Employee Relations Investigator

Pierce County • Tacoma, WA

3d • Remote

About The Position

This role involves conducting high-volume, complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing employees and witnesses, evaluating findings, and preparing investigative and disciplinary documents. The investigator will also advise managers on sensitive performance, misconduct, corrective action, and disciplinary matters, helping them understand employee relations practices. The position operates at the intersection of employee relations and labor relations within a represented public-sector environment. There is an opportunity to help develop the direction of the Employee Relations Investigator role by building effective practices and defining its integration with the existing Labor and Employee Relations team. This role aims to make a meaningful impact by establishing a new approach to employee relations investigations across the County. Pierce County Human Resources supports the workforce that supports all of Pierce County, delivering innovative services and guidance on performance management, protected leave, County policies, and state law. The Human Resources department embraces a modern work environment with flexibility and autonomy, with hybrid and remote work being the norm. They focus on continuous improvement, excellence, and a welcoming workplace culture.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the work of this position within a legal, human resources, judicial or law enforcement environment or similar field.
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in conducting investigations including performing witness interviews, gathering, preserving, and analyzing facts, information, and evidence, and developing written reports.
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in drafting formal letters and/or reports; applying robust documentation, analysis, and information gathering skills.
• Demonstrated experience providing guidance or consultation regarding employee relations matters, such as workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, or discipline.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Suite office products including Excel, Work, One Note, Outlook, and Teams.
• Demonstrated proficiency in maintaining detailed investigative files and well-organized notes and documentation in accordance with legal requirements and records retention schedules.
• Successful experience and proficiency in exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and highly sensitive matters.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
• Applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of collective bargaining environments.
• Knowledge of when to partner with Labor and Employee Relations on contract or employee issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-volume, complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing employees and witnesses, evaluating findings, and preparing investigative and disciplinary documents.
• Advise managers through sensitive performance, misconduct, corrective action, and disciplinary matters.
• Work at the intersection of employee relations and labor relations, applying investigative expertise in a represented public-sector environment.
• Help develop the direction of the Employee Relations Investigator role through building effective practices and defining how this role works alongside the existing Labor and Employee Relations team.
• Advise and counsel managers and supervisors regarding employee relations matters, including workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, documentation, and discipline.
• Consult with supervisors and managers regarding appropriate responses to employee conduct and performance concerns, including assessing the nature and severity of an issue, identifying appropriate corrective measures, and ensuring consistent application of County policies and procedures.
• Assist management in developing and implementing performance improvement strategies, including establishing performance expectations, identifying deficiencies, documenting performance concerns, and determining appropriate follow-up.
• Review and provide guidance regarding disciplinary and corrective action matters, including preparation of counseling memoranda, performance improvement plans, letters of reprimand, suspension notices, termination recommendations, and other disciplinary or corrective documents.
• Draft disciplinary, corrective action, performance management, and other employee relations correspondence for review and approval by appropriate Human Resources and department leadership.
• Conduct independent administrative investigations involving alleged violations of County policies, Standards of Conduct, workplace misconduct, and, as assigned, complaints involving alleged discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other EEO-related concerns.
• Receive and assess complaints to determine investigative scope, identify applicable policies, and develop investigation plans.
• Conduct thorough interviews of complainants, respondents, witnesses, supervisors, and other individuals.
• Collect, preserve, review, and analyze documentary, electronic, video, and other forms of evidence.
• Evaluate credibility of witnesses using accepted investigative methodologies.
• Analyze conflicting evidence and determine findings based upon a preponderance of the evidence or other applicable evidentiary standard.
• Prepare clear, concise, objective investigative reports documenting allegations, evidence, findings of fact, credibility assessments, policy analysis, and conclusions.
• Prepare investigative findings, disciplinary recommendations, corrective action documents, and other written materials to support management decision-making.

Benefits

• Flexibility and autonomy in a modern work environment.
• Hybrid and remote work are the norms.
• Continuous improvement, pursuit of excellence, and a welcoming workplace culture.
• Continuous professional development through leadership development, robust online learning, and a variety of training opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed