HR Investigations Specialist

Harris County•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the HR Investigations Specialist will support the Human Resources & Talent Department’s Employee Relations Division in objectively investigating employee complaints and compliance-related concerns, with particular focus on matters arising under Harris County's Consultation Framework, including grievances, disciplinary matters, and labor organization involvement. Individuals in this role will collaborate with key stakeholders to identify, investigate, and resolve issues that may impact employee relations and organizational policies. The HR Investigations Specialist is expected to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a high attention to detail, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity. In addition, a deep understanding and knowledge of employment law and labor relations, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are necessary to effectively collaborate with employees, management, the Consultation Agent, and other key stakeholders throughout the investigation and grievance process.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) years of experience in employee relations, compliance, investigations, or human resources with a proven record of handling confidential matters professionally.
Knowledge of employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, Title VII, etc.).
Working knowledge of Texas public-sector labor relations, including Local Government Code Section 617 and the Harris County Consultation Framework, Eligible/Excluded Employee classifications, and the grievance and disciplinary process.
Experience conducting workplace investigations, including interviewing and evidence gathering.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience writing detailed reports.
Skilled in handling sensitive and complex workplace issues tactfully and impartially.
Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards and respect for confidentiality.
Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain organization in a high-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) or more years of progressive labor relations, employee relations, and Human Resources experience.
Experience administering formal grievance and appeal processes.
Experience providing employee representation or working with employee representatives.
Experience facilitating mediation, conflict resolution, or alternative dispute resolution.
Experience interpreting and applying Human Resources or labor & employee relations policies.
Experience developing or administering employee representation, consultation, or similar labor relations programs.
Experience developing and delivering training to employees, management, or Human Resources professionals.
Experience working within a large, complex, public-sector, governmental, or highly regulated organization.
Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or other relevant Human Resources or labor relations credential.

Responsibilities

Conducts thorough and timely EEO, civil rights, and workplace investigations including race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, national origin, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and other similar complaints or Harris County policy violations.
Conducts complex investigations by collaborating with internal partners and legal counsel to recommend and determine appropriate resolutions, including support for Employee Consultation Review Board proceedings by compiling case files, evidence, and background documentation for disputed changes to the Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.
Provides investigation findings for HR Leadership. This includes preparing impartial written reports and a summary of findings with supporting documentation detailing facts and investigatory analysis to determine whether the complainant was subjected to behavior or incidents that violated Harris County policy.
Research and analyzes relevant facts and related documents, and policy/legal guidance; reviews and responds to federal and state entities for EEO cases.
Investigates Grievances filed under Section 13 of the Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual, including grievances related to discipline and discharge, and group grievances filed jointly by employees with similar concerns.
Coordinates with Grievance Representatives, Consultation Representatives, and Management Representatives under Harris County's Consultation Framework, maintaining strict confidentiality of Eligible Employee information consistent with the Resolution and applicable privacy laws.
Reviews grievance submissions to determine procedural requirements, applicable policies, deadlines, and appropriate next steps.
Administers and coordinates employee grievances from initial filing through resolution or appeal.
Coordinates grievance meetings, conferences, hearings, appeals, and other related proceedings.
Communicates with employees, department representatives, witnesses, representatives, and other participants regarding scheduling and procedural requirements.
Prepares and distributes grievance-related correspondence, notices, acknowledgments, determinations, and other documentation.
Monitors grievance deadlines and case activity to ensure timely processing and compliance with established procedures.
Compiles grievance data and prepares reports regarding case volume, outcomes, trends, timelines, and other relevant metrics.
Analyzes, monitors, and tracks investigations, grievances, employment patterns, to identify potential disparity or systemic issues and propose related agency-wide remedies.
Maintains accurate, organized, and confidential grievance files, records, and tracking systems.
Develops and delivers training for employees, departments, and Human Resources staff as needed, including collaborating with Learning & Development to identify learning modules to assist with disciplinary and grievance issues arising under the Harris County Personnel Policies & Procedures, including the Consultation Framework.
Performs other related Human Resources and employee relations duties as assigned.