Employee Relations Manager

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Employee Relations Manager formulates partnerships with various County departments by providing day-to-day guidance on leave administration, performance management, grievances, complaints and conducts investigations alleging the non-compliance of laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, age, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and genetics, harassment, sexual harassment and retaliation. The Employee Relations Manager also facilitates dispute resolution and provides guidance regarding disciplinary actions, and policy interpretations to executive staff, management, and employees.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides Subject Matter Expert (SME) consultation, policy interpretation and support to County departments to ensure compliance with all county-wide and inter-departmental policies and procedures and state/federal laws including, but not limited to, ADA, PDA, EPA, EEOC, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, PWFA, and USERRA. Conduct annual reviews to draft and amend countywide policies and procedures.
• Serves as the Lead Investigator for all Title VI, VII, and Fraud, Waste and Abuse complaints for Harris County, responsible for the ownership and execution of investigations into workplace complaints. Investigates workplace complaints with a heavy focus on cases of alleged discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment and harassment.
• Responsible for creating investigation plans, interviewing all parties of interests and reviewing and analyzing evidence.
• Responsible for drafting investigative findings and recommendations by applying knowledge of County policies and applicable laws.
• Collaborates with the Harris County Attorney’s Office to discuss County policies, procedures and Title VI and VII violations and allegations to evaluate and mitigate legal and financial risks.
• Collaborates with departments to mitigate conflict and facilitate mediations.
• Maintains a complete and thorough case log of all complaints filed throughout the County.
• Serves as an alternate Civil Rights Officer, alternate County Grievance Coordinator, and Whistleblower Grievance Coordinator, which includes conducting investigations, drafting investigative findings and providing recommendations while applying knowledge of County policies and applicable laws.
• Maintains a complete and thorough case log of all complaints filed throughout the County. Also serves as a Department Grievance Coordinator for the Human Resources Department.
• Consults managers in their communications, feedback, and engagement responsibilities with employees as they relate to employee training, development, policies and procedures, performance management, and progressive discipline.
• Collaborates with other Employee Relations peers throughout the County, including Managers and Executive Staff, to formulate partnerships to promote a positive culture and workplace for all employees.
• Provides effective leadership, direction, supervision and development to Human Resources Business Partners.
• Conducts biweekly training to Harris County employees on all countywide policies and procedures. Conducts and facilitates anti-harassment and non-discrimination training for Harris County employees.
• Oversees the Quarantine Leave, Sick Leave Pool, Paid Parental and Infant Sick Leave administration, which includes reviewing and approving all countywide requests and provides consultative support for FMLA request and other leaves of absence.
• Generates the EEO Plan and EEO Utilization Report for the County in accordance with federal law requirements.

Other Duties:

• This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a directly related field from an accredited college or university and
• Four (4) years of directly related work experience in a supervisory or managerial role with at least
• Three (3) years in compliance or its equivalent through training, education, and other experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Advanced skills in managing complex projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives that align with the organization's mission.
• Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.
• Stay informed about changes in federal regulations and updates on county policies.
• Skilled in supervising employees which includes performance management.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular Full-time | Exempt
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Additional hours as necessary.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This job requires working in an office environment and using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, scanners, and filing cabinets.
• The physical demands of the job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• The work is considered sedentary, primarily involving sitting with occasional standing and walking.

Salary:

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 Pay Periods
• Plus, benefits

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Director, Employee Relations and HR Compliance
• Supervises Positions: Human Resources Business Partners

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Benefits

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com