Talent and Culture at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Senior Employee Relations Consultant.

About the Opportunity

The Senior Employee Relations Consultant will foster and sustain positive relationships between WVU, staff, faculty and students. This role is overall responsible for mitigating risk to the University by properly addressing employee relations issues/concerns, including but not limited to employee grievances, investigating/resolving employee workplace concerns and offering guidance and support to leaders and staff on ER related matters. They also will be responsible to advising and working towards resolution on workplace conflict and disputes and will serve as a mediator between staff and leaders when appropriate.

This role works closely with the Assistant Director, Employee Solutions, ER Consultants, SHRP’s and Medical Management Case Managers, University Police Department (UPD), Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), as well as the General Counsel team to recommend and be the subject matter expert involving Employee Relations. They will mentor the ER consultants and engage on escalated matters.

The Senior ER Consultant will identify and mitigate risk for the University by properly managing employee relations issues/concerns and ensuring adherence to company policies, practices and procures. As well as investigating WVU’s Values and Code of Conduct matters and providing outcome recommendations.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Assist leaders by recommending corrective action that is consistent and adheres to the Classified Discipline Policy and drafts Discipline letters that are consistent with University practice.
• Provides recommendations on terminations, non-renewals, Reduction in Force (RIF) plans to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, as well as University policies and procedures. Prepares termination and non-renewal documents, as well as prepping leaders for appropriate action by providing a seamless transition for the involuntary exit of the employee.
• Supports leaders on the development of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and ensures that action items are appropriate for the staff member’s position and that there is a clear understanding of what the leader’s responsibility is during the duration of the PIP.
• Prepares grievance documents as well as briefing outside legal representation on the facts of the grievant’ s situation and articulates the facts during the grievance process.
• Provides HR policy guidance, interpretation, and training related to HR/ER Matters.
• Analyzes current trends related to employee relations and provides recommendations to leadership on appropriate response. This could include, but not limited to, building and presenting to staff, faculty and leadership.
• Lead the development and delivery of training on a variety of topics related to employee relations, legislative updates, changes in employee laws, and WVU policy changes.
• Handle FSAP mandatory referrals and threat assessments with sensitivity and urgency. Works closely with University Police Department (UPD) on potential threats and respond accordingly.
• Maintain thorough, accurate and confidential documentation of all employee relations cases and uploads appropriate documentation to the case management system. Trains other ER Consultants on utilization of the system and documentation.
• Responsible for owning and leading a project or initiative assigned by Employee Solutions leaders to ensure the Employee Relations function is evolving and progressing
• Escalates sensitive and/or complex cases to ER Leadership as appropriate.
• Stay informed of employment law changes/updates and best practices in employee relations.
• Works on highly confidential activities and handles matters with integrity.
• Other duties as assigned by Employee Solutions Leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Human resources, or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following:
  • Employee relations or related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work and communicate effectively in stressful, emotionally charged situations.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to gage a situation and respond accordingly with minimal supervision.
• Strong consultative and customer service focus.
• Ability to handle highly confidential matters and be respectful through the course of an investigation or mediation.
• Subject matter expert in Employee Relations and ability to articulate sound recommendations to others.
• Executive presence: able to present or meet with high level leaders and provide a thought and sound recommendation.

Requirements

• This position is hybrid, with the expectation of a schedule that includes onsite and work from home opportunity. This position is expected to work the hours needed to meet professional responsibilities.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.