Employee Relations Specialist

City of Norwalk; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norwalk seeks an Employee Relations Specialist to provide confidential guidance on workplace issues, performance concerns, and policy interpretation. You will counsel department heads, manage grievances, and support disciplinary processes within a municipal setting.

You will investigate complaints, maintain secure records, and contribute to training on employee relations and performance management. Strong communication and discretion are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HR management and employee relations in public sector.
• Experience with grievance procedures and disciplinary processes.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years in HR or a Master’s with 2 years in HR or related field.
• SHRM or HRCI certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for employees and supervisors on relations concerns.
• Advise department heads on performance, conduct, and policies.
• Interpret Personnel Rules, Employee Guide, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Investigate employee complaints and assist in resolutions.
• Support disciplinary procedures and grievance handling.
• Promote positive working relationships and retention.
• Maintain confidential employee relations records.
• Develop and deliver training on employee relations and performance management.
• Prepare confidential correspondence and reports.
• Communicate with city officials and stakeholders.

Skills

Employee relations

HR policies

Grievance handling

Discretion/confidentiality

Investigation

Communication

Record keeping

Training delivery

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR/related field

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Position Definition:

Under the general direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Employee Relations Specialist performs complex and confidential employee relations functions involving considerable independent judgment. Provides guidance and support to department heads, supervisors, and employees regarding employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, performance issues, grievances, disciplinary procedures, application of Personnel Rules and Employee Guide, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies. Assists in promoting positive working relationships and consistent, fair, and legally compliant personnel practices throughout the organization.

General Duties

• Serves as a primary point of contact for employees and supervisors regarding employee relations concerns and workplace issues.
• Advises and counsels department heads and supervisors on employee relations matters, including performance, conduct, workplace concerns, and application of City policies and procedures.
• Provides trusted guidance regarding the application and interpretation of Personnel Rules, Employee Guide, collective bargaining agreements, City policies, and applicable employment requirements.
• Addresses sensitive and complex employee relations issues and works collaboratively with Personnel leadership and department management to identify appropriate resolutions.
• Investigates and assists in resolving employee complaints, workplace concerns, grievances, and other employee relations matters.
• Assists departments in addressing employee performance, conduct, and behavioral issues and recommends appropriate courses of action.
• Assists with disciplinary procedures, ensuring consistency and adherence to applicable City policies, Personnel Rules, Employee Guide, collective bargaining agreements, and established procedures.
• Assists with grievance handling and provides guidance to departments regarding grievance procedures and requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Promotes positive working relationships between employees, supervisors, department heads, and employee representatives.
• Supports employee engagement and retention by proactively identifying and addressing workplace concerns, morale, performance, and department-specific needs.
• Provides feedback and recommendations to Personnel leadership regarding employee relations trends, recurring workplace concerns, policy implementation, and training needs.
• Assists with the development and delivery of training related to employee relations, workplace practices, policies, performance management, and other Personnel matters.
• Maintains accurate, detailed, and confidential records relating to employee relations matters, investigations, grievances, disciplinary actions, and related documentation.
• Prepares confidential correspondence, reports, documentation, and other materials related to employee relations matters.
• Communicates with employees, department heads, supervisors, employee representatives, City officials, and other parties regarding employee relations matters.
• Performs special studies, reviews, and projects related to employee relations, workplace practices, employee retention, and personnel policies as assigned.
• Develops and maintains the City’s performance management program and provides guidance and support to departments in its implementation.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Supervised By:

Receives general direction from Chief Human Resources Officer.

Note:

The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources management, particularly employee relations and public sector personnel administration.
• Knowledge of grievance procedures and disciplinary processes.
• Knowledge of municipal government organization and the duties, terminology, subject matter, and requirements of a wide variety of municipal occupations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive and complex employee relations matters.
• Ability to investigate, analyze, and resolve employee relations issues and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to advise and counsel department heads, supervisors, and employees regarding personnel matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential records and documentation.
• Ability to handle multiple complex matters independently and exercise sound judgment in determining appropriate courses of action.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Labor Relations, or a closely related field and four (4) years of professional human resources or employee relations experience; or Master’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of professional human resources or employee relations experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

License or Certificate: SHRM or HRCI certifications, preferred.

This position is NMEA Grade 19

Closing date:

Open until filled.