Employee Relations Specialist

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Human Resources is seeking a Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist to join our team!

If you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work, this is the right job for you. Some of the duties include but are not limited to: 

• Work with supervisors and other HR team members to ensure proper documentation on employee(s) performance issues, disciplinary actions, grievances, arbitrations, etc. Offers consultation, facilitation, and resolution strategies for workplace issues. 
• Conducts high profile or complex investigations. Assist with and provide guidance to managers with conducting investigations, developing questions, evaluating investigations, making recommendations, and administering leave and/or corrective action. 
• Evaluate complaints. Write guidance documents and templates. 
• Evaluate training needs; develops, reviews, and trains supervisors, HR, and business managers. 
• Recommends training for employees. Compiles reports, evaluates data, and makes recommendations for policy and procedure changes. 
• Track investigations; receives and reviews investigations and investigates Department work rule and/or policy violations or assists supervisors in investigating the Department work rule and/or policy violations. 
• Works with supervisors on creating Performance Improvement Plans and completing performance evaluations. Guides supervisors with performance issues. Assists supervisors with developing performance improvement plans. 
• Tracks grievances for consistency and training purposes. Develops policies, procedures, guidance, and training to supervisors. 
• Travel may be required to conduct personnel investigations. 

The ideal candidate will be proficient in conducting investigations using “just cause” principles, have the ability to think on their feet, analyze and interpret laws, rules, policies, and procedures, analyzing data, situations, and problem solving, evaluating investigations, writing reports, and making recommendations. In addition, candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to be objective, have excellent oral and written communications, and be an active listener. 

Preference will be given to candidates with human resources experience, conducting personnel investigations. 

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a

comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and

your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!

• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to

begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9

days/year).

• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29%

and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC),

Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to

$75/month).

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and

dependent care expenses.

• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee

Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our

employee discount programs. 

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. 

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.