Employee Relations Consultant / 60017881

Job Responsibilities

The Agency's mission is to be boldly innovative in improving the health and quality of life for South Carolinians. This is a position located in Human Resources, Richland County. It is an in-office role and not a telecommute or remote position.

• Investigates and researches complaints of discrimination, harassment, grievances and other employment issues or conflicts.
• Follows up in a timely manner with all parties and works towards finding solutions to resolve issues.
• Disseminates appropriate information to employees and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary.
• Counsels and advises managers and employees to resolve problems; properly documents all investigations and actions.
• Researches issues, formulates policy alternatives and proposes strategies to improve the effectiveness of human resources management in state government.
• Coaches/consults in employee relations process and procedures to ensure consistency.
• Consults with managers, employees and executive staff on employee grievance, progressive discipline, Employee Performance Management System (performance appraisal), supervisory best practices, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, code of conduct, etc.
• Conducts internal investigations to determine best steps for conflict resolution at the lowest administrative remedy.
• Provides managers the documentation for unemployment claims, grievance, appeal, general/formal complaints, discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), State Human Affairs Commission (SHAC) and any other employee related complaints.
• Tracks, monitors and provides status reports and measures on the Department’s activities.
• Conducts new employee orientation for temporary workers as needed.
• Ensures all presentations are up to date. Responsible for communicating agency policies to temporary workers.
• Serves as the Employee Relations Liaison for Employee Relations matters concerning temporary workers.
• Consults with managers, employees, supervisors and executive staff on Employee Performance Management System questions, and due dates for performance reviews.
• Travels throughout the state to conduct onsite Employee Relations training.
• Assists in managing the Department's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Coordinates EAP assistance visits for offices that may have experienced a traumatic event, such as a death or violent incident, or for team building purposes.
• Coordinates EAP classes for employees that may require additional training due to disciplinary action.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or related area and two (2) years of experience in relevant human resources management programs.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted with prior State Human Resources approval.
• A relevant Master's degree and at least two (2) years of employee relations experience preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the agency.
• Knowledge of federal laws and state regulations affecting human resources management.
• Knowledge of management and organizational concepts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively.
• Ability to exercise judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge and skills related to employee relations and operates under limited supervision and has decision-making authority within established policies guidelines.

Additional Comments

Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application for qualification purposes. All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from the Office of Human Resources will be through electronic mail. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.