practices and provides feedback and input on HR policy for the Department. Stays abreast of changes in state and federal regulations and statutes and common law practices pertaining to human resource policies and procedures and ensures changes are communicated within the HR team.
• Conducts Neo Gov Performance Training for Supervisors and Managers. Stays abreast of changing landscape as it related to Human Resources. Attends professional development courses, conferences, or webinars. Travels throughout the state to conduct onsite Employee Relations training.
• Responsible for assisting in managing the Department's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Coordinates EAP assistance visits for offices that may have experienced a traumatic event, such as a death or violent incident, or for team building purposes. Coordinates EAP classes for employees that may require additional training due to disciplinary action.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The South Carolina…