Employee Relations Specialist

Overview Utah State University Human Resources invites applications for the position of Employee Relations Specialist. 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! Employee Relations Specialist - This position must maintain strict confidentiality with case information. Responsibilities include the intake and processing of employee relations cases, participating in university investigations, drafting reports and advising on outcomes. Conducts and documents moderate to highly complex assignments where analysis of situations and data requires the review and interpretation of a variety of factors. The Employee Relations Team works collaboratively with other functional areas in Human Resources and the broader university. 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. 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. Responsibilities 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. 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: Aide colleges, divisions, or departments to comply with local, state, and federal employment laws through education and support. Update and maintain HR policies and procedures to support compliance requirements. Support the development and implementation of department employee procedures and guidelines. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Five years of experience in human resources; or a bachelor’s degree plus one year 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 Ethicspoint 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 performance management. Familiarity with HRIS systems and data analysis. Ability to maintain confidentiality required in handling employee related issues. Ability to manage emotionally charged situations professionally. Ability to manage multiple cases or priorities simultaneously, often under deadlines or time pressure. High attention to detail, accurately gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing complex and often contradictory information Operational Decision Making and Impact: Supports the strategic and operational plans of the overall functional area. Work is often expected to be performed independently except for new projects or concepts. Final candidate subject to a criminal background check. As a federal contractor, USU is required to use E-Verify to confirm the work status of individuals assigned to perform substantial work under certain federal contracts/subcontracts Required Documents Along with the online application, please attach: Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”  Answer the following questions within the application:  Are you willing and able to work on-site full-time? Are you willing and able to travel within the State of Utah occasionally (e.g. Once per month)? **Document size may not exceed 10 MB.** Advertised Salary Commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits ADA Employees work indoor