Western University of Health Sciences is hiring: Employee Relations Specialist i

Overview Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) seeks a dedicated Employee Relations Specialist. This role, located at WesternU’s Pomona campus, supports employee relations, complaints, grievances, claims, and cases under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Employee Relations. The position addresses standards, regulations, and best practices; conducts reviews and investigations; prepares comprehensive investigation reports with findings and recommendations; and consults campus administrators to facilitate sanctions. It also advises supervisors on performance management and training, coordinates employee relations training, and responds to inquiries from government agencies (e.g., EEOC, EDD, FEHA). The role involves administration and case management of terminations, wage and hour, and other employee services in compliance with regulatory requirements. Responsibilities Develop an investigation plan for HR complaints and grievances; contact involved parties; interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses; gather relevant documentation; identify information to assist the adjudicator and appeal officer. Provide regular updates to the Director of Employee Relations and other staff; prepare detailed, unbiased investigation reports and maintain thorough records. Counsel supervisors on proper management of complaints and grievances involving interpersonal issues. Educate and train students, faculty, and staff on anti-harassment and discrimination policies; train on prevention and intervention of misconduct; deliver other trainings as needed. Assist law enforcement and university security in handling reports of sexual assault and related misconduct; provide testimony to outside agencies as required. Recommend updates to university policies and procedures; stay informed on developments in investigations and applicable regulations (e.g., Title VI, VII, IX, Clery Act). Advise departments on a broad spectrum of employment issues (leave of absence, workers’ compensation, performance management, wage and hour, policies and procedures). Represent WesternU at EDD, EEOC, workers’ compensation, and other agency hearings; ensure compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements; administer Title IX trainings and related policies. Manage leave of absences, workers’ compensation, terminations, exit meetings, and related tasks with other departments; process tuition reimbursements and subpoenas for records as needed. Perform other duties as assigned; adhere to the university’s commitment to humanism and respectful, equitable work environment. Qualifications Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; 3–5 years of conducting investigations or handling employee relations matters; ability to conduct effective presentations. Preferred: SHRM-CP or PHR credential. Key Responsibilities (continued) Present information to educate stakeholders on university policies; stay current with anti-harassment and discrimination policies; support prevention and intervention efforts. Support campus safety by coordinating with law enforcement and security; provide testimony as required. Recommend policy updates; monitor regulatory changes and adjust practices accordingly. Advise on a broad range of employment issues; represent WesternU in agency hearings; ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies. Maintain and administer leave, workers’ compensation, terminations, and related processes; manage records and respond to subpoenas; coordinate with multiple departments as needed. Work Details Schedule: Regular hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; may require evenings, weekends, and holidays; travel to off-site meetings or trainings as needed. Pay: Expected pay scale and exact offer determined by qualifications and experience. Physical and Work Environment The position requires typical office work with occasional lifting and the ability to move around campus; reasonable accommodations may be provided. Work environment includes indoor office settings and potential interruptions from various campus stakeholders. Posting Details Posting Number: A00907 Posting Date: 09/24/2025 Close Date: 09/24/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes Conditions of Employment Background check required. Conditional offer subject to satisfactory background investigation. Pay transparency and equal opportunity statements are applicable. Equal Opportunity: WesternU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as required by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr