University Compliance and Employee Relations Officer

University of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Management, the University Compliance and Employee Relations Officer is an experienced human resources practitioner who provides a broad range of HR services. These include employee relations, complaint handling, investigations and disciplinary actions; employment-law compliance, training and reporting; equal employment opportunity; communications; process improvement; policy writing and administration; and support for portions of recruitment and hiring. The position is an integral member of the HR management team and contributes to the development and delivery of human resources services and programs for the University. The Officer maintains and updates HR policies, provides guidance on employment practices and University requirements, responds to complaints and policy inquiries, conducts investigations, and supports legal and unemployment compensation matters. The position also serves as the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer and employment-related Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, supporting accommodation requests and monitoring compliance. Additional duties include delivering required training, managing HR initiatives and projects, producing reports and analysis, maintaining HR records, and providing customer service to the University community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
At least five years of experience in a human resources department performing at least some of the following: recruitment and hiring; employee relations, including complaints and disciplinary actions; employment-law compliance; ADA accommodations; or employee training.
Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, especially the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and equal employment opportunity (EEO).

Nice To Haves

MBA, JD, or an advanced degree in human resources management.
Management-level experience in a human resources department.

Responsibilities

Maintain, evaluate, create, and update University HR and employment-law policies in accordance with LSU System, federal, state, and local requirements, collaborating with University departments as needed.
Submit timely reports, documents, and supporting data concerning HR and employment-law compliance; regularly report on ongoing compliance activities.
Ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies, procedures, management practices, and employment laws.
Respond to and coordinate resolution of policy-related inquiries and complaints from employees, departments, applicants, and others.
Assist legal counsel in reviewing legal cases and participate in legal proceedings as needed.
Serve as the University respondent for unemployment compensation claims; research and prepare claims and participate in Louisiana Workforce Commission hearings as needed.
Recommend employee-relations practices that support positive and productive relationships throughout the University.
Advise supervisors and employees on performance management, progressive discipline, grievances, complaint and dispute resolution, disciplinary actions, and supervisor-employee relations.
Respond to and coordinate resolution of employment-related complaints; conduct internal investigations of complaints and grievances; and draft, edit, and review disciplinary warnings as appropriate.
Ensure State Civil Service Rules are followed when disciplinary action against a classified employee is contemplated.
Monitor annual employee performance evaluations and meet with employees and supervisors about courses of action when necessary.
Serve as the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer and monitor compliance with applicable regulations and University policies.
Advise managers on appropriate recruitment, hiring, and employee-supervision procedures and train search committee members on recruitment, hiring, and equal employment opportunity practices.
Investigate allegations of illegal employment discrimination or harassment and prepare written responses to complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other agencies.
Serve as the employment-related Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator; assist employees with reasonable accommodation requests, consult employees and managers about accommodations, maintain records, and provide periodic compliance reports.
Ensure employees complete annual training required by law and University policy; design and implement training courses through the University's learning management system.
Develop and manage HR initiatives and projects, establish realistic schedules, and keep projects on track.
Promote prompt, accurate, and consistent application of employment laws and University policies.
Collaborate with the HR team to assess and implement operational best practices.
Prepare accurate, timely reports and analysis for the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Management and recommend improvements as appropriate.
Ensure appropriate creation and management of HR records associated with assigned duties.
Inform University officials of issues promptly and recommend resolutions.
Provide customer service to employees, managers, applicants, the public, and the University community.
Perform other work as necessary and as directed in support of HR functions and activities.