Employee Relations Manager

Harris County • Houston, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Employee Relations Manager partners with County departments to provide day-to-day guidance on leave administration, performance management, grievances, complaints, investigations, dispute resolution, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation. The role leads investigations into workplace complaints, particularly allegations of discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and harassment, and develops findings and recommendations under applicable County policies and laws. The position also supports County compliance with employment laws, reviews and amends Countywide policies, oversees specified leave programs, prepares EEO reports, and provides leadership and supervision to Human Resources Business Partners.

This position is a regular, full-time, exempt role, typically working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours as necessary. Work is performed in an office environment using standard office equipment. The work is sedentary, with occasional standing and walking and occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Employment is contingent on passing a background check and drug screen.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field from an accredited college or university.
• Four years of directly related work experience in a supervisory or managerial role, including at least three years in compliance or equivalent experience through training, education, and other experience.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Advanced skills in managing complex projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial or confrontational situations.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.
• Ability to stay informed about changes in federal regulations and updates to County policies.
• Skill in supervising employees, including performance management.
• Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on the job application; resume information is supporting documentation only and will not substitute for information on the application.
• Must pass a background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise, policy interpretation, and support to County departments to promote compliance with County policies and procedures and applicable state and federal laws.
• Conduct annual reviews and draft or amend Countywide policies and procedures.
• Serve as Lead Investigator for Harris County Title VI, Title VII, and Fraud, Waste and Abuse complaints, leading investigations into workplace complaints.
• Create investigation plans, interview relevant parties, review and analyze evidence, and draft investigative findings and recommendations based on County policies and applicable laws.
• Investigate allegations including discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and harassment.
• Collaborate with the Harris County Attorney’s Office regarding County policies, procedures, and Title VI and VII allegations to evaluate and mitigate legal and financial risks.
• Work with departments to mitigate conflict and facilitate mediations.
• Maintain a complete and thorough log of County complaints.
• Serve as alternate Civil Rights Officer, alternate County Grievance Coordinator, and Whistleblower Grievance Coordinator; conduct investigations, prepare findings, and provide recommendations in those capacities.
• Serve as Department Grievance Coordinator for the Human Resources Department.
• Consult with managers about employee communications, feedback, engagement, training, development, policies and procedures, performance management, and progressive discipline.
• Collaborate with Employee Relations peers, County managers, and executive staff to promote a positive workplace culture.
• Provide leadership, direction, supervision, and development to Human Resources Business Partners.
• Conduct biweekly training for County employees on Countywide policies and procedures and facilitate anti-harassment and nondiscrimination training.
• Oversee administration of Quarantine Leave, Sick Leave Pool, Paid Parental Leave, and Infant Sick Leave, including reviewing and approving Countywide requests and providing consultative support for FMLA and other leave requests.
• Generate the County EEO Plan and EEO Utilization Report in accordance with federal requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or reassigned by management.

What This Job Offers

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