P26/27 Director Of Employee Relations (Syphax)

Human Resources announces an opening for (1.0) Director of Employee Relations with the Department of Human Resources. This is a full-time, in-person, Grade P-17 position.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Directs, oversees, and supervises the full scope of employee relations functions as well as the administration and operation of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Arlington Public Schools. This position ensures that both the Employee Assistance Program and employee relations functions align with best practices, ethical standards, applicable laws, and organizational policies. The Director provides strategic leadership, develops and implements policies and procedures, and advises senior leadership on employee relations and EAP matters. This role serves as a senior advisor to the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and acts as the designee for the Assistant Superintendent as required or assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties performed.)

Directs, oversees, and supervises employer/employee communications, investigations, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to ensure a productive and compliant workplace.

Manages employment law issues, including investigating EEOC, OSHA, harassment, discrimination, and conduct-related complaints. Advises administrators on formal improvement plans, disciplinary actions, grievance procedures, and coordinates with legal counsel for grievances that proceed to fact-finding or the School Board.

Direct the process for providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including evaluating and coordinating accommodations.

Supervises the election of employee representatives for advisory groups, chairs advisory committee meetings, and provides updates on resolving concerns, including devising creative solutions.

Recommends revisions to policies and practices to enhance services for staff, applicants, and constituents, including supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of School Board Policies and Policy Implementation Procedures related to personnel.

Oversees investigations into unemployment claims, including reviewing employee records, performance reviews, and termination documentation. Prepares evidence and documentation for hearings and provides guidance on best practices during hearings.

Administers support services employment processes, oversees the performance evaluation/management program, and ensures the timely execution of department initiatives, strategic planning, and change management processes. 

Responds to inquiries from staff, applicants, and the community on personnel matters. Attends and participates in School Board meetings when required and serves on various committees.

Directs and coordinates a comprehensive wellness program, including pre-employment drug testing, health evaluations, fitness-for-duty assessments, and mental health benefits.

Ensures the execution of the department's strategic goals and timely implementation of change management processes. 

Directs and administers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including overseeing alcohol and drug testing, case management for referrals, and conducting program research. Develops and implements policies and procedures for the EAP, supervises and trains staff, and ensures the program operates effectively, optimizing return on investment and service delivery.

Oversees budget and directs and monitors expenditures of funds, including the negotiation of contracts with vendors providing services to the EAP; ensures the confidentiality of client records.

Directs and conducts program research and surveys of employee groups or departments; analyzes group interaction, morale, and motivation to assess organizational functioning and makes recommendations for improvements; prepares reports on EAP utilization, service delivery, and other topics relating to operational trends and program objectives and accomplishments.

Consults with top management at the schools to discuss and identify program needs and services; provides input on changes to policies and practices; advises and consults on intervention strategies.

Provides problem identification/assessment, short-term problem resolution, referral to outside resources and case management for EAP referrals.

Performs related duties as required or assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of employment law, applicable personnel-related Virginia State and Federal legislation, and the regulations of the Virginia Department of Education.

Comprehensive knowledge of the service programs provided by an Employee Assistance Program.  

Comprehensive knowledge of federal laws as they relate to the frequency and methodology of substance abuse testing for employees in safety-sensitive positions.

Thorough knowledge of the full range of public-school personnel laws, and APS regulations, policies and procedures, with emphasis on the essential functions of responsibility.

Thorough knowledge of the general organization and function of a public school system and organizational mission of a personnel department.

Thorough knowledge of professional ethics required by the work.

Good knowledge of Virginia’s and APS school system employee-employer communication processes.

Ability to conduct professional interviews and to effectively interact with administrators, teachers and classified employees.

Ability to investigate and develop recommendations on grievances, Statements of Position on discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and OSHA complaints.

Ability to establish, develop, and maintain effective professional working relationships with administrators.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to earn and maintain the trust of school and county personnel. 

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to utilize a wide variety of computer technology hardware and software applications. 

Ability to communicate school system personnel policies and policy implementation procedures.

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct varied and extensive major personnel initiatives.  

Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with school district administrative, professional, and staff employees, and employee organizations, and to meet with these individuals to stay abreast of events and issues, focusing on problem identification and resolution, information exchange, and joint cooperation.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing complex reports and making formal oral presentations. 

Good organizational, human relations and communication skills.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a master’s degree or its equivalent in personnel/human resources, personnel law, education or public administration and considerable employee relations, employment law, or school administration experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experiences that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

IPMA, SHRM, CEBS, or a related H.R. certification program is preferred.

SALARY

• Salary range: $130,117 to $213,267 based on the 25/26 pay plan.