Sr. Employee Relations Advisor

About the Role

The mission of Correctional Managed Care is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).

Responsibilities

• Provides timely advice, guidance and technical support to institutional leaders in assigned departments.
• Guides customers regarding employee discipline issues and drafts/reviews disciplinary documents.
• Advises managers on employee grievance and appeals processes.
• Administers, interprets, communicates and leads training on HR policies, procedures, federal and state employment laws, and related initiatives.
• Serves as the employee relations expert to HR Business Partners and other HR colleagues; mentors team members and supports their professional development.
• Conducts internal investigations of policy violations and disruptive behavior; acts as liaison to other institutional departments conducting investigations and makes recommendations based on findings.
• Diagnoses and analyzes root causes of work‑environment issues; reviews data to identify concerns and builds interventions in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Manages the annual performance evaluation process and leads post‑evaluation calibration activities.
• Facilitates staff reassignments, business‑unit reorganizations and reductions in force in partnership with HR Business Partners.
• Minimizes unemployment costs by providing accurate documentation and participating in unemployment claim hearings; analyzes data to identify trends and develop process‑strengthening interventions.
• Facilitates communication between employees and management; guides problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structures established for the department.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic and problem‑solving skills with ability to provide multiple resolution options.
• Business acumen to understand complexities of an academic medical center.
• Project management expertise.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• In‑depth knowledge of employee relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of change‑management principles.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure and handle stressful situations.
• Understanding of business unit goals, organizational structure, policies, procedures and practices.
• Ability to interpret and communicate federal and state employment laws, UT System rules, and UTMB policies.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision while delivering high‑quality work.
• Ability to safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
• Effective interaction with all levels of individuals within the work environment.
• Ability to manage change and direct the problem‑solving process.

Work Environment

• Standard office environment with standard office equipment.
• Periodic travel between UTMB campuses and locations; exposure to occupational hazards such as communicable diseases, harmful chemicals, and noise at visited sites.
• May be required to work within the confines of a prison, jail, or juvenile detention center.
• Security clearance and pre‑employment drug testing are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of professional human resources experience, including at least two (2) years in Employee Relations.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or other HR‑related certification obtained within one (1) year of hire.
• Security clearance and successful completion of pre‑employment drug testing.

Schedule

Day Shift.

Location

Gatesville, Texas, United States – UTMB Health, CMC HR – Gatesville District.