Employee Relations Specialist
University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
About the College/Unit/Department
The UGA Facilities Management Division is the largest of seven divisions reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The exceptional staff of over 800 personnel manage, operate, and maintain campus landscapes, buildings, and infrastructure to promote the long‑term sustainability of the University of Georgia.
Position Summary The Employee Relations Specialist supports the Facilities Management Division by coordinating and executing a broad range of employee relations (ER) services. This role ensures the timely, accurate, and confidential handling of ER matters—including disciplinary actions, workplace concerns, FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, mediation, conflict resolution, and consultative support for supervisors and employees. Working closely with the Employee Relations Coordinator, University HR partners, and FMD leadership, this position maintains organized case records, prepares documentation, and assists in implementing ER guidelines and best practices. The Employee Relations Specialist also contributes to special projects, facilitates new‑hire orientation, and drives process improvements that strengthen ER as a strategic partner for the division.
Responsibilities Employee Relations Support
Assist with Employee Relations inquiries submitted through the FMD HR Helpdesk and ensure timely, complete case record entry.
Assist with documentation for disciplinary actions, consultations, conflict resolution, mediation, and terminations in alignment with ER guidelines.
Conduct assessments to identify organizational and departmental employee relations training needs and collaborate with HR leadership to recommend and implement appropriate learning initiatives.
Assist ER Coordinator with dissemination of HR policies and procedures as necessary.
Assist ER Coordinator with minor disciplinary actions, mediation, consultations, disputes, and conflicts per Employee Relations guidelines.
Schedule disciplinary meetings, mediations, consultations, and conflict‑resolution sessions.
Prepare ER documents, correspondence, and meeting materials as assigned.
Records & Compliance
Assist with the submission of ongoing Worker's Compensation documentation to the DOAS Case Managers.
Maintain accurate databases and records for FMLA, ADA, Worker's Compensation, and related ER case files.
Ensure the timely, accurate, and confidential handling of ER matters—including disciplinary actions, workplace concerns, FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, mediation, conflict resolution, and consultative support.
Additional Responsibilities
Facilitate new‑hire orientation sessions for incoming employees, providing an overview of University and FMD policies, workplace expectations, employee resources, and employee relations standards.
Serve as an HR Representative on interview panels when needed.
Provide customer service to FMD and UGA employees, modeling professionalism and composure.
Cross‑train with other HR functional areas to ensure coverage and continuity of operations.
Support FMD HR special projects, process improvements, and division‑wide initiatives.
Office Duties
Perform administrative tasks such as filing, document management, drafting correspondence, preparation of letters and mailings, and answering phones.
Answer questions from Staff/Students/Visitors, take messages, and relay messages to appropriate personnel.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in employee relations, human resources, or a related function within a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated experience supporting or administering employee relations processes, including disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and policy interpretation.
Experience facilitating training sessions, new‑hire orientations, or delivering policy‑related guidance to supervisors and employees.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines.
Detail‑oriented, dependable, and adept at maintaining accurate, up‑to‑date records.
Customer service mindset with a professional, positive demeanor in challenging or emotionally sensitive situations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Physical Demands
Prolonged periods working at a computer.
Travel across campus to various FMD buildings and facilities.
Standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, and pulling as tasks require.
EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, colour, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
Salary USD 60,000 commensurate with experience.
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Position Summary The Employee Relations Specialist supports the Facilities Management Division by coordinating and executing a broad range of employee relations (ER) services. This role ensures the timely, accurate, and confidential handling of ER matters—including disciplinary actions, workplace concerns, FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, mediation, conflict resolution, and consultative support for supervisors and employees. Working closely with the Employee Relations Coordinator, University HR partners, and FMD leadership, this position maintains organized case records, prepares documentation, and assists in implementing ER guidelines and best practices. The Employee Relations Specialist also contributes to special projects, facilitates new‑hire orientation, and drives process improvements that strengthen ER as a strategic partner for the division.
Responsibilities Employee Relations Support
Assist with Employee Relations inquiries submitted through the FMD HR Helpdesk and ensure timely, complete case record entry.
Assist with documentation for disciplinary actions, consultations, conflict resolution, mediation, and terminations in alignment with ER guidelines.
Conduct assessments to identify organizational and departmental employee relations training needs and collaborate with HR leadership to recommend and implement appropriate learning initiatives.
Assist ER Coordinator with dissemination of HR policies and procedures as necessary.
Assist ER Coordinator with minor disciplinary actions, mediation, consultations, disputes, and conflicts per Employee Relations guidelines.
Schedule disciplinary meetings, mediations, consultations, and conflict‑resolution sessions.
Prepare ER documents, correspondence, and meeting materials as assigned.
Records & Compliance
Assist with the submission of ongoing Worker's Compensation documentation to the DOAS Case Managers.
Maintain accurate databases and records for FMLA, ADA, Worker's Compensation, and related ER case files.
Ensure the timely, accurate, and confidential handling of ER matters—including disciplinary actions, workplace concerns, FMLA, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, mediation, conflict resolution, and consultative support.
Additional Responsibilities
Facilitate new‑hire orientation sessions for incoming employees, providing an overview of University and FMD policies, workplace expectations, employee resources, and employee relations standards.
Serve as an HR Representative on interview panels when needed.
Provide customer service to FMD and UGA employees, modeling professionalism and composure.
Cross‑train with other HR functional areas to ensure coverage and continuity of operations.
Support FMD HR special projects, process improvements, and division‑wide initiatives.
Office Duties
Perform administrative tasks such as filing, document management, drafting correspondence, preparation of letters and mailings, and answering phones.
Answer questions from Staff/Students/Visitors, take messages, and relay messages to appropriate personnel.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in employee relations, human resources, or a related function within a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated experience supporting or administering employee relations processes, including disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and policy interpretation.
Experience facilitating training sessions, new‑hire orientations, or delivering policy‑related guidance to supervisors and employees.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines.
Detail‑oriented, dependable, and adept at maintaining accurate, up‑to‑date records.
Customer service mindset with a professional, positive demeanor in challenging or emotionally sensitive situations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Physical Demands
Prolonged periods working at a computer.
Travel across campus to various FMD buildings and facilities.
Standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, and pulling as tasks require.
EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, colour, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
Salary USD 60,000 commensurate with experience.
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