Employee Relations Officer

About the position

The Town of Apex invites applications for the position of Employee Relations Officer. This role is crucial in setting the tone for a fair and healthy workplace and positively influencing workplace culture. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in employee relations with a strong track record of ensuring appropriate and legally sound decisions and practices. The Employee Relations Officer will work closely with Human Resources (HR) Consultants to handle and resolve employee relations issues, including disciplinary matters, complex employee relations issues, and workplace investigations. Reporting to the Assistant HR Director, the candidate should be knowledgeable of federal and state employment laws and have extensive experience in handling difficult employee relations issues. The role requires a strong emphasis on building relationships, listening, and empathy while reinforcing accountability.

Responsibilities

• Ensure employees have access to a convenient channel to raise concerns with timely and confidential resolution.
• Build and maintain proactive partnerships with all Town departments.
• Advise Town supervisors on handling difficult employee issues fairly and appropriately.
• Administer the Town's employee disciplinary policies and practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal employment legislation.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state record retention and posting guidelines.
• Work with HR Consultants and Town supervisors to ensure personnel policies are understood and enforced.
• Consult with the Legal Department on responses to EEOC suits and other claims.
• Regularly review Town policies and procedures for compliance and clarity.
• Identify the need for formal workplace investigations and conduct them legally and fairly.
• Manage the Town's Unemployment Insurance program and represent the Town at appeal hearings.
• Track and analyze exit interviews and report on trends.
• Provide ongoing guidance and coaching to HR Consultants in employee relations.
• Review and track data on employee relations trends and provide recommendations.
• Oversee practices for managing FMLA and ADA issues and facilitate return to work strategies.
• Manage Town personnel files for consistent record keeping.
• Administer the Town's Employee Complaint Procedure and provide consultation to resolve complaints.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited university program with a Bachelor's Degree in human resources, management or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in an employee relations role.

Nice-to-haves

• Over five years of experience in an employee relations role.
• Certification as a SHRM-SCP or SPHR.

Benefits

• Paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees.
• 5% contributions to the NC401(k) retirement plans.
• Participation in the Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS).
• Traditional sick and vacation leave.
• 80 hours Peak Paid Time Off per year after completion of probation.
• $1,200 Peak Lifestyle Benefit for health and wellness activities after completion of probation.
• Paid parental, caregiver, and bereavement leave.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Longevity pay.
• Tuition assistance.
• Expansive wellness program.