Senior Employee Relations Advisor in Human Resources

UT Health - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Houston, TX

Educational Services

About the position

As a Senior Employee Relations Advisor at UTHealth Houston, you will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive and consultative human resources support to our clinical and research teams. This position requires you to uphold integrity and accountability while effectively applying organizational policies and procedures. You will be expected to embrace change, seek knowledge, and find solutions to complex matters, all while building and maintaining positive and productive relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating the intricacies of employee relations within a dynamic healthcare environment. In this hybrid, full-time role, you will be based in the central hub of the Texas Medical Center, with the flexibility to work remotely within the greater Houston area. Your responsibilities will include maintaining expert-level knowledge of UTHealth human resources policies, proactively recommending changes based on legislative updates, and providing advice and counsel to managers and employees regarding employee relations issues. You will also be tasked with identifying opportunities for process improvements and leading projects that align with departmental and university objectives. Your role will involve facilitating pre-disciplinary meetings, conducting effective internal investigations of employee claims, and attending unemployment claim hearings. You will also be responsible for mentoring employee relations staff and collaborating with HR Training to develop and deliver training sessions on various human resources policies and procedures. This position is not only about managing employee relations but also about contributing to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of UTHealth human resources policies and recommend changes based on legislative updates and best practices.
• Provide advice, counsel, and recommendations to managers and employees regarding employee relations issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve work processes and the value of delivered services, initiating and leading projects as necessary.
• Facilitate pre-disciplinary meetings and serve as a resource during the disciplinary process.
• Conduct effective internal investigations of employee claims and make appropriate recommendations.
• Attend unemployment claim hearings and track trends to recommend process changes.
• Mentor employee relations staff and collaborate with HR Training to develop training sessions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration with an emphasis in human resources.
• Five (5) years of professional human resources experience, with at least two years in Employee Relations.
• Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience as an HR Business Partner in healthcare or higher education.
• Proficiency in using PeopleSoft, Excel, and other Microsoft Suite products.
• Experience with facilitating Family Medical Leave and ADA processes.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
• Generous time off equating to around 37-38 days per year.
• Longevity Pay after two years of service.
• Retirement/pension plan managed by the State of Texas.
• Free financial and legal counseling services.
• Free mental health counseling services.
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs.
• Resources for child and elder care.