Employee Relations Specialist

Under general supervision, the position of Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive workplace environment by managing employee relations programming as assigned; ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures and laws; and promoting effective communication between employees and management. This role plays a key part in maintaining workplace harmony and protecting both employee interests in alignment with organizational goals. This position is responsible for data collection, compilation and analysis in order to monitor trends in employee relations issues to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend policies or training to address root causes.

On Site Only

25%Maintains accurate, confidential, and well-documented records of employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective actions, and resolutions in compliance with organizational policies and applicable employment laws.

20% Collects, analyzes, and interprets qualitative and quantitative employee relations data to identify trends, systemic concerns, and opportunities for proactive intervention; prepares comprehensive reports and metrics for senior HR leadership; supports audits, accreditation activities, and compliance reporting related to employee relations, workplace conduct, and organizational culture.

15%Manages assigned employee relations intake, case communications, and follow-up activities; ensures timely and professional resolution of concerns.

10% Partners with supervisors, managers, and HR colleagues to promote a respectful, accountable, and engaging work culture; contributes to the development and implementation of employee engagement and retention strategies.

10%Conducts or assists in conducting thorough, fair, and timely investigations into grievances, disciplinary matters, and workplace incidents; prepares detailed investigative reports with findings and recommended actions.

5%Serves as a trusted advisor to supervisors and managers on performance management, progressive discipline, documentation standards, and corrective action processes.

5%Maintains accurate and confidential case records; tracks trends and prepares reports to identify systemic issues. opportunities for improvement and recommend proactive interventions; contributes to audits and accreditation-related documentation as needed.

5% Recommends and delivers training programs on workplace conduct, harassment prevention, policy compliance, and performance management best practices. Provides guidance and coaching to new managers and department administrators on effective employee relations practices and risk mitigation strategies.

5% Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties described above.

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:
   1. course work in human resource administration, business administration or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
      • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
      • Associates Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
      • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
      • Bachelors Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
   2. progressively more responsible work experience maintaining, monitoring, and/or processing human resource records and reports.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

1. Knowledge of standard principles and procedures used in human resource and ability to apply those used in complex technical operations in human resource.
2. Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and/or regulations related to public human resource administration; ability to learn those of the employing institution.
3. Knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and their applications.
4. Skill in organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
5. Skill in working with managers, staff, and the public.
6. Skill in writing and editing reports and other materials.
7. Skill in verbal and written communication.
8. Ability to work with frequent distractions.
9. Ability to work with electronic data processing hardware and software.
10. Ability to direct the work of others.
11. Ability to understand and interpret written procedures and guidelines.
12. Ability to understand computerized information systems and related reports.
13. Ability to assist in the formulation/revision of human resource policies and procedures.

Condition of Employment

Out of State Applicants that apply to Springfield vacancies in classifications in the occupational area of Professional, Semi-Professional, or Managerial will be subject to the following Condition of Employment: Pursuant to the State University Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.