HR Employee Relations Specialist

Texas A&M University System•Corpus Christi, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Employee Relations Specialist serves as a strategic Human Resources partner responsible for fostering a positive, respectful, and productive workplace across Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. The position conducts workplace investigations, advises supervisors and employees on employee relations matters, supports performance management, and assists with corrective action processes. The specialist works with supervisors and administrators to resolve workplace concerns, apply University policies consistently, improve employee performance, and support effective employee relations throughout the employee lifecycle. This includes performance improvement planning, disciplinary action, workplace conflict resolution, and separation processes. The role also provides employee relations consultation, interprets HR policies and employment requirements, supports conflict resolution and mediation where appropriate, assists with training and organizational culture initiatives, and maintains records and metrics. The position is based in Corpus Christi, Texas. Salary is commensurate and may be up to $4,583.33 per month ($55,000 annually).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
Two years of professional experience in Human Resources, employee relations, workplace investigations, labor relations, case management, or a related field.
Knowledge of employee relations principles, workplace investigations, performance management, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution practices.
Strong interviewing, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports, findings summaries, and employment-related documentation.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, faculty, staff, supervisors, and senior leadership.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, Human Resources, or performance management.
Professional Human Resources certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
Experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing investigative reports.
Experience developing and administering Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and corrective action processes.
Experience working in higher education, the public sector, healthcare, or similarly complex organizations.
Training or certification in workplace mediation, conflict resolution, employee relations, or investigations.

Responsibilities

Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into non-civil-rights employee complaints, workplace misconduct, policy violations, employee conflicts, retaliation concerns, attendance issues, and other workplace matters.
Gather and analyze evidence through interviews, document reviews, and other fact-finding activities.
Develop investigation plans and timelines, communicate with appropriate stakeholders, and prepare documented investigative reports, findings, and recommendations.
Assess facts, credibility, and evidence to support informed employment decisions; maintain confidential investigative records and update HR leadership on case status, trends, and outcomes.
Identify workplace patterns and trends and recommend corrective actions that may improve workplace culture, employee engagement, or organizational effectiveness.
Consult with supervisors and department leaders about employee performance, conduct, attendance, and workplace behavior.
Assist managers with developing, implementing, and monitoring Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
Guide managers on progressive discipline, corrective action plans, and related employment practices; review disciplinary documentation for consistency, fairness, and alignment with University policies.
Interpret applicable HR policies, procedures, and employment-related requirements, and participate in performance discussions, disciplinary meetings, and counseling sessions as appropriate.
Assist management and HR leadership in determining corrective actions based on investigative findings and performance concerns.
Coordinate disciplinary actions, including involuntary terminations, by reviewing documentation, checking policy and regulatory compliance, and facilitating approvals in consultation with the Office of General Counsel.
Provide employee relations guidance, consultation, and recommendations to supervisors and administrators.
Research and interpret HR policies, procedures, regulations, and employment laws, and recommend practices that support consistent, compliant decisions.
Facilitate conflict resolution and assist with workplace mediation when appropriate.
Support employee retention, engagement, and organizational culture initiatives.
Assist in developing and delivering training on performance management, workplace professionalism, employee conduct, conflict resolution, and supervisory best practices.
Prepare reports, maintain records, analyze employee relations metrics, and support employee separation processes.
Assist with special HR projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical coverage with employee-only premiums listed as $0–$30 per month after the University contribution; the University covers up to 83% of premiums for other listed coverage tiers.
Dental and vision insurance.
Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account.
Dual Career Partner Program.
On-campus wellness opportunities.
Work Life Solutions, including counseling, work-life assistance, financial resources, and legal resources.
Public Loan Forgiveness and book scholarships.
100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year, subject to applicable rules.
Retirement through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), with a voluntary tax-deferred account/deferred compensation plan.
At least 8 hours of paid vacation per month.
8 hours of sick leave per month.
8 hours of paid birthday leave.
12–15 paid holidays each year.
Professional development opportunities.