Employee Relations Specialist/Trainer

$68,000 - $68,000/Yr

South Dakota State University - Brookings, SD

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Brookings, SD

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Employee Relations Specialist/Trainer at South Dakota State University (SDSU) plays a crucial role in enhancing the employee lifecycle, supporting performance management, and ensuring compliance with university and state regulations. This full-time position is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment by guiding supervisors, developing training programs, and addressing complex HR challenges. Located on the main campus in Brookings, SD, this role is integral to the Office of Human Resources, which is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while promoting an inclusive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Guide supervisors through performance management processes such as disciplinary processes, grievances, and work improvement plans.
• Coach supervisors on proper performance documentation, difficult conversations, and performance ratings.
• Communicate with university leaders to navigate complex issues.
• Conduct employee interviews to discuss personnel and performance problems affecting morale, health, and productivity.
• Evaluate and assist in resolving HR and performance-related problems, investigate complaints, and provide advice on compliance with university, SDBOR, and state laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Review remote work requests and facilitate ADA accommodation requests.
• Analyze trends to identify training needs.
• Research, develop, and deploy training and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree completed by time of appointment.
• Minimum of one year of experience in human resources, employer/employee support role, service support work, or related.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people at varying levels within the University by fostering relationships and establishing trust.
• Customer service focus.
• Effective written and verbal communications skills.

Nice-to-haves

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM certification.
• Background in advising, coaching, or guiding on employment issues.
• Knowledge of learning, interpreting, explaining, and applying policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Experience in critical thinking, assessing situations, and communicating clearly and concisely.
• Background in utilizing discretion and superior judgment, ensuring confidentiality, and working efficiently under multiple deadlines.
• Proven skill in guiding, coaching, persuading, and influencing others when facing resistance.
• Experience conducting an investigative interview.

Benefits

• Generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching.
• 10 hours of annual leave each month.
• 9.34 hours of sick leave each month.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Relocation benefits available per university's guidelines.
• Medical, dental, and flexible benefits.
• Paid holidays and vacation leave.
• Access to internal and state-sponsored training.
• Reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.