Human Resources Analyst - Employee Relations

Stafford County • Stafford County, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Stafford County's Human Resources department is seeking an Employee Relations Analyst to foster a respectful, legally compliant, and productive workplace. This role involves advising County leadership and employees on employment laws and policies, promoting positive employee-employer relationships, addressing workplace concerns, conducting investigations, supporting conflict resolution, and guiding on performance management, employee conduct, and disciplinary matters. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to compliance with federal and state employment laws, County policies, and HR best practices. Key competencies include strong communication skills and the ability to build positive workplace relationships. Work is performed independently under general supervision. The position is part of the HR Analyst career ladder, with placement based on education and experience.

Requirements

• Knowledge of employee relations principles, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, and progressive discipline.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and human resources best practices.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques, interviewing methods, evidence evaluation, and report writing.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop practical, legally compliant recommendations.
• Ability to analyze complex workplace situations and exercise sound judgment in resolving employee relations issues.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees and leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships while building trust and credibility.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and human resources information systems (HRIS).
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional human resources experience, with considerable experience in employee relations or workplace investigations preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Professional human resources certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, IPMA-HR, or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and applies federal and state employment laws, County policies, administrative regulations, and human resources best practices to provide guidance and consultation to supervisors, managers, and employees.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to management on employee relations matters, including workplace conduct, performance management, corrective action, disciplinary processes, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution.
• Conducts prompt, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations involving allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, ethics violations, policy violations, and other employee relations concerns.
• Assists departments in resolving workplace conflicts through coaching, mediation, facilitation, and collaborative problem-solving techniques.
• Provides guidance throughout the employee grievance process and assists in resolving employee concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Reviews disciplinary actions and employee relations decisions for consistency, fairness, and compliance with employment laws, County policies, and best practices.
• Conducts employee exit interviews to identify workplace trends, organizational strengths, and opportunities for improvement; prepares reports and recommendations for Human Resources leadership and County management.
• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets employee relations data, including workplace complaints, investigations, grievances, exit interview feedback, turnover trends, and other workforce metrics to identify recurring issues, assess organizational risk, and recommend proactive solutions.
• Develops reports, dashboards, and metrics that inform leadership of employee relations trends, emerging workplace issues, and opportunities to improve employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.
• Develops and delivers training for supervisors and employees on topics such as respectful workplaces, harassment prevention, conflict management, performance management, progressive discipline, workplace investigations, and employment law compliance.
• Maintains confidential employee relations files, investigative records, and documentation in accordance with applicable laws, records retention requirements, and County policies.
• Partners with Human Resources colleagues on accommodations, leave administration, employee performance issues, policy interpretation, and other human resources initiatives to ensure consistent application of employment practices.
• Remains current on employment law developments, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in employee relations and human resources.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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