EMPLOYEE RELATIONS HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER

State of Arizona; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS retirement

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid parental leave

Job summary

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an Employee Relations Human Resources Business Partner to provide leadership, mentoring, coaching and direct supervision of Employee Relations staff. This role supports DDD HR and division managers, advising on performance, discipline, and resolution of issues.

Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in employee relations, a Bachelor’s degree, strong investigative and leadership skills, and the ability to manage confidential information with tact

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in employee relations or related area with increasing responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; substitution by higher degree may be possible.
• Experience conducting investigations, coaching, and advising management on employee relations issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day functions and activities of the Employee Relations unit.
• Lead and conduct scheduled meetings with direct reports.
• Develop standard work documents, handbooks, and tools per AZ Management System (AMS).
• Analyze data and prepare written reports on personnel-related issues.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Mediation

Communication

Research

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Job description

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER

Grade: 25

Closing Date: September 17, 2026

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.

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 that 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. Come join the DES Team!

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an ER HR Business Partner. This position is responsible for providing leadership, mentoring, coaching and direct supervision of Employee Relations (ER) staff and team members.

Job Duties:

• Responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day functions and activities of Employee Relations unit.
• Manage and conduct scheduled meetings with direct reports.
• Develop standard work documents, handbooks and management tools in accordance with AZ Management System (AMS).
• Assist division management by analyzing data and preparing written reports on personnel related issues.
• Provide advice and counsel to division management and employees in the matters of employee’s performance, progressive discipline, employees’ rights and problem resolution.
• Oversee and provide advice, guidance and counsel to Division executive leadership, DDD HR staff, and division managers/supervisors.

Knowledge of:

• Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) regarding Employee Relations.
• DOA rules, policies and procedures DES policies, procedures and guidelines relating to human resources employee relations.
• Employee Relations investigation interviewing techniques and practices.
• EEOC and OEO processes, procedures and guidelines.
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Skill in:

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills Mediation practices.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Researching, fact finding and investigative practices.
• Management and leadership techniques.

Ability to:

• Plan and make independent decisions.
• Be unbiased, objective and thorough when working with employee relations issues.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Selective Preference(s):

• The ideal candidate for this position will have: Seven (7) or more years’ of experience in relevant area with increase responsibility over time, requiring at least two years' specialized experience in area of assignment; Bachelor’s degree in relevant field may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• If this position requires 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 operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference check; 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).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• 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

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.

Job No: 543697
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Categories: Human Resources

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Joseph Deserio at 480-589-4222 or [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 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Advertised: 11 Sep 2026 US Mountain Standard Time

Applications close: 17 Sep 2026 US Mountain Standard Time