Sr. Employee Relations Consultant
Full-time, pay grade 40
This senior consultant position is fully knowledgeable about the functions of Employee Relations (ER) and provides support, consultation, and services to UT departments and employees. This position partners with all levels of the organization on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, policy & procedure interpretation, mediation, conflict management, performance reviews, disciplinary action, reductions-in-force, restorations-of-force, the 946-CARE program, benefits, training, and documentation. This position provides work direction and oversight for various day-to-day operations of Employee Relations staff.
Position Responsibilities:
-Provides counsel and assistance to all levels of the organization on the following: policy & procedure interpretation, mediation, conflict management, performance improvement, disciplinary action, reductions-in-force (RIF)/eliminations of externally funded positions/reduction-of-hours, restoration-of-force, and documentation.
-Chairs pre-termination and grievance hearings for exempt & non-exempt staff including pre-meeting consultation, facilitation of proceedings, and post-meeting follow-up with final dispensation.
-Conducts training for faculty and staff on a variety of Employee Relations topics.
-Provides customized Employee Relations training for departments upon request
-Makes recommendation(s) on next steps for all of the above.
-Provides work direction to Employee Relations staff for day-to-day operations
-Assists in onboarding, training, professional development, discipline, and performance of Employee Relations staff.
-Makes recommendations to Director regarding personnel actions for Employee Relations staff.
-Provides oversight, support, and policy interpretation for the following: UTK HR program initiatives, Knoxville-Area/UTSI and UTIA Sick Leave Banks, military leave tracking, survivor benefits, unemployment compensation (including participation in telephone hearings), exit procedures, The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Knoxville-Area service awards program (including recommendations for contract extensions, program changes, budgets, and proposals), positive recognition programs, and the Employee Relations Advisory Organization (ERAO).
-ERAO responsibilities include support and assistance with elections on a biennial basis (electronic & in-person elections), orientation for new members, facilitation of monthly meetings with administration & staff, and coordination of responses to agenda items.
-Provides consultation and makes recommendations regarding performance to managers and employees as needed
-Conducts annual performance review training via regularly scheduled classes and upon request
-Initiates, develops, coordinates, and participates in various HR outreach initiatives
-Co-chairs the 946-CARE program for distressed faculty & staff
-Coordinates and facilitates monthly response team meetings to determine next steps for case management and/or threat assessment
-Serves on 946-CARE line and reviews intake forms
-Partners with UTPD and Center for Health, Education, and Wellness (974-HELP line for distressed students) as needed
-Coordinates response team training, marketing, and information distribution for 946-CARE program awareness
-Maintains integrity of tracking and documentation of cases
