Employee Relations Specialist

Work Location: 5213 4th Avenue Circle East, Bradenton, Florida 34208

Provides comprehensive support in the coordination and implementation of employee relations and employee engagement initiatives for Manatee County Government. Responsible for assisting with matters related to employee relations, such as disciplinary procedures, EEOC reporting, and compliance, while also supporting county-wide programs that promote a positive and engaged workforce. Leads or supports initiatives including the internship program, volunteer coordination, employee recognition programs, and end-of-year reward and appreciation ceremonies.

Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Occasional high stress situations, particularly when addressing employee disputes or complaints. Occasional work outside standard business hours may be required for events or pressing HR matters.

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Assists with the administration of employee relations programs, including disciplinary procedures, reasonable accommodation requests, EEOC reporting, unemployment compensation, and maintenance of employee records.

Serves as a resource to managers and employees by providing guidance on workplace policies, conflict resolution, and performance concerns.

Conducts impartial investigations into employee complaints, workplace misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and policy violations; interviews witness, collects evidence, and prepares investigative summaries with findings and recommendations. Escalates sensitive or complex matters to HR management.

Prepares clear, concise, and legally sound reports, letters, and memoranda related to employee relations matters; presents findings to department leadership and Human Resources management.

Supports the County’s progressive discipline process. Works with management on disciplinary actions and coordinates related documentation, hearings, and follow-up activities.

Maintains detailed and confidential case documentation and investigative files in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring compliance with public records retention and access laws.

Processes public records requests related to employee relations matters in compliance with Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the County’s Records Division regulations, ensuring timely and accurate release of non-exempt materials.

Advises supervisors, managers, and department heads on appropriate disciplinary actions, grievance responses, and performance management strategies, ensuring alignment with County policy and applicable employment laws.

Assists in drafting, reviewing, and updating personnel policies, procedures, and HR guidelines related to workplace conduct, discipline, and grievance handling.

Tracks and analyzes trends in employee relations cases, prepares metrics and dashboards, and recommends policy or training interventions to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.

Represents the Human Resources Department in a professional and proactive manner. Maintains strict confidentiality and uses sound judgment in all communications and interactions.

Remains current on trends and best practices in employee relations, engagement, and employment law. Participates in relevant training and professional development opportunities, as approved.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Area of Assignment: Employee Engagement
In addition to core employee relations duties, this position is assigned specific responsibilities in support of employee engagement across the organization:

Internship Program
Plans, coordinates, and manages the County’s Summer Internship Program from inception to completion. Develops program goals, timelines, and structure to align with organizational workforce development objectives. Coordinates with County departments to identify intern placement opportunities, intern position descriptions, and oversees the recruitment, selection, and onboarding process in partnership with Talent Acquisition.

Serves as primary point of contact for interns, mentors, and stakeholders throughout the Program. Develops and delivers orientation sessions, training modules, and engagement activities to support intern development and ensure a positive program experience. Monitors intern performance, tracks progress, resolves issues, and ensures compliance with County policies, employment laws, and budgetary guidelines.

Collects and analyzes program feedback, conducts evaluations, and prepares end-of-program reports with recommendations for improvement. Maintains accurate records and documentation for audit and reporting purposes. Represents the County at career fairs and outreach events to promote future intern participation and public service careers.

Volunteer Program
Oversees the County’s Volunteers In Action (ViA) Program by coordinating all aspects of volunteer engagement across departments. Ensures all external volunteers complete required onboarding processes, including criminal background checks and orientation, in compliance with County policy and risk management standards.

Matches volunteers with appropriate assignments based on interests, skills, and departmental needs.

Provides ongoing support to volunteers and department volunteer coordinators, resolving issues and promoting a positive volunteer experience.

Maintains up-to-date volunteer records and certification requirements, including hours tracking, compliance documentation, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

Administers and monitors eligibility for recognition programs, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and ensures qualifying volunteers are nominated and recognized annually.

Develops and implements program improvements, outreach strategies, and partnerships to expand volunteer participation and promote civic engagement.

Team Member Award and Incentive Program
Serves as Program Coordinator for the County’s Team Member Award and Incentive Program. Participates actively on the Team Member Recognition Committee, contributing to the development and execution of recognition initiatives that align with County values and workforce engagement goals. Promotes program awareness across departments through internal communication channels, presentations, and outreach activities.

Coordinates all aspects of the award process, including nomination collection, eligibility verification, award selection logistics, and event planning. Procures recognition items, incentives, and awards in compliance with County purchasing policies and budgetary guidelines.

Maintains accurate records of award recipients, expenditures, and program participation data for reporting and auditing purposes.

Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends enhancements to ensure continued impact, inclusivity, and alignment with employee engagement strategies.

Annual Ceremonies
Plans, organizes, and executes the County’s annual recognition banquets, including Team Member Recognition Banquets for award recipients and service milestones, as well as Volunteer Recognition Banquets for individuals achieving volunteer hour milestones.

Coordinates event logistics including venue selection, catering, audio/visual needs, event schedules, guest lists, and seating arrangements in alignment with County policies and budgetary guidelines.

Prepares event materials such as programs, name badges, certificates, and presentations.

Oversees the procurement, inventory, and distribution of awards, gifts, and recognitions for honorees.

Maintains accurate records of eligible recipients and coordinates formal invitations, RSVP tracking, and post-event documentation.

Evaluates event effectiveness and recommends improvements to enhance the recognition experience and support employee and volunteer engagement goals.

Engagement Initiatives
Coordinates employee engagement initiatives by developing and promoting programs and events that foster a positive workplace culture. Communicates regularly with employees through established channels to raise awareness of engagement opportunities, activities, and wellness-related initiatives.

Curates and maintains a catalog of employee discounts by establishing partnerships with local businesses and organizations; ensures the employee discount website is current, accessible, and accurately reflects available offers.

Serves as a liaison with community partners such as the Bradenton Marauders, United Way, and other civic organizations to coordinate employee participation in sponsored events, volunteer opportunities, and campaigns.

Tracks participation metrics, gathers feedback, and evaluates the effectiveness of engagement initiatives. Recommends enhancements that align with organizational values and employee satisfaction goals.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, or related field.

Three (3) or more years of experience in human resources.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Previous experience in employee/labor relations desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to analyze and resolve difficult situations and problems.

Good knowledge and understanding of the general principles and practices of human resources.

Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties, including FLSA, EEOC, unemployment, and records retention.

Good knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties, including HRIS and enterprise document management systems.

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, and other stakeholders. Able to explain facts, policies, and practices.

Able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Capable of working independently with general supervision.

Veterans Preference 

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities 

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.