Employee and Labor Relations Specialist.
About Us
At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
About the Role
The Employee and Labor Relations position plays a key role in fostering a respectful, equitable, and legally compliant workplace by managing relationships among employees, leadership, and union representatives. This position serves as a trusted advisor to supervisors and staff on workplace policies, performance management, conflict resolution, and corrective or disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and fairness across the organization. Key responsibilities include interpreting and applying State Personnel Board Rules, the COWINS Partnership Agreement, and applicable federal and state employment laws, as well as internal policies and procedures. The role supports efforts to enhance employee engagement, mitigate organizational risk, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Utilize internal systems and processes to intake, track, investigate, and resolve employee and labor relations matters, including complaints, grievances, and workplace concerns.
- Conduct or support workplace investigations, prepare documentation, and provide recommendations for resolution.
- Collaborate closely with other Human Resources units, including Talent Acquisition, Total Worker Health and Benefits, and Organizational Development, to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to employee and labor relations management.
- Administer and manage the department's unemployment insurance claims process which involves responding to claims, coordinating documentation, and representing the organization as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only: Six (6) years of experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or Employee Relations Specialist or experience in a related human resources discipline.
OR Education and Experience: A combination of related education in a Human Resources discipline, such as Human Resources Management or Business Administration, and experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or Employee Relations Specialist or in a related human resources discipline, equal to Six (6) years. This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of employment law.
- Demonstrated skills in translating human resources best practices, employment laws, policies, and procedures into actionable employee relations advice.
- Demonstrated experience across core HR disciplines.
- Experience conducting workplace investigations in harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims.
- Experience managing unemployment claims and appeals.
- State of Colorado experience.
- Experience with the Google suite of applications.
Conditions of Employment
- A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
- This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
- Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
- Hybrid Position. This position will have hybrid workplace options available, at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs. The employee will still be required to report to the agency address listed on this announcement: 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246.
Benefits
- Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Retirement (PERA options), Medical and dental health plans.
- Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
- Paid life insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- 11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off.
- Tuition assistance.
- Wellness programs.
- Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects.
- Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
- Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch