Employee Relations Specialist

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

6d • $60,000 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist works in the University of Texas at Austin’s Office of Human Resources, which serves as a strategic campus partner by providing solutions to attract, engage, develop, and retain employees. This role provides employee relations support across assigned administrative and operational units, primarily focused on corrective action and performance management. The Specialist gives hands-on guidance to managers, prepares and reviews documentation, and supports consistent application of university policies and workplace practices. The role requires direct experience guiding managers through corrective action and sound judgment in unpredictable situations.

The position is based in Austin, Texas, and requires on-site work three days per week, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week. This arrangement may change due to business needs. The position has a typical 40-hour work week and operates around standard office conditions. The position is expected to continue, with an ongoing earliest start date. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and two years of experience in employee relations and performance management; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Experience working directly with managers or leaders on corrective action, including assessing concerns, recommending next steps, and preparing or reviewing documentation.
• Ability to assess incomplete or conflicting information, exercise sound judgment, and clearly explain recommendations in writing and conversation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and client groups, build effective working relationships, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education or an organization with a high volume of operational employees and employee relations matters.
• Experience providing employee relations support across multiple units in a centralized or shared services HR model.
• Experience using Workday.
• Fluency in Spanish and ability to translate between Spanish and English to support a Spanish-speaking employee population.

Responsibilities

• Guide managers through corrective action, including drafting, reviewing, and editing documentation; coaching on documentation expectations; coordinating timely delivery to employees; and ensuring consistency across employee groups.
• Advise managers and employees on performance management, corrective action, conduct, attendance, and workplace concerns.
• Assess concerns, gather relevant information, document findings, and recommend next steps consistent with university policies and practices; escalate complex or high-risk matters to senior HR staff.
• Consult with ADA, Legal Affairs, and central Human Resources offices on employee relations cases requiring specialized guidance, and coordinate responses consistent with university policies and procedures.
• Facilitate training on workplace expectations, respectful workplace practices, corrective action processes, and performance management.
• Assist with developing training materials, communications, and employee feedback initiatives.
• Serve as the final level of administrative review for recruitment and compensation actions in Workday, ensuring alignment with established HR practices.
• Manage dual state employment, unemployment claims, and audit reporting for assigned units.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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