Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist
Location: Atlanta, GA
PG: 17 - Job Code 16096
Application deadline: Open until filled
Submit application and resume to: [email protected]

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the day-to-day operation of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD). We currently have a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an Employee Relations Specialist in the Human Resources Division.

DPS Human Resources provides a full array of services including recruitment and employment, job development and compensation analysis, policy consultation, personnel and benefits processing, management and employee relations, background screening and career development for 1500+ employees.

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for leading efforts in human resource investigations, grievance investigations, EEOC/GCEO responses, unemployment insurance defense and other special projects that arise within the Division. This position reports to the Deputy HR Director.

Key responsibilities:

  • Leads and provides consultation for a wide variety of special projects assigned to the Human Resources Division.
  • Formulates and recommends program goals and objectives in all areas of management and employee relations.
  • Working closely with the DPS legal staff, provides consultation, advice and assistance to management on matters related to employee relations to ensure compliance with departmental policies, and federal & state employment laws.
  • Conducts investigations and provides recommendations to leadership.
  • Prepares the department’s response to requests related to employment charges & unemployment insurance requests.
  • Provides input into the development and revision of personnel related policies and procedures.
  • Maintains exit interview program and discusses exit interview findings with HR leadership.

Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions, recommendations, and plans of action.  Candidates must also have the ability to effectively plan and prioritize multiple assignments to meet established deadlines.

Required Personal Characteristics:

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Strong communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
  • High integrity and honesty.
  • Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion.
  • Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a four year college or university AND one year or professional human resource experience, OR five years of professional human resource experience, OR one year of experience at the lower level or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PHR/SPHR certification
  • Demonstrated experience advising management regarding employee relations and employment law issues and representing the organization in informal and formal administrative hearing sessions.
  • Possess a well-developed knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations as related to employee relations/employee discipline issues.
  • Experience in conducting training/presentations.
  • Experience in policy & procedure development.
  • HR Generalist experience

To apply for this position, you must submit a State Employment Application and resume to the Human Resources Division, email to [email protected] or fax: 404-624-7546. This is an unclassified position unless filled by a classified employee.