Employee Relations Investigator - Human Resources (HR)

State of South Carolina; Cayce (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

State of South Carolina's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) in Cayce seeks an Employee Relations Investigator to conduct timely, thorough investigations into harassment, discrimination, and other workplace concerns, ensuring impartial and compliant processes.

You will interview stakeholders, draft detailed reports, provide recommendations, and collaborate with HR leadership and legal counsel while maintaining neutrality and confidentiality across a statewide

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and employee relations experience.
• Workplace investigation methodology and best practices.
• Employment laws and workplace conduct standards, State HR policies and employee grievance/appeal processes.
• Interview techniques and evidence evaluation.
• Strong investigative interviewing and report writing skills.
• Maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Manage high-volume caseloads and strict deadlines.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Travel may be required to different facilities and/or hospitals throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Conduct employee relations investigations involving harassment and hostile work environment allegations, discrimination complaints, retaliation allegations, misconduct and ethics violations, workplace violence concerns, bullying and unprofessional conduct, or violations of agency policy or standards of conduct.
• Plan and execute investigations in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Conduct professional interviews of complainants, respondents, supervisors, and witnesses; prepare written interview summaries and obtain signed statements.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports that summarize allegations, methodology, evidence reviewed, findings, and conclusions; present findings to HR leadership, legal counsel, and agency management; provide recommendations related to corrective action, policy clarification, training needs, or process improvements.
• Assist with identifying employee relations risks and developing proactive strategies to reduce agency liability; make recommendations to management on corrective action plans based on case findings.

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our growing human resources team where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community through our employees. As the largest SC state agency, we are seeking experienced HR professionals as Employee Relations Investigators to ensure workplace investigations are conducted with integrity, impartiality, and full legal compliance, protecting the rights of our employees and the organization. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient workforce, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway Cayce, SC 29033.

As an Employee Relations Investigator, you will be responsible for conducting timely, thorough, and impartial investigations related to employee misconduct and workplace complaints, and investigating allegations including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, workplace violence, policy violations, ethics violations, and other employee relations matters.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct employee relations investigations involving harassment and hostile work environment allegations, discrimination complaints, retaliation allegations, misconduct and ethics violations, workplace violence concerns, bullying and unprofessional conduct, or violations of agency policy or standards of conduct. Plan and execute investigations in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Conduct professional interviews of complainants, respondents. supervisors, and witnesses. Prepare written interview summaries and obtain signed statements as required.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports that summarize allegations, methodology, evidence reviewed, findings, and conclusions. Present findings to HR leadership, legal counsel, and agency management as needed. Provide recommendations related to corrective action, policy clarification, training needs, or process improvements (as appropriate).
• Assist with identifying employee relations risks and developing proactive strategies to reduce agency liability. Make recommendations to management on corrective action plans based on employee relations case trends and findings.
• Assist with the preparation of documentation for grievances, appeals. administrative hearings, and/or litigation sup*rt. Coordinates with SC Human Affairs Commission (SHAQ, EEOC general counsel, law enforcement, or the Office of Inspector General when appropriate.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and employee relations experience.

Additional Requirements

• Workplace investigation methodology and best practices.
• Employment laws and workplace conduct standards, State HR policies and employee grievance/appeal processes.
• Interview techniques and evidence evaluation.
• Strong investigative interviewing and report writing skills.
• Maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism. Handle emotionally charged situations with tact and control.
• Manage high-volume caseloads and strict deadlines.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Travel may be required to different facilities and/or hospitals throughout the state.

Post Hire, Employee Must Have

• Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the agency.
• Knowledge of federal laws and state regulations affecting human resources management.
• Knowledge of management and organizational concepts.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• The ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively.
• The ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures.
• Specialized knowledge and skills related to employee relations and operate under limited supervision and have decision-making authority within established policies and guidelines.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
• 60004932, 60007671, 60011055

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.