Sr. Employee Relations Advisor

The University of Texas Medical Branch; Gatesville (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) seeks a seasoned Employee Relations professional to advise institutional leadership and HR partners on policy interpretation, disciplinary guidance, and dispute resolution.

You will lead investigations, provide training on employment laws, manage performance processes, and support change initiatives while safeguarding confidential information. This is a full-time role based in Gatesville, TX, with occasional travel between UTMB campuses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent.
• Five years of professional HR experience including two years in Employee Relations.
• PHR or other HR certification within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely advice and guidance to institutional leaders and HR partners on employee relations matters.
• Draft and review disciplinary documents communicating factual basis for actions; advise on grievance and appeals processes.
• Administer and train on HR policies, procedures, and employment laws affecting the work environment.
• Serve as ER expert to HR Business Partners; mentor team members and support professional development.
• Conduct internal investigations; liaise with other departments; recommend actions based on findings.
• Analyze data to identify trends; develop interventions with stakeholders; support change initiatives.
• Manage annual performance evaluation process and calibration activities.
• Facilitate staff reorganizations and reductions in force in partnership with HR Partners.
• Minimize unemployment costs via documentation and hearings; ensure compliance with processes.

Skills

Interpersonal communications

Employee relations

Policy interpretation

Training & coaching

Investigation skills

Data analysis

Project management

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

HRIS

Job description

The mission of Correctional Managed Care is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).

JOB SUMMARY

Provides advanced level consultation, guidance and direction in employee relations to institutional leadership, assigned employees and internal as well as external customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides timely advice, guidance and technical support to institutional leaders in assigned departments.
• Provides guidance to customers regarding employee discipline issues. Drafts and reviews disciplinary documents that accurately communicate the factual information that forms the basis for the disciplinary action. Provides advice and guidance to managers regarding the employee grievance and appeals processes.
• Administers, interprets, communicates and leads training regarding various human resources policies, procedures, federal and state employment laws, and initiatives that impact the work environment to management and employees.
• Serves as the employee relations expert to HR Business Partners and other HR colleagues. Mentors team members and supports their professional development.
• Conducts internal investigations regarding policy violations and disruptive behavior. Serves as liaison to other institutional departments that conduct investigations. Makes appropriate recommendations regarding investigative findings.
• Diagnoses and analyzes root causes of work environment issues. Review and assess data to identify and investigate areas of concerns. Proactively builds interventions and solutions based on collaboration and cooperation with key stakeholders.
• Manages the annual performance evaluation process. Leads post – evaluation calibration activities.
• Facilitates staff reassignments, business unit reorganizations and reductions in force in partnership with HR Business Partners.
• Minimizes unemployment costs by providing accurate and complete documentation and participating in unemployment claim hearings. Analyzes data to identify trends and develop interventions to strengthen internal processes.
• Facilitates communication between employees and management; guides managers and employees on problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure established for department.
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and professional communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills to facilitate managing several projects at one time.
• Strong analytical skills to formulate findings and draw conclusions.
• Strong diagnostic and problem solving skills with ability to provide multiple options for problem resolution.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand the complexities of an academic medical center.
• Strong project management skills.
• Competent use of personal computers and general office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook.
• In - depth knowledge of employee relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of change management principles.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to comprehend business unit goals and objectives, organizational structure, policies, procedures and practices.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and communicate federal and state employment laws; UT System rules and regulations; and UTMB policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal day – to – day supervision while delivering high quality work product.
• Ability to handle and safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to appropriately interact with all levels of individuals within the work environment.
• Ability to manage change and direct the problem-solving process.

EQUIPMENT

Standard office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Standard office environment. Requires periodic travel between UTMB campuses and locations. When visiting other work locations, may be exposed to such occupational hazards, such as communicable diseases, harmful chemicals, and noises, specific to those locations.
• May be required to work within the confines of a prison, jail, or juvenile detention center.
• Security clearance is required; pre-employment drug testing is also required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of professional human resources experience including two (2) years of experience in Employee Relations.
• Salary is commensurate with years of relevant work experience.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or other Human Resources related certification within one (1) year of hire

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Gatesville

Work Locations

CMC HR - Gatesville District

Job

Business, Managerial & FinanceRegular

Employee Status

Team Lead / Technical

Job Level

Day Shift

Job Posting

Nov 6, 2026, 9:21:49 AM