Sr. Employee Relations Advisor

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Gatesville, TX

About The Position

Correctional Managed Care's mission is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). The Sr. Employee Relations Advisor provides advanced consultation, guidance, and direction in employee relations to institutional leadership, assigned employees, and internal and external customers. The role advises institutional leaders on employee relations matters, supports disciplinary and grievance processes, administers and interprets human resources policies and employment laws, conducts investigations, and recommends actions based on findings. It also analyzes workplace concerns, facilitates conflict resolution and organizational changes, manages performance evaluation and calibration activities, and supports HR colleagues and team members. The position is based in a standard office environment and requires periodic travel between UTMB campuses and locations. Visits to other work locations may involve exposure to occupational hazards, including communicable diseases, harmful chemicals, and noise. The employee may be required to work within a prison, jail, or juvenile detention center. Security clearance and pre-employment drug testing are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
Five years of professional human resources experience, including two years of employee relations experience.
Obtain a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification or another HR-related certification within one year of hire.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and professional communication skills.
Strong organizational, analytical, diagnostic, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Strong business acumen, including the ability to understand the complexities of an academic medical center.
Competent use of personal computers and general office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook.
In-depth knowledge of employee relations principles and practices.
Knowledge of change management principles.
Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure and handle stressful situations.
Ability to understand business-unit goals and objectives, organizational structure, policies, procedures, and practices.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and communicate federal and state employment laws, UT System rules and regulations, and UTMB policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision while delivering high-quality work.
Ability to handle and safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to interact appropriately with individuals at all levels of the work environment.
Ability to manage change and direct the problem-solving process.
Security clearance is required; pre-employment drug testing is required.
Periodic travel between UTMB campuses and locations is required.

Responsibilities

Provide timely advice, guidance, and technical support to institutional leaders in assigned departments.
Guide customers on employee discipline issues and draft or review disciplinary documents that accurately communicate the facts supporting disciplinary action.
Advise managers on employee grievance and appeals processes.
Administer, interpret, and communicate human resources policies, procedures, employment laws, and initiatives; lead related training for management and employees.
Serve as the employee relations expert to HR Business Partners and other HR colleagues; mentor team members and support their professional development.
Conduct internal investigations regarding policy violations and disruptive behavior, liaise with other institutional departments conducting investigations, and recommend actions based on investigative findings.
Diagnose and analyze root causes of workplace issues; review data to identify concerns and develop interventions and solutions with key stakeholders.
Manage the annual performance evaluation process and lead post-evaluation calibration activities.
Facilitate staff reassignments, business-unit reorganizations, and reductions in force in partnership with HR Business Partners.
Minimize unemployment costs through accurate and complete documentation and participation in unemployment claim hearings; analyze trends and develop process improvements.
Facilitate communication between employees and management and guide managers and employees in problem solving and conflict resolution.
Adhere to departmental internal controls and reporting structures.
Perform other related duties as required.