Employee Relations Specialist

Definition:  Under general direction of the Employee Services Manager, performs professional level work in handling varied aspects of the employee relation (ER) function.  Maintains high levels of confidentiality and ethical standards and provides exemplary customer service.  Interprets policy and advises employees on policies, practices, procedures and activities to ensure compliance.  Provides administrative support to the Employee Services Division based on operational needs and program requirements.  Coordinates division programs and schedules activities.  Assists with training programs, New Employee Orientation (NEO), employee exit interviews and employee investigations.   Develops materials, documents, reports and other employee relations related material.  This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt.
 
Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Tasks:

1. Employee Relations Operations:  Partners with employees and management to communicate various human resources and employee relations related policies, procedures, practices, law, standards and regulations.

• Responds appropriately to employee relations issues such as employee complaints and allegations, keeping employee services manager appraised of ER activities.
• Schedules meetings, interviews, investigations, appeal hearings, and other division activities as needed.
• Assists in the identification of employee relations issues and takes appropriate actions to address and resolve those issues.
• Assists the Employee Services Manager and HR Director with the processing of employee disciplinary actions.
• Assists with various research projects or special projects as assigned.
• Assists with the employee relations budget.
• Assists and/or prepares correspondence as needed.

• Assists with the preparation of other presentations as assigned.
• Stays abreast of key changes e.g. relevant laws, legal action within Indian Country, etc within the industry and proactively communicates findings to employee services manager and HR director.

• Coordinates and conducts the employee exit interviews, tracks and reports metrics to employee services manager.
• Conducts new hire orientation meetings as assigned.
• Assists in the preparation of employee relations materials regarding policies and procedures, compensation, employee benefits, employee issues, etc.
• Provides instruction and assistance to departments in their preparation of employee performance reviews.

• Participates in department and community work groups, committees or other employee groups.

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of the SRPMIC policies, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of employee relations programs and employment law.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of training, education and communications.
• Knowledge of human resource concepts, practices and principles.
• Knowledge of dispute resolution and investigative techniques.
• Skill operating a personal computer including MS Office applications.

• Skill with written and verbal communications.

• Skill maintaining effective working relationships with employees and managers.
• Skill responding effectively to sensitive inquiries or employee complaints.
• Skill maintaining confidentiality on all work matters.
• Skill organizing and prioritizing work.
• Skill exercising discretion and fairness.
• Ability to work independently and display creativity, exercise sound judgment and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to research and analyze various types of data and information.
• Ability to write articles, brochures, collateral material and newsletters based on a wide variety of subjects.
• Ability to make effective presentations to employees and on human resources and employee relations related topics.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and identify trends in workplace activities.
• Ability to effectively resolve employee problems or issues consistent with SRPMIC procedures, practices and policy.
• Ability to adapt procedures to provide uniform service to all customers, in all job situations.
• Ability to work cooperatively, courteously, but firmly with employees and all segments of the public.

Qualifications:

• Education:  Graduation from High School or a GED equivalent.
  • For enrolled Community Members without a GED, must obtain a GED within the probationary period.  Requires participation in the HR GED Program and successful completion of the Arizona state certified exam in order to continue employment with SRPMIC.
  • An Associate’s degree is preferred.

• Experience:  2 years experience in a closely related field required.  Experience in Human Resources and/or Employee Relations preferred.

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.