(Hybrid) Employee Relations Investigator - Talent and Culture

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employee Relations Investigator works within West Virginia University’s Division of Talent and Culture, in partnership with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, to support compliance with federal, state, and University requirements related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, general misconduct, and other employee policy violations. The role investigates employee matters involving the Code of Conduct, BOG 1.6, and Title IX, and collaborates with the Employee Relations team, University leaders, and employees to address workplace concerns, including through conflict resolution and mediation when appropriate. The Investigator conducts impartial investigations of complaints referred by the Office of Compliance involving WVU employees, students, applicants, and visitors across the Morgantown campus, divisional campuses, and the statewide extension system. The position prepares investigative reports, maintains confidential case files, coordinates with relevant University offices, and may assist with Title IX hearing preparation and present case information when required. The position is hybrid.

Requirements

Master’s degree in human resources, social work, education, criminal justice, or a related field.
At least two years of experience conducting investigations—including interviews, evidence review, documentation, and written findings—or related experience managing complex employee relations matters.
Ability to establish rapport and create a professional, supportive interview environment during stressful or sensitive situations.
Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in difficult, emotional, or potentially volatile circumstances.
Ability to conduct impartial investigations and apply effective investigative interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of the legal and policy framework governing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, employee conduct, and related University policy matters.
Ability to appropriately apply relevant policies, procedures, and standards in reviewing and investigating complaints.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, correspondence, and case-related documentation.
Ability to communicate professionally with complainants, respondents, witnesses, advisors, supervisors, and campus partners throughout the investigative process.
Ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities while maintaining organization, accuracy, and timeliness.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling highly sensitive and personal information.
Ability to work effectively with individuals involved in personal, disputed, or emotionally charged matters.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, roles, and circumstances.
Proficiency with personal computers and software for word processing, documentation, recordkeeping, email, and scheduling.
Ability to maintain a regular work schedule, with occasional flexibility required by case demands or unusual circumstances.
Ability to travel to regional campuses and other University locations as needed.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Equivalent combinations of related education and/or experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Investigate complaints involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, general misconduct, and other policy violations.
Conduct impartial, comprehensive investigations in accordance with established procedures and University and federal requirements.
Develop case-specific investigative strategies, including identifying issues, evidence, and witnesses.
Interview complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other relevant parties using professional investigative interviewing techniques.
Handle Code of Conduct complaints by engaging with complainants, witnesses, and/or leadership, and work toward informal resolution or assist leaders in addressing situations when appropriate.
Serve as a mediator, particularly in Code of Conduct matters, to resolve workplace disputes.
Collect, review, and document relevant evidence while maintaining objectivity and following all leads.
Provide appropriate case-status and procedural updates to complainants, respondents, and leaders during investigations.
Prepare accurate, thorough, and well-organized investigative reports for review by the Assistant Director, Executive Director, or designated decision-makers.
Maintain investigative files with discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment regarding sensitive information.
Coordinate with the Office of Compliance and Prevention Education, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Office of the General Counsel, Employee Relations, and other relevant offices.
Assist with Title IX hearing preparation and present case information clearly and objectively when required.
Conduct investigations on regional campuses and within the statewide extension system as needed.
Maintain ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices, policy updates, and applicable legal or procedural requirements.
Perform other related investigative and conduct-related duties as assigned in support of the Division of Talent and Culture and, as needed, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.