Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist – Richmond, VA

Austin Community College; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Community College is seeking a Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist in Richmond, VA. Responsibilities include consulting on HR programs, managing employee relations issues, and leading statewide HR teams. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, communicate effectively, and have comprehensive knowledge of HR policies and laws.

This role will also involve developing training programs and policies to enhance HR operations and provide strategic insights to improve program effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead teams and manage projects.
• General knowledge of HR functional areas including compensation, classification, and recruitment.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Skill in developing and interpreting policies.

Responsibilities

• Consult on HR programs including employee relations and benefits administration.
• Lead statewide teams and coordinate HR program administration.
• Develop training and training materials for HR staff.

Skills

Data analysis

Effective communication

Policy design and implementation

Customer service improvement

Project management

Team leadership

Knowledge of HR laws and policies

Conflict resolution

Software proficiency (MS Excel, Access)

Education

Degree in Human Resources, Law, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

MS Access

Job description

Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist - Richmond, VA

Provide consultation on assigned HR programs which may include compensation, classification, talent acquisition, talent outreach, recognition, benefits administration, and employee relations. Serve as the agency expert on assigned program area(s) and propose, create, and maintain all aspects of the assigned program(s) from policy, procedures, and communications to analysis, process improvement, automation, and revision. Provide advanced level professional HR consultation to other HR Consultants, HR Managers, supervisors, and managers.

How you will contribute:

• Consulting: Provide consultation to Human Resource partners, agency leaders, and employees on assigned program area(s). Handle escalated cases as needed. Conduct research and analyze information in order to respond timely to inquiries and provide accurate interpretation of state and VDOT policies.
• Information Requests: Coordinate responses to personnel-related Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, subpoenas, and lawsuits.
• Program Administration: Coordinate, direct and manage assigned program. Ensure adherence to all personnel related federal, state, local laws, and agency policies and procedures. Communicate with leadership, managers and employees on human resources program area(s), policy changes and trends. Perform program analysis to determine effectiveness and adherence to policies or practices associated with assigned program area(s). Determine program guidance and enhancements based on analysis to better align programs to agency mission.
• Program Documentation: Develop and revise policies, procedures and documents related to administering assigned program area(s). Ensure documents meet standards for publication and are posted in the appropriate areas on the intranet. Ensure changes to program documentation or creation of new policies or procedures are communicated to the appropriate audience.
• Statewide Team Leadership: Lead statewide team for assigned area(s) of responsibility. Coordinate meetings to facilitate learning, information sharing, networking and professional development.
• Training: Assess agency learning needs within program area(s). Develop and deliver training to meet the needs of the agency – inclusive of Human Resource training, supervisor and employee training.

What will make you successful:

• Ability to analyze data and reach conclusions which are logical and legally supportable, and counsel and advise managers and employees in the resolution of HR issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
• Ability to design, analyze, implement and revise policies, procedures and programs.
• Ability to develop strategies to improve customer services, program efficiency and effectiveness, and function as a team member with other HR staff.
• Ability to lead teams and studies, manage projects, and analyze the business environment to develop effective solutions linked to business needs.
• Ability to manage projects and lead teams.
• Ability to provide policy and program guidance and oversee HR programs in a geographically diverse, decentralized, matrix organization.
• General knowledge across other core functional areas within HR including but not limited to compensation, classification, recruitment, selection, and benefits programs.
• Knowledge of federal and state HR laws and policies and the ability to interpret and apply them in the workplace.
• Knowledge of the administration of the Commonwealth's grievance procedure and standards of conduct.
• Skill in developing and implementing programs and interpreting existing policies.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications including MS Excel, Access, and HCM applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to lead teams, studies, manage projects, and analyze the business environment to develop effective solutions linked to business needs.
• Ability to provide policy and program guidance, oversee HR programs in a geographically diverse, decentralized and matrix organization.
• General knowledge across other core functional areas within HR including but not limited to compensation, classification, recruitment, selection, and benefits programs.
• Knowledge of federal, state employment laws, policies, procedures with the ability to interpret and apply them in the workplace.
• Knowledge of the administration of the Commonwealth's grievance procedure and standards of conduct.
• Skill in developing and implementing programs and interpreting existing policies.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications including MS Excel and Access.

Additional Considerations:

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Law, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Conflict Resolution, or related field desired.
• Experience in Human Resources working as a technical expert in employee relations field.
• Experience in complex employee relations such as ADAAA cases and sensitive investigations.
• Experience in managing complex employee relations involving federal and state policy and law.