Employee Relations Investigator - Human Resources (HR)

State of South Carolina • Lexington County, SC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Join our growing human resources team where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community through our employees. As the largest SC state agency, we are seeking experienced HR professionals as Employee Relations Investigators to ensure workplace investigations are conducted with integrity, impartiality, and full legal compliance, protecting the rights of our employees and the organization. This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway Cayce, SC 29033. As an Employee Relations Investigator, you will be responsible for conducting timely, thorough, and impartial investigations related to employee misconduct and workplace complaints, and investigating allegations including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, workplace violence, policy violations, ethics violations, and other employee relations matters.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and employee relations experience.
• Workplace investigation methodology and best practices.
• Employment laws and workplace conduct standards, State HR policies and employee grievance/appeal processes.
• Interview techniques and evidence evaluation.
• Strong investigative interviewing and report writing skills.
• Maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Handle emotionally charged situations with tact and control.
• Manage high-volume caseloads and strict deadlines.
• 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.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• The ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively.
• The ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures.
• Specialized knowledge and skills related to employee relations and operate under limited supervision and have decision-making authority within established policies and guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Travel may be required to different facilities and/or hospitals throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Conduct employee relations investigations involving harassment and hostile work environment allegations, discrimination complaints, retaliation allegations, misconduct and ethics violations, workplace violence concerns, bullying and unprofessional conduct, or violations of agency policy or standards of conduct.
• Plan and execute investigations in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Conduct professional interviews of complainants, respondents, supervisors, and witnesses.
• Prepare written interview summaries and obtain signed statements as required.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports that summarize allegations, methodology, evidence reviewed, findings, and conclusions.
• Present findings to HR leadership, legal counsel, and agency management as needed.
• Provide recommendations related to corrective action, policy clarification, training needs, or process improvements (as appropriate).
• Assist with identifying employee relations risks and developing proactive strategies to reduce agency liability.
• Make recommendations to management on corrective action plans based on employee relations case trends and findings.
• Assist with the preparation of documentation for grievances, appeals, administrative hearings, and/or litigation support.
• Coordinate with SC Human Affairs Commission (SHAQ), EEOC general counsel, law enforcement, or the Office of Inspector General when appropriate.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level