Human Resources Consultant (Employee Relations Investigator)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field plus four (4) years of human resources experience in the human resources specialty assigned.
• Experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education up to a maximum of four (4) years substitution.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None.

Notes to Applicants

The Human Resources Department works to position the City of Austin as an employer of choice through balanced, efficient and collaborative strategic partnerships. We support and develop a high performing and diverse workforce that fosters a healthy, safe, respectful, and productive work environment for employees and their families, City departments, and the community.

Position Overview:
The position's primary task will be conducting employee relations investigations related to allegations of workplace policy violations.

As a lead investigator, the position will be expected to carry a full investigation caseload. We are seeking applicants that have strong lead experience conducting workplace investigations. To flourish in the position, this individual will need innovative ambition and passion for customer service, purposefully aimed at maximizing available sources to gather information needed to understand ambiguous, complex, and sensitive situations.

This position will: Identify investigation scope, sources, and investigative actions; Plan, schedule, and conduct effective interviews of complainants, respondents, and witnesses; Gather and review relevant evidence and records; Analyze information and evidence collected from witnesses and reach timely and unbiased conclusions and findings; Prepare and maintain accurate logs, complete reports, and other documentation relating to investigations; Maintain confidentiality and organization of files of investigations conducted and information received.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed, complete City of Austin application is required for the position to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each of your positions, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position, including your supervisory and/or leadership experience, if applicable. This is the criteria that will be used to select candidates for interview, and the starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience.

If you are selected to interview: If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, to include High School graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Additional Information:

Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience as a lead ER investigator, carrying a full investigation caseload, creating investigation records, plans, and reports.
• Experience quickly learning and applying company policy, internal HR investigation procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
• Trained or certified in mediation and/or alternate dispute resolution techniques, Labor and Employment Law, and experience responding to EEOC charges.
• PHR or SPHR Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Plans, designs, develop, implements, and evaluate major human resources programs within the area of specialization for city wide use.

Provides advice and counsel to management and other employee groups on a broad range of human resources issues and decisions within the area of specialization.

Identifies, analyze, and recommends solutions for various human resources problems within the area of specialization, monitoring implementation of agreed upon actions until the problem has been resolved.

Advise and influence management in making sound human resources related decisions within the area of specialization.

Analyze morale indicators and other personnel measurements such as but not limited to surveys, turnover, and grievances, and present recommendations within the area of specialization for corrective action programs.

Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, including reporting requirements.

Conducts training to departments in changes in policies, personnel procedures and classification programs.

Observes, interviews, and survey employees and conduct group meetings to collect job, organizational, and occupational information.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provide leadership for groups including other professionals and support staff in the area of specialization.
• May manage entire program or programs.
• Periodically act as a team leader to special task forces or teams.
• Provide direction and/or guidance to less experienced human resources personnel.
• Provide training to managers and others on human resources issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of assigned human resources areas.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in using computers, related software and large databases.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing..
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to mentor and train.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned Human Resources areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with other city employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.