Job Summary
University Human Resource Management (UHRM) is committed to customer service, efficiency, and ensuring University leaders have the capacity to manage their respective units. This Employee Relations (ER) Specialist will report to an HR Associate Director. The primary focus of the ER Specialist will be employee relations including corrective and disciplinary actions and liability management. The ER Specialist will also be the team’s focal point for processes and procedures related to the annual evaluation process. This ER Specialist will engage in the implementation of employee relations policies and procedures, resolve or escalate complex workplace issues to ensure resolution, consistency, fairness, and legal compliance. They will advise and consult employees on policies, performance management, corrective action, and issue resolution.

This position may be filled as either an Employee Relations Specialist I or II dependent on the hired applicants’ qualifications: Employee Relations Specialist I Requires basic skill set and proficiency. Conducts work assignments as directed. Closely supervised with little latitude for independent judgment. Employee Relations Specialist II Requires moderate skill set and proficiency in discipline. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity, under moderate supervision with some latitude for independent judgment.

This position will be a hybrid position working both remotely and in office. An employee hired into this role will be responsible for providing space, telephone, printing, networking and/or internet capabilities at the telecommute location and agree to the terms of the University of Utah Telecommuting Agreement while working remotely.
Responsibilities
Interprets and applies University of Utah Human Resources policies ( https://regulations.utah.edu/info/policyList.php#humanresources) while providing consultation to University administrators, supervisors, and staff regarding employee relations, staff performance, conduct and behavior, and performance management.
Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, as well as University regulations regarding Human Resource activities.
May perform special projects.
Provides advice and consultation to University administrators and staff regarding HR policies and procedures. Makes recommendations for new policies and policy revisions.
Evaluates and documents HR processes, to ensure process improvement and efficiency.
Recommends modifications regarding existing practices to management and develops, coordinates, and implements changes as needed.
Writes and edits documents in consultation with department managers to ensure University policies, procedures, and best practices are established and followed.
Works closely with other HR teams and stakeholders to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
May cross-train and provide support in other areas as needed (such as ADA/FMLA/Compliance).
Minimum Qualifications
Employee Relations Specialist I
Typically requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) with up to 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree. Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience).

Employee Relations Specialist II
Typically requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience. Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience).
Preferences
Proven experience exercising strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and faculty, both verbally and in writing.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task with demanding time frames.
Must possess ability to work rapidly and accurately with pressure of competing deadlines and frequent interruptions in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.
Skilled in managing sensitive and confidential information.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives.
Strong knowledge of employment laws.