Employment Relations Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Workforce Relations Lead, the Employment Relations Specialist position provides comprehensive support of employee relations activities within the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M). This role requires a strong commitment to customer service, demonstrated through the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, coworkers, and customers. The Employment Relations Specialist is responsible for handling sensitive information with tact, discretion, and a high degree of professionalism. Key functions of this role include: Providing consultation and guidance rooted in employment law and policy, including, but not limited to: performance management, due process and just cause, progressive discipline, termination for cause, probationary/evaluation periods, grievance/appeal, workplace investigations, threats in the workplace, and the intersection of medical leaves of absence and/or ADA accommodations that overlap with employee relations matters. Providing interpretation, guidance, and best practice on campus human resources policies and procedures. Actively listening to a wide range of employee relations cases and offering guidance and options for resolution.

Requirements

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to adapt communication style to meet different audiences and situational needs
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and handle competing priorities in a dynamic work environment
• Experienced with Windows-based software, Microsoft Office Suite, and secure file sharing
• Comfortable learning new technologies and integrating them into daily workflows
• Bachelor’s Degree with focus in HR, Organizational Psychology or related field OR minimum of four (4) years’ professional experience in Human Resources field.
• Resume detailing your educational and professional background
• Cover letter describing how your experience relates to the listed required and preferred job qualifications
• Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in employee/labor relations, including, but not limited to, the development and consultation of policies and procedures, recommending dispute remedies, and establishing strong partnership with all parties (e.g. employees, supervisors, governance groups, etc.)
• Experience working in higher education, state or government agency, or facilities or manufacturing environment
• Experience working in a multi-shift, multi-lingual employee population
• PHR or SHRM-CP

Responsibilities

• Advises employees, supervisors, managers, and human resources staff regarding sensitive employee issues and documents activities according to established polices and procedures
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for managers regarding the resolution of workforce relations issues
• Act as the primary Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) for FP&M
• Assists in the development and delivery of programs and policies aligned with unit objectives and institutional employee relations strategies
• Serves as subject matter expert for employee relations policies and processes within a designated focus area or work unit
• Participates in grievance issues, employee disciplinary transactions and terminations, and exit interviews

Benefits

• generous paid time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-advantaged savings accounts
• participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

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