Employee Relations Specialist

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to provide hands-on guidance to managers on corrective action and performance management. The role requires evaluating concerns, documenting findings, and ensuring policy consistency across units.

Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing documentation, coaching managers, and coordinating responses in alignment with university policies. Preference for Spanish language skills and prior Workday experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field and two years of experience in employee relations and performance management.
• Experience guiding managers through corrective action and documenting steps.
• Ability to assess conflicting information and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain discretion with sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Guide managers through the corrective action process by drafting, reviewing, and editing documentation.
• Coach managers on documentation expectations and timelines.
• Coordinate timely delivery of documentation to employees.
• Advise managers and employees on performance management and workplace concerns.
• Consult with Legal Affairs and central HR on complex cases.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Discretion

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Tools

Workday

Job description

Employee Relations Specialist

Job Posting Title: Employee Relations Specialist ---- Hiring Department: Office of Human Resources ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: To Be Determined at Offer ---- Earliest Start Date: Ongoing ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: AUSTIN, TX ---- Job Details: General Notes The University's Office of Human Resources serves as a strategic campus partner by providing solutions that attract, engage, develop, and retain employees. Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Purpose This role provides employee relations support across assigned administrative and operational units, with a primary focus on corrective action and performance management. The Specialist provides hands‑on guidance to managers, prepares and reviews documentation, and helps ensure consistent application of university policies and workplace practices. It requires direct experience guiding managers through corrective action processes and the ability to think critically and exercise sound judgment in unpredictable situations.

Responsibilities

• Guide managers through the corrective action process by drafting, reviewing, and editing documentation.
• Coach managers on documentation expectations.
• Coordinate timely delivery to employees.
• Ensure consistency across employee groups.
• Advise managers and employees on performance management, corrective action, and related conduct, attendance, and workplace concerns.
• Assess concerns, gather relevant information, document findings, and recommend next steps consistent with university policies and practice.
• Escalate complex or high‑risk matters to senior HR staff.
• Consult with ADA, Legal Affairs, and offices within central Human Resources on employee relations cases requiring specialized guidance.
• Coordinate responses consistent with university policies and procedures.
• Facilitate employee relations training on workplace expectations, respectful workplace practices, corrective action processes, and performance management.
• Assist with the development of training materials, communications, and employee feedback initiatives.
• Serve as the final level of administrative review for recruitment and compensation actions in Workday, ensuring alignment with established HR practices.
• Manage dual state employment, unemployment claims, and audit reporting for assigned units.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field and two years of experience in employee relations and performance management.
• Experience working directly with managers or leaders on corrective action, including assessing concerns, recommending next steps, and preparing or reviewing documentation.
• Ability to assess incomplete or conflicting information, exercise sound judgment, and explain recommendations clearly in writing and conversation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and client groups, build effective working relationships, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or an organization with a high volume of operational employees and employee relations matters.
• Experience providing employee relations support across multiple units in a centralized or shared services HR model.
• Experience using Workday.
• Fluent in Spanish and able to translate between Spanish and English to provide support to a Spanish speaking employee population.

Salary Range $60,000 - $65,000, depending on qualifications

Work Conditions This role is based in Austin, TX and must be on site three days per week, with an option of working remotely up to two days per week. May change due to business need. Relocation assistance is not available. Work-life balance within a typical 40‑hour work week. Work around standard office conditions.

Employment Eligibility Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world‑changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

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