Employee Relations Specialist
El Paso County (CO), Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Are you an HR professional who can navigate complex people matters with objectivity, sound judgment, and professionalism? El Paso County is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to handle sensitive employee relations issues and support a workplace rooted in our vision, purpose, and core values.
In this role, you will manage complex employee relations matters, including discharges, medical separations, disciplinary actions, unemployment insurance claims, administrative leave placements, file preservation notices, EEO‑4 reporting, and compliance with employment law posting requirements. You will guide these cases from development through delivery, partnering closely with HR staff, department and office leaders, HR Business Partners, and the County Attorney’s Office to ensure timely, well‑supported, and consistent outcomes.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact for discharges, medical separations, and disciplinary actions arising from investigations, preparing accurate, defensible documentation aligned with investigative findings, County policy, and legal requirements.
Draft, review, and edit discharge, medical separation, and disciplinary documents; advise leadership on content and evidence.
Maintain, update, audit, and safeguard confidential employee relations files, spreadsheets, and records.
Coordinate employee placements on administrative leave related to investigations or operational needs.
Audit and process back‑pay reconciliations with Payroll.
Coordinate retrieval of County‑issued assets following separations or placements.
Prepare employee‑relations payroll documentation in a timely manner.
Manage the County’s unemployment insurance claims process, including responses, documentation submission, appeal hearing representation, claim validation, invoice reconciliation, and trend monitoring.
Respond to discrimination charges from the EEOC, CCRD, and other agencies in collaboration with the County Attorney’s Office.
Process file preservation notices with the County Attorney’s Office.
Compile and respond to information requests such as subpoenas, CORA requests, litigation, and other legal affairs.
Maintain in‑depth knowledge of legal requirements, disseminate updates, and implement changes as applicable.
Provide consultative interpretation of County policies and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Prepare and submit the EEO‑4 report of workforce demographic data.
Serve as the HR point of contact for employment law posting compliance across County worksites.
Monitor, gather, consolidate, and analyze employee‑related data to identify trends and prepare reports for HR leadership.
Perform other duties as requested.
Supervision Exercised: No supervisory authority; may provide expertise or limited guidance to employees. Received: General supervision with periodic performance reviews.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In‑depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment‑related law.
Strong investigative, interview, and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex matters and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication with persuasion, tact, and diplomacy.
Exceptional writing, proofreading, and report‑writing abilities.
Strong attention to detail, initiative, and time‑management skills.
Customer‑service orientation and strong organizational skills.
High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
Ability to work independently and in a team with minimal supervision.
Strong relationship‑building skills with employees, County staff, elected officials, and the public.
Analytical problem‑solving and recommendation implementation.
Adaptability to change, pressure, and ambiguity.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Required Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years of experience in employee relations, HR compliance, or related area.
Preferred Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field.
Employee relations experience in a public‑sector environment.
Experience responding to EEOC or CCRD discrimination charges.
Experience handling unemployment insurance claims and attending UI appeal hearings.
Licenses / Certificates
Valid driver’s license.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) preferred.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM‑CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM‑SCP) preferred.
Pre‑Employment Requirements
Conditional post‑offer background investigation, motor‑vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). Duties are primarily performed in an office and remote work environment, subject to department discretion and business needs; some local travel is required.
The classifying specification above represents only key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on department or office needs. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
Hiring Range:
$77,000.00 – $82,000.00 annually Work schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (subject to change) Position may close without advance notice.
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In this role, you will manage complex employee relations matters, including discharges, medical separations, disciplinary actions, unemployment insurance claims, administrative leave placements, file preservation notices, EEO‑4 reporting, and compliance with employment law posting requirements. You will guide these cases from development through delivery, partnering closely with HR staff, department and office leaders, HR Business Partners, and the County Attorney’s Office to ensure timely, well‑supported, and consistent outcomes.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point of contact for discharges, medical separations, and disciplinary actions arising from investigations, preparing accurate, defensible documentation aligned with investigative findings, County policy, and legal requirements.
Draft, review, and edit discharge, medical separation, and disciplinary documents; advise leadership on content and evidence.
Maintain, update, audit, and safeguard confidential employee relations files, spreadsheets, and records.
Coordinate employee placements on administrative leave related to investigations or operational needs.
Audit and process back‑pay reconciliations with Payroll.
Coordinate retrieval of County‑issued assets following separations or placements.
Prepare employee‑relations payroll documentation in a timely manner.
Manage the County’s unemployment insurance claims process, including responses, documentation submission, appeal hearing representation, claim validation, invoice reconciliation, and trend monitoring.
Respond to discrimination charges from the EEOC, CCRD, and other agencies in collaboration with the County Attorney’s Office.
Process file preservation notices with the County Attorney’s Office.
Compile and respond to information requests such as subpoenas, CORA requests, litigation, and other legal affairs.
Maintain in‑depth knowledge of legal requirements, disseminate updates, and implement changes as applicable.
Provide consultative interpretation of County policies and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Prepare and submit the EEO‑4 report of workforce demographic data.
Serve as the HR point of contact for employment law posting compliance across County worksites.
Monitor, gather, consolidate, and analyze employee‑related data to identify trends and prepare reports for HR leadership.
Perform other duties as requested.
Supervision Exercised: No supervisory authority; may provide expertise or limited guidance to employees. Received: General supervision with periodic performance reviews.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In‑depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment‑related law.
Strong investigative, interview, and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex matters and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication with persuasion, tact, and diplomacy.
Exceptional writing, proofreading, and report‑writing abilities.
Strong attention to detail, initiative, and time‑management skills.
Customer‑service orientation and strong organizational skills.
High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
Ability to work independently and in a team with minimal supervision.
Strong relationship‑building skills with employees, County staff, elected officials, and the public.
Analytical problem‑solving and recommendation implementation.
Adaptability to change, pressure, and ambiguity.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Required Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent.
Three years of experience in employee relations, HR compliance, or related area.
Preferred Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or related field.
Employee relations experience in a public‑sector environment.
Experience responding to EEOC or CCRD discrimination charges.
Experience handling unemployment insurance claims and attending UI appeal hearings.
Licenses / Certificates
Valid driver’s license.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) preferred.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM‑CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM‑SCP) preferred.
Pre‑Employment Requirements
Conditional post‑offer background investigation, motor‑vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). Duties are primarily performed in an office and remote work environment, subject to department discretion and business needs; some local travel is required.
The classifying specification above represents only key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on department or office needs. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
Hiring Range:
$77,000.00 – $82,000.00 annually Work schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (subject to change) Position may close without advance notice.
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