Human Resources Consultant (Employee Relations Investigator) - Austin Human Resources

Job Description:

Human Resources Consultant (Employee Relations Investigator) - Austin Human Resources

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Human Resources is on the lookout for an experienced and highly motivated Human Resources Consultant specializing in Employee Relations!

Are you ready to make a real impact? In this pivotal role, you'll be the trusted advisor for resolving Employee Relations (ER) inquiries and issues. You'll expertly navigate City policies, procedures, and employment laws to deliver exceptional consultation and resolution.

As a key player in our team, you'll lead critical investigations into discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation claims. Additionally, you'll conduct thorough administrative reviews, ensuring our departmental policies are consistently aligned with City of Austin standards.

Join us and be a part of a team that values integrity, excellence, and making a difference in the workplace!

Job Description:

Purpose:

This position plans and designs a broad range of human resources services and programs Citywide, and in a specialized area of human resources, such as Worker's Compensation, Employment, or Employee Relations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Plans, designs, develops, implements, and evaluates major human resources programs within the area of specialization for Citywide use.
  
• Provides advice and counsel to management and other employee groups on a broad range of human resources issues and decisions within the area of specialization.
  
• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends solutions for various human resources problems within the area of specialization, monitoring implementation of agreed-upon actions until the problem has been resolved.
  
• Advises and influences management in making sound human resources related decisions within the area of specialization.
  
• Analyzes morale indicators and other personnel measurements, such as, but not limited to surveys, turnover, and grievances, and presents recommendations within the area of specialization for corrective action programs.
  
• Ensures compliance with Federal and State laws, including reporting requirements.
  
• Conducts training to departments in changes in policies, personnel procedures, and classification programs.
  
• Observes, interviews, and surveys employees, and conducts group meetings to collect job, organizational, and occupational information.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

• Provide leadership for groups including other professionals and support staff in the area of specialization.
  
• May manage entire program or programs.
  
• Periodically act as a team leader to special task forces or teams.
  
• Provide direction and/or guidance to less experienced human resources personnel.
  
• Provide training to managers and others on human resources issues.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of assigned human resources areas.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in using computers, related software and large databases.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to mentor and train.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in the assigned Human Resources areas.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field plus four (4) years of human resources experience in the human resources specialty assigned.
  
• Experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education up to a maximum of four (4) years substitution.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience as a lead ER investigator, carrying a full investigation caseload, creating investigation records, plans, and reports.
  
• Experience quickly learning and applying company policy, internal HR investigation procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
  
• Trained or certified in mediation and/or alternate dispute resolution techniques, Labor and Employment Law, and experience responding to EEOC charges.
  
• PHR or SPHR Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Human Resources works to position the City of Austin as an employer of choice through balanced, efficient and collaborative strategic partnerships. We support and develop a high performing and diverse workforce that fosters a healthy, safe, respectful, and productive work environment for employees and their families, City departments, and the community.

Salary Range: $71,630.00 -$90,980.00 (Midpoint)

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hours may vary due to operational needs. Alternative schedules and remote work/teleworking options are available. However, the position requires at least 40% in-office presence per week after the initial probationary period.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed and complete City of Austin application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Be thorough and list all relevant experience, including supervisory and/or leadership roles. This information will be used to select candidates for interviews, and the starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience.

• While a resume or cover letter may be included, the entries on your employment application will primarily be considered for interview qualification and compensation purposes.
  
• Detail all previous employment you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications, including job titles and employment dates.
  
• A cover letter and/or resume will NOT substitute for a complete employment application. Do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application. Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
  

Use of AI is strictly prohibited to respond to the application and during the interview process.

If you are selected to interview: If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization or institution, as well as proof of your professional licenses or certifications. If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Additional Information:

Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after seven (7) days.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-16