Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist-Senior Administrative Analyst-Human Resources

Howard County Government; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative government organization dedicated to promoting a positive workplace culture. As a Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist, you will play a crucial role in conducting thorough investigations, addressing employee relations matters, and developing impactful workforce policies. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams and make a significant difference in the community. If you are passionate about fostering a supportive environment and driving excellence in operations, this role is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to be part of a highly regarded team that values your input and encourages your growth.

Benefits

Medical Benefits

Retirement Plans

Wellness Programs

Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of related experience required.
• Experience in HR and conducting workplace investigations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into employee concerns and misconduct.
• Develop and implement workforce policies and training programs.
• Advise managers on performance management and compliance.

Skills

Human Resources Management

Workplace Investigations

Report Writing

Policy Development

Communication Skills

Project Management

Critical Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Howard.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

1. We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
2. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard but it will be encouraged!
3. We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
4. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

For best consideration, candidates are requested to attach a sample of an employee relations matter you have handled and a policy you helped to develop and implement in the workforce.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Employee Relations & Investigations Specialist plays a vital role in promoting a positive workplace culture. This position focuses on conducting thorough investigations, addressing employee relations matters, and developing innovative workforce policies and training programs. You will provide expert guidance on labor and employment matters across multiple departments, ensuring compliance with laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

Key Highlights of the Role:

1. Conduct impartial investigations into employee concerns, including misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and other workplace issues.
2. Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, providing guidance on performance management, employee relations, and policy compliance.
3. Lead the development and implementation of innovative policies and training initiatives to enhance workforce engagement and productivity.
4. Work collaboratively with union representatives to address and resolve employment matters.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs advanced professional level administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes the analysis and coordination of complex administrative matters; researching, reviewing, and analyzing legislative, budget, personnel, purchasing and policy issues; and supervising one or more major functional office programs or activities.

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Senior Employee Relations Specialist/Investigator:

Under general direction, assists with the administration and oversight of human resources policies, programs, and services.

The position functions as a subject matter expert to multiple departments with a focus on labor relations/investigations and a range of other employment matters. Duties may include a combination of assignments to support county operations.

Conducts impartial investigations of complaints of employee misconduct, work complaints, or other employee concerns, including for example, complaints based on violation of County regulation and policies, allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected class status, retaliation, workplace violence, and misuse of County property.

Analyzes allegations of the complaint and researches applicable regulations and policies associated with those complaints to identify the appropriate violation(s) to investigate.

Develops an investigation plan and researches background information related to the complainant, respondent, witnesses, and other related parties. Provides notifications of the investigation to appropriate parties, including respondents, witnesses, and applicable unions.

Documents the findings of the investigation process in a timely fashion by preparing an investigation report for formal investigations and other fact-finding reports, position statements, and case files. Conduct telephone, in-person, or video interviews, and assists with responses to requests for information or interrogatories; Prepare timely investigation reports and other fact-finding reports, position statements, and case files.

Addresses employee relations issues, such as misconduct, work complaints, or other employee concerns. This may also include review, analysis and making recommendations on a variety of formal and informal actions proposed by all levels of management.

Reviews issues to ensure consistent and clear guidance on the application of organizational policies, County Code and collective bargaining agreements.

Investigates, gathers and analyzes information to ensure that employment actions comply with established policies, HR laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Counsels managers/employees on variety of employment matters and actions including but not limited to application of policies, hiring and promotional actions, performance management, coaching, disciplinary reviews, etc.

Analyzes complaints, conducts a wide variety of investigations, and provides recommendations to management for the handling of formal and informal complaints.

Analyzes, researches, provides recommendations, and drafts new policies or updates existing policies on a variety of employment, organizational, and programmatic issues in compliance with evolving and current laws and organizational standards. Provides training to managers and employees on best practices and County policy.

Prepares written communications, attends meetings, and develops other presentations on employee/management matters. Researches data and HR trends to ensure programs meet best practices, remain current, and reflect workforce needs.

Attends hearings and participates as a witness as needed.

Works with bargaining unit representatives to address employment concerns.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Human Resources related experience.
2. Previous experience conducting workplace investigations.
3. Demonstrated investigation and report writing experience.
4. Demonstrated experience with development, revision, and implementation of policy for an organization’s workforce.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of Title VII and employment-related laws, rules, and regulations to provide comprehensive analysis of case assignments.
6. Excellent written communication skills to include proven ability to communicate effectively through e-mail, in-person, and oral presentations.
7. Good project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases at once.
8. Proven ability to show initiative, assertiveness, and resourcefulness to address customer needs.
9. Ability to be dependable, accountable, and successfully perform in a telework and independent investigator environment with limited supervision when needed.
10. Ability to practice initiative, balanced with appropriate judgment to update or consult with management or supervisors when needed.
11. Demonstrated experience performing complex professional human resources functions which includes participation with management to develop legally defensible policies and procedures.
12. Experience advising, counseling, and training supervisors and management in employee performance and employee relations matters.
13. Critical thinking skills, a strong work ethic, solid organizational and time management skills, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to sudden changes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand;