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HR Employee Relations Specialist

Employer
The University of Georgia
Location
Athens Area
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Job Details

Posting Number:

S12439P

Working Title:

HR Employee Relations Specialist

Department:

Auxiliary Human Resources

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

College/Unit/Department website:

auxiliary.uga.edu

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

This position offers a 40 hour work week.
Typical schedule is 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday-Friday.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date:

07/29/2024

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

08/12/2024

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title:

HR/EEO/OD Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Position Summary:

We are looking for an experienced Employee Relations professional who will be responsible for managing and maintaining positive relationships between our division and its employees. In this position, you will be expected to assist with developing and implementing employee relations policies and procedures, handle employee grievances, and provide guidance and support to managers and employees on HR-related matters. Your role will be critical in ensuring a productive and engaged workforce, and we are looking for someone who is passionate about creating a positive work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

  • Proven work experience as an Employee Relations Specialist or similar role
  • Excellent knowledge of employment laws and regulations
  • Experience in conflict resolution and mediation
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to handle confidential information
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
  • Experience in employee engagement and retention strategies
  • Ability to analyze data and provide insights for improvement
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills

Physical Demands:

Frequent sitting is common but this position will involve standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing and pulling depending on the work to be accomplished.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

No

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Assist with Development and implementation of employee relations policies and procedures
    • Serve as a liaison to Human Resources Director for departmental policies, procedures and processes.
    • Interpret and apply HR policies and procedures as necessary.
    • Administer departmental protocols and best practices, ensuring that department rules, policies, practices and programs meet legal/regulatory standards and are in compliance with University of Georgia policies; recommend new policies or changes to existing policies.
    • A resource for employees for resolving workplace issues.
    • Evaluate and respond to Human Resource issues and when appropriate consult with Human Resources Director, collegiate, division, or refers the individual to other campus resources.
  • Collaborate with HR and Workforce Engagement to ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations and University Policies

Percentage of time:

34

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on employee relations issues
    • Serves as internal consultant for facilitating workplace inquiries/concerns within the division, working in conjunction with (centralized) University HR Workforce Engagement, EOO, Legal Affairs, and other offices as necessary to ensure issues are resolved. This includes, but is not limited to: supervisor/subordinate and peer to peer relationships, progressive discipline process; provides feedback and interpretation of policy/process/procedures.
    • Conduct disciplinary meetings, mediation, consultations, disputes, conflict resolutions and guide the disciplinary termination process.
    • Complete requests and follow-up correspondents in a timely manner.
    • Submit requested documentation to Central HR Liaison as requested.
    • Submit ongoing Worker’s Compensation documentation to the DOAS Case Managers.
    • Assess and anticipate Employee Relations-related needs.
  • Investigate and resolve employee complaints and grievances
  • Monitor and analyze employee relations trends and recommend proactive measures to address issues
  • Assist with managing employee discipline and performance improvement processes

Percentage of time:

33

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop and conduct employee relations training programs
  • Partner with HR and business leaders to develop and execute employee engagement initiatives
    • Create opportunities for employee engagement, including but not limited to: thoughtful communications to explain company actions, engagement surveys, and systematic programming aimed at employee engagement.

Percentage of time:

33

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Donna Francis

Recruitment Contact Email:

donna.francis@uga.edu

Organization

The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest and most comprehensive institution of higher education. Founded in 1785, it is the birthplace of public higher education in America.

Today, UGA enrolls more than 40,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The main campus has 460 buildings on 767 acres of land. The total acreage of UGA in 30 Georgia counties is 41,539. UGA has 18 colleges and schools, which include Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Ecology, Education, Engineering, Environment and Design, Family and Consumer Sciences, Forestry and Natural Resources, Graduate School, Journalism and Mass Communication, Law, Pharmacy, Public Health, Public and International Affairs, Social Work, Veterinary Medicine, and the Honors College. It offers 24 baccalaureate degrees in more than 140 fields; 33 master’s degrees in 144 fields; 8 educational specialist degrees; four doctoral degrees in 99 areas; professional degrees in law, pharmacy and veterinary medicine; and more than 170 study-abroad and exchange programs. UGA Libraries rank among the nation’s best research libraries and contain a total of 5.3 million volumes and one of nation’s largest map collections. The university has had 25 recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, making it one of the nation’s top Rhodes producers among public universities. UGA is home of the Peabody Awards, presented annually for distinguished achievement and meritorious public service for television, podcast/radio, and digital media. It also is home of Georgia’s State Botanical Garden, state Museum of Art and State Museum of Natural History. Additionally, UGA has one of the largest and most comprehensive public service and outreach programs conducted by an American educational institution.

Company info
Telephone
706-542-3000
Location
215 S. Jackson St.
Athens
Georgia
30602
US

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