Employee Relations and Training Specialist

Under limited supervision, the Employee Relations and Training Specialist advises managers and employees on a variety of human resources policies and job-related matters. The Specialist is responsible for coordinating and facilitating employee training and development programs, assisting with employee relations activities, and managing the agency’s internship program. Working collaboratively with supervisors, managers, and the HR Director, the Specialist identifies training needs, addresses workplace concerns, and supports agency initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. This position plays a key role in promoting workforce development and fostering a positive work environment by developing and implementing employee relations strategies, assisting in resolving workplace conflicts, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and supporting employee engagement and retention initiatives. In addition, the Specialist serves as a point of contact for employee concerns and helps promote a culture of fairness, respect, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a resource for employees and management regarding workplace issues, HR policies, and labor law compliance.  
• Assist with addressing employee relations matters and provide support to the HR director with investigating employee complaints, grievances, and allegations of misconduct or harassment.  
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts training for supervisors and/or employees on an assortment of work-related issues as required.  
• Analyze employee relations trends and metrics to improve workplace practices and reduce risk. 
• Promote initiatives to boost employee morale, engagement, retention, and workforce development. 
• Facilitate training sessions on conflict resolution, harassment prevention, and agency policies.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of employee training activities, attendance, and completion.
• Oversee the agency’s internship program, including recruitment, onboarding, placement, supervision coordination, and evaluation of interns.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for interns and educational institutions to ensure compliance with program guidelines and promote a positive internship experience.
• Prepare reports and summaries on training outcomes, employee relations trends, and internship program metrics for management review.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of human resources principles, employee relations practices, and employment laws and regulations.
• Understanding of adult learning concepts, training methods, and instructional design principles.
• Excellent planning, organization, dispute resolution, negotiation, analytical, customer service, and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and external partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive information with professionalism.

High school diploma/GED and two (2) years of job-related experience in human resources; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level HR Spec 1 (HRP020) or position equivalent. 

Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in human resources or training and development.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in conflict resolution, mediation, or workplace dispute management. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems, and learning management software.

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
 In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

 Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.