SENIOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Applications are accepted from all interested persons. This role is based at multiple locations: 611 Walker Street and IAH (16922 John F. Kennedy Blvd).

About the Role

As a Senior Employee Relations Specialist, you will play a key role in fostering a positive, productive work environment for employees across the organization. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor, problem-solver, and subject-matter expert on employee relations matters—helping leaders navigate complex situations while ensuring compliance, consistency, and care. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, resolving challenges with empathy and professionalism, and strengthening organizational culture through thoughtful HR practices.

Responsibilities

• Build strong working relationships across departments to promote collaboration, trust, and open communication.
• Coach and advise managers on positive corrective action strategies that support employee success.
• Review and process corrective action recommendations to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance.
• Prepare and refine HR documentation including reports, correspondence, and case summaries.
• Manage grievances and employee concerns while ensuring adherence to established rules, timelines, and procedures.
• Conduct thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct and recommend appropriate outcomes.
• Participate in Indefinite Suspension and Medical Separation meetings.
• Represent the department in Civil Service Commission Appeals and Unemployment Hearings.
• Develop and interpret HR procedures to support operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Deliver training to departments on HR policies, updates, and best practices.
• Coordinate responses to EEOC complaints and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Assist with ADA accommodations, supporting employees’ access to equitable workplace solutions.
• Perform additional HR duties as needed to support departmental goals.

Working Conditions

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Social Science, Liberal Arts, or a closely related field.
• Three years of related professional experience in human resources.
• Pertinent professional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferences

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants who possess the qualifications necessary for the role.
• Experience assisting in ADA accommodation is highly preferred, including managing ADA interactive processes, evaluating accommodation requests, and applying ADAAA requirements in employee relations contexts.

Pay

This position is classified under Pay Grade 21. Factors used in determining the salary include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to change).