Employment Relations Specialist

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Workforce Relations Lead, the Employment Relations Specialist position provides comprehensive support of employee relations activities within the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M).

This role requires a strong commitment to customer service, demonstrated through the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, coworkers, and customers. The Employment Relations Specialist is responsible for handling sensitive information with tact, discretion, and a high degree of professionalism.

Key functions of this role include:

• Providing consultation and guidance rooted in employment law and policy, including, but not limited to: performance management, due process and just cause, progressive discipline, termination for cause, probationary/evaluation periods, grievance/appeal, workplace investigations, threats in the workplace, and the intersection of medical leaves of absence and/or ADA accommodations that overlap with employee relations matters.
• Providing interpretation, guidance, and best practice on campus human resources policies and procedures.
• Actively listening to a wide range of employee relations cases and offering guidance and options for resolution.

Ongoing/Renewable. Full-Time: 100% FTE. Hours are generally scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:45am-4:30pm, with occasional night shift hours. This position is eligible for partial remote work.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Advises employees, supervisors, managers, and human resources staff regarding sensitive employee issues and documents activities according to established polices and procedures
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for managers regarding the resolution of workforce relations issues
• Act as the primary Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) for FP&M
• Assists in the development and delivery of programs and policies aligned with unit objectives and institutional employee relations strategies
• Serves as subject matter expert for employee relations policies and processes within a designated focus area or work unit
• Participates in grievance issues, employee disciplinary transactions and terminations, and exit interviews