EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (ER) SPECIALIST

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

ASRS retirement

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Deferred compensation

Wellness plans

Tuition reimbursement

Infant at Work

Transit subsidies

Career development

Job summary

The State of Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES) seeks an Employee Relations Specialist for the Division of Developmental Disabilities in Phoenix. The ER Specialist provides guidance on ER, operations, and Talent Acquisition policies, acts as a confidential resource, and analyzes complex HR issues with recommendations.

Responsibilities include front-line ER support, on-site investigations, handling employee complaints, and advising staff and management on HR issues while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two years as an Intermediate HR Analyst or five years of equivalent HR experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line support in the prevention, investigation, resolution, and referral of ER problems with recommended actions.
• Conduct on-site internal investigations and prepare comprehensive reports with findings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Time management

HR systems

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or closely related field

Tools

Google

AZ360

Case management software

Performance management software

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (ER) SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $53,300.11 – $60,000.00 Annually

Grade: 22

Closing Date:October 25, 2026

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video.

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations (ER) Specialist. This position will be responsible for the communication, guidance and education of core and common Employee Relations, Operations, Human Resource policies, as well as possess a working knowledge of Talent Acquisition. This position acts as an independent, confidential resource providing analysis of facts, conclusions and recommendations as appropriate researching and evaluating complex and sensitive human resource related issues/cases, recommends solutions or best practices.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing front-line support in the prevention, investigation, resolution, and referral of ER problems, recommends or takes appropriate actions to address concerns as needed.
• Conducting on-site internal investigations often involving complex employment matters and prepare comprehensive investigation reports with recommended findings.
• Investigating employee, management and or applicant complaints/issues and problems to allegations of unequal treatment, discrimination, harassment and other violations of federal and state laws regarding human resources personnel policy, program guidelines and records.
• Delivering counsel and assistance to staff and all levels of management on ER issues.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to Human Resources.
• Arizona Department of Administration Personnel Rules, American with Disabilities Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
• Current principles, practices and methods used in the administration of an HR program to include: Employee Relations, Operations, Talent Acquisition and Classification & Compensation.
• Administrative investigative techniques, interviewing techniques, and report writing/formatting.

Skilled in:

• Cultivating interpersonal relationships, establishing, and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of staff and various levels of management, other state agencies, community resources, vendors, and the public.
• Researching, collecting, and analyzing data and reports.
• Effective oral and written communication, public speaking, investigative and interviewing techniques.
• Establishing priorities and time management among conflicting needs.
• Google, AZ360, Case Management software, Performance Management software and various software to monitor and track Human Resources actions.

Ability to:

• Analyze specific problem situations and determine acceptable solutions within the framework of laws, rules, and regulations.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Collect and analyze data and report information, negotiate and apply reason persuasively to resolve employee relations issues.
• Monitor, track and follow-up on action items and make independent decisions, while maintaining confidentiality.
• Work autonomously and as a team.
• Interact with integrity and a high level of professionalism with all levels of staff and management.

Selective Preference(s):

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or closely related field and two (2) years as an Intermediate Human Resources Analyst or Five (5) years of equivalent experience at a human resources intermediate level.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us at 480.589.4222 or email [e-mail].

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480.589.4222. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.