Employee Relations Consultant

$50,000 - $66,488/Yr

State of South Carolina

Full-time

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Employee Relations Consultant plays a crucial role within the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), focusing on fostering a positive work environment and addressing employee-related issues. This position is responsible for investigating and researching employee complaints related to discrimination, harassment, grievances, and other employment conflicts within the Central Office and Regional Centers. The consultant will work closely with the Employee Relations Manager to manage reprimands and ensure that investigations are conducted thoroughly and efficiently. This may involve traveling to various Regional Center sites as necessary to conduct these investigations and ensure that all employee relations actions are processed in a timely manner. In addition to handling complaints, the Employee Relations Consultant will provide counseling and advice to both managers and employees to resolve workplace problems. This role requires maintaining open communication with leadership to keep them informed about current issues and trends affecting employee relations. The consultant will also conduct training sessions on substandard performance for supervisors, ensuring that all performance issues are documented and addressed promptly. Maintaining an Employee Relations log for the Regional Centers and Central Office is also a key responsibility. The consultant will participate in all Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) cases and critical incidents for the Regional Centers, providing guidance and making recommendations for progressive disciplinary actions in accordance with state directives. They will also gather, analyze, and interpret data to develop strategies that enhance employee relations and engagement, assisting the Employee Relations Manager in maintaining monthly reports on employee relations activities. Furthermore, the Employee Relations Consultant will be tasked with developing programs, policies, and procedures that promote fair and equitable employee relations, ensuring compliance with relevant employment regulations. This includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the agency. The role may also involve performing additional duties as assigned, contributing to the overall mission of DDSN to support individuals with severe, lifelong disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and research employee complaints of discrimination, harassment, grievances, and other employment issues.
• Work closely with the Employee Relations Manager on reprimands and consult regarding investigations.
• Travel to Regional Center sites to conduct employee investigations as needed.
• Complete required reprimands and ensure timely issuance.
• Ensure all employee relations actions are investigated and reviewed by the HR Director.
• Process employee relations actions in a timely manner, including conducting investigations and issuing reprimands.
• Counsel and advise managers and employees to resolve problems.
• Keep leadership informed about current issues and trends in employee relations.
• Conduct required substandard performance training for supervisors and document performance issues.
• Maintain the Employee Relations log for the Regional Centers and Central Office.
• Participate in all ANE and Critical incidents for the Regional Centers, providing guidance and recommendations for disciplinary actions.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data to develop recommendations for positive employee relations.
• Assist the ER Manager with maintaining monthly employee relations reports.
• Make recommendations for training based on current trends in employee relations.
• Stay current with employee relations trends, regulations, and legal requirements.
• Develop programs, policies, and procedures to promote fair employee relations and compliance with regulations.
• Promote the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in human resources.
• A master's degree in human resources management may substitute for the required experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Must maintain a valid Driver's license in good standing.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of principles and practices of human resources management.
• Knowledge of the 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 recommend solutions effectively.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer
• Veteran Preference for employment
• Referral Incentive Reward program
• Retention Bonus program