Employee Relations Specialist- HR

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13674714 Department: Human Resources Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus Hire Type: Full Time Pay: Salary range beginning $65,700, with small adjustment based on qualifications Work Schedule: Mon- Fri, general business hours (occasional need for evenings);work is performed on-site and in person. **Export Compliance Requirement:**No export control requirement. Job Story Workplace challenges are rarely black and white. Were looking for an experienced Employee Relations/HR professional who can navigate complex situations with curiosity, sound judgment, and a commitment to fairness.\ \ In this role, youll serve as a trusted resource for employees and leaders across the University, supporting internal dispute resolution, workplace investigations, mediation, risk mitigation, stay interviews, and culture checks. Youll listen carefully, ask the questions others may miss, identify emerging issues, and help turn difficult situations into constructive next steps. Success in this role requires the ability to uncover critical information, handle resistance diplomatically, actively listen, answer questions thoroughly, and remain patient and composed during every interaction\ \ Youll conduct thorough interviews, maintain accurate and confidential documentation, prepare clear investigative reports, and apply a working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including EEOC and labor-related requirements.\ \ The ideal candidate builds rapport quickly while maintaining professional boundaries, remains impartial when perspectives conflict, and brings high emotional intelligence to handle sensitive conversations with respect and discretion. Youll need to be equally comfortable working independently and partnering with HR colleagues, University leaders, and other stakeholders as priorities evolve. Job Summary Plans, organizes and performs highly complex professional, technical and analytical work to implement human resources programs, policies and procedures related to human resources functional area. Essential Functions Consults with and proactively advises Human Resources Business Partners and leadership on human resources programs, policies and procedures. Provides prompt resolution of requests and questions specific to functional area, which may have been escalated due to the specialized and highly complex nature. Serves as a subject matter expert in functional area; works closely with leaders to understand, refine and prioritize their needs. Performs complex data analysis utilizing internal and external data to assist with decision making. Retrieves and organizes data for internal utilization and reporting. Evaluates programs, policies and procedures to assess effective utilization of resources and ensure progress on University's strategic initiatives. Formulates, develops, recommends and/or implements action for program and/or process improvement. Leads and/or participates in human resources projects. Job Duties Internal dispute resolution.\ Conduct investigations individually or as part of a joint team.\ Risk mitigation or mediation.\ Facilitate stay interviews or culture checks. Required Education and Experience: - 60 hours of undergraduate college coursework in business administration. - Seven (7) years of experience in human resources or related field. An additional 60 hours of undergraduate college coursework can be substituted for two (2) years of experience and 30 hours of graduate coursework can be substituted for an additional two (2) years of experience. Required License/Certifications/Training: None Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: - Advanced interviewing and active listening techniques - Professional and legally defensible report writing; - High emotional intelligence and impartiality; - Advanced knowledge of labor and employment regulations; - Ability to create, review and revise employment & related policy; - Adept in use of a computer to access, interpret, and record information; - Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, leaders, staff and faculty, employees of other - Departments, representatives of outside agencies, and other stakeholders; - Tactical communication skills to provide advice and counsel in difficult conflicts and disputes; - Ability to research and analyze data to create executive recommendations. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelors degree in human resource management, Employee Relations, Business Administration, Employment Law, or Labor Relations. Direct experience conducting workplace investigations in higher education.\ HR Business Partner or Employee Relations experience is preferred, particularly experience working within complex organi