Senior Employee Relations Investigations Specialist-Senior Administrative Analyst-Human Resources

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Howard

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024 Howard County Government received a recordbreaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) the most awards in the state of Maryland and the fifth highest in the nation as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents improve existing programs upgrade working conditions and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

What are we looking for
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What youll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented diverse and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical retirement and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team youll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Key Highlights of the Role:

• Conduct impartial investigations into employee concerns including misconduct discrimination harassment and other workplace issues.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees providing guidance on performance management employee relations and policy compliance.

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative policies and training initiatives to enhance workforce engagement and productivity.

• Work collaboratively with union representatives to address and resolve employment matters.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs advanced professional level administrative work which may include supervisory responsibility under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes the analysis and coordination of complex administrative matters; researching reviewing and analyzing legislative budget personnel purchasing and policy issues; and supervising one or more major functional office programs or activities.

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Senior Employee Relations Specialist/Investigator:

Under general direction assists with the administration and oversight of human resources policies programs and services.

The position functions as a subject matter expert to multiple departments with a focus on labor relations/investigations and a range of other employment matters. Duties may include a combination of assignments to support county operations.

Conducts impartial investigations of complaints of employee misconduct work complaints or other employee concerns including for example complaints based on violation of County regulation and policies allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected class status retaliation workplace violence and misuse of County property.

Analyzes allegations of the complaint and researches applicable regulations and policies associated with those complaints to identify the appropriate violation(s) to investigate.

Develops an investigation plan and researches background information related to the complainant respondent witnesses and other related parties. Provides notifications of the investigation to appropriate parties including respondents witnesses and applicable unions.

Documents the findings of the investigation process in a timely fashion by preparing an investigation report for formal investigations and other factfinding reports position statements and case files. Conduct telephone inperson or video interviews and assists with responses to requests for information or interrogatories; Prepare timely investigation reports and other factfinding reports position statements and case files.

Addresses employee relations issues such as misconduct work complaints or other employee concerns. This may also include review analysis and making recommendations on a variety of formal and informal actions proposed by all levels of management.

Reviews issues to ensure consistent and clear guidance on the application of organizational policies County Code and collective bargaining agreements.

Investigates gathers and analyzes information to ensure that employment actions comply with established policies HR laws and Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Counsels managers/employees on variety of employment matters and actions including but not limited to application of policies hiring and promotional actions performance management coaching disciplinary reviews etc.

Analyzes complaints conducts a wide variety of investigations and provides recommendations to management for the handling of formal and informal complaints.

Analyzes researches provides recommendations and drafts new policies or updates existing policies on a variety of employment organizational and programmatic issues in compliance with evolving and current laws and organizational standards. Provides training to managers and employees on best practices and County policy.

Prepares written communications attends meetings and develops other presentations on employee/management matters. Researches data and HR trends to ensure programs meet best practices remain current and reflect workforce needs.

Attends hearings and participates as a witness as needed.

Works with bargaining unit representatives to address employment concerns.

Bachelors Degree and four 4 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Human Resources related experience.

Previous experience conducting workplace investigations.

Demonstrated investigation and report writing experience.

Demonstrated experience with development revision and implementation of policy for an organizations workforce.

Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of Title VII and employmentrelated laws rules and regulations to provide comprehensive analysis of case assignments.

Excellent written communication skills to include proven ability to communicate effectively through email inperson and oral presentations.

Good project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases at once.

Proven ability to show initiative assertiveness and resourcefulness to address customer needs.

Ability to be dependable accountable and successfully perform in a telework and independent investigator environment with limited supervision when needed.

Ability to practice initiative balanced with appropriate judgment to update or consult with management or supervisors when needed.

Demonstrated experience performing complex professional human resources functions which includes participation with management to develop legally defensible policies and procedures.

Experience advising counseling and training supervisors and management in employee performance and employee relations matters.

Critical thinking skills a strong work ethic solid organizational and time management skills flexibility and a willingness to adapt to sudden changes.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and use hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are required to travel to different work sites.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY:You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening background screening and reference checks.

At time of application please submit a copy of any college degree coursework licenses or certifications that you have referenced on your who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard Countyis an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity equity and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color religion age sex ancestry creed national origin disability status genetics marital statusmilitary service sexual orientation gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at .Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.