Employee Relations Specialist (2025)

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a highly qualified human resource professional for the position of Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist. Performs advanced (senior level) human resources (HR) work and is responsible for day-to-day employee relations (ER) activities for assigned customer areas. Work involves analysis, problem solving, conflict resolution, policy interpretation and providing advice, guidance and consultation to managers and employees with the goal of minimizing legal risk and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Health and Human Services (HHS) HR policy and procedures. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Consults, provides guidance, and makes recommendations on human resources related issues including, but not limited to, selections, drug testing, background checks, leave issues, workplace violence, conflicts of interest, and/or worker’s compensation in accordance with federal and state rules, regulations and statutes and HHS HR policies, procedures and guidelines.

Consults, provides guidance, and makes recommendations on corrective and/or disciplinary actions related to employee conduct and/or performance issues.

Consults with the Office of Chief Counsel and Civil Rights on employee relations and human resources matters.

Provides guidance and consultation to agency management and employees on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) matters to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and statutes and HHS HR policy.

Develops and conducts training and presentations to managers and employees on HHS HR policies and procedures.

May review criminal history record information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Texas Department of Public Safety and provides guidance and employment eligibility determinations to managers for applicants, employees, contractors, and volunteers in relation to HHS agency bars to employment and/or contraindications to employment. Consults with agency attorneys as necessary.

Coordinates, completes, and/or monitors certain human resource benefit and compensation actions including death claims, promotions, demotions, temporary assignments, management directed transfers, equity adjustments, merit raises, and reinstatements. Ensures compliance with state and agency eligibility criteria and approvals.

Communicates with managers, employees and/or dependents, Employee Retirement System, third-party insurance carrier, HHS Payroll, Time, Leave and Labor, and HHS Employee Service Center on various human resources-related matters.

May serve as a subject matter expert witness and employer representative in agency unemployment hearings, agency grievance proceedings and external litigation.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Public sector human resources administration.
• Human resources management principles and practices.
• Human resources programs such as employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers' compensation, and organizational development.
• Policy and procedure development processes.

Skill in:

• Consensus building.
• Consultation and negotiation.
• Customer service orientation and relationship management.
• Analytical thinking.
• Providing facilitation and effective consultation to management and staff.
• Facilitating large and small group meetings with multiple stakeholders.
• Defusing conflict, guiding groups to agreement on decisions and maintaining objectivity.
• Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Interpreting complex human resources policies and procedures.
• The use of computer and human resources-related software applications.

Ability to:

• Provide concise, accurate guidance.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Provide consultation regarding agency policies and procedures to management, staff and the general public.
• Assess and balance competing priorities.
• Analyze complex data.
• Make appropriate decisions independently.
• Demonstrate professionalism, confidence and diplomacy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.
• Work independently, exercising sound judgment.
• Maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in human resources management, business or public administration, organizational development, or a related field is generally preferred.

Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Experience in human resources or closely related field.

Experience interpreting and applying human resources and related policies and procedures to employees, managers, and the public.

Experience advising and counseling management and employees on human resources related issues is preferred.

Experience entering, updating, retrieving, and analyzing data from automated systems.

Additional Information:

Selected applicant will be required to meet eligibility criteria established by TxDPS to be granted access to Criminal History Record Information.

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHSC starting salary guidelines.

Extended hours may be required during times of peak workload and/or to assist with deadlines on critical assignments.

Occasional travel may be required.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form