HR Employee Relations Specialist

Job Title HR Employee Relations Specialist Agency Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Department Human Resources Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Corpus Christi, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities. PURPOSE The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a strategic Human Resources partner responsible for fostering a positive, respectful, and productive workplace environment across the University. This position conducts workplace investigations, advises supervisors and employees on employee relations matters, supports performance management initiatives, and assists with the administration of corrective action processes. The Employee Relations Specialist works closely with supervisors and administrators to resolve workplace concerns, ensure consistent application of University policies, improve employee performance, and support effective employee relations practices. The position provides guidance throughout the employee lifecycle, including performance improvement planning, disciplinary action, workplace conflict resolution, and separation processes. DESCRIPTION Functional Area 1: Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations Percent Effort: 50% Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations involving employee non-civil rights complaints, workplace misconduct, policy violations, employee conflicts, retaliation concerns, attendance issues, and other workplace matters. Gather and analyze evidence through interviews, document reviews, and other fact-finding activities. Develop investigation plans, establish timelines, and maintain communication with appropriate stakeholders throughout the investigative process. Prepare clear, concise, and well-documented investigative reports, finding summaries, and recommendations. Assess facts, credibility, and available evidence to support informed and defensible employment decisions. Maintain confidential investigative files, records, and documentation in accordance with University procedures. Provide regular updates to HR leadership regarding case status, trends, and outcomes. Identify patterns and trends that may impact workplace culture, employee engagement, or organizational effectiveness and recommend corrective actions. Functional Area 2: Performance Management & Corrective Action Percent Effort: 30% Consult with supervisors and department leaders regarding employee performance, conduct, attendance, and workplace behavior concerns. Assist managers in the development, implementation, and monitoring of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). Provide guidance regarding progressive discipline processes, including verbal counseling, written warnings, final warnings, and corrective action plans. Review disciplinary documentation to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with University policies and employment practices. Provide guidance and interpretation regarding applicable HR policies, procedures, and employment-related requirements. Participate in performance discussions, disciplinary meetings, and employee counseling sessions as appropriate. Assist management and HR leadership in determining appropriate corrective actions based on investigative findings and performance concerns. Coordinate disciplinary actions, including involuntary terminations, by reviewing supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with University policies and applicable regulations, and facilitating required approval processes in consultation with the Office of General Counsel. Support workforce accountability initiatives while promoting employee development and success. Functional Area 3: Employee Relations Consulting & HR Support Percent Effort: 20% Serve as a resource to supervisors and administrators by providing guidance, consultation, and recommendations regarding employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and policy interpretation. Research and interpret HR policies, procedures, regulations, and employment laws, and provide recommendations on best practices to support consistent and compliant decision-making. Facilitate conflict resolution efforts and assist with workplace mediation when appropriate. Support employee retention, engagement, and organizational culture initiatives. Assist in developing and delivering training related to performance management, workplace professionalism, employee conduct, conflict resolution, and supervisory best practices. Prepare reports, maintain records, and analyze employee relations metrics as requested. Support HR leadership during employee separation processes, including voluntary and involuntary terminations ensuring appropriate documentation, policy compliance, and coordination with key stakeholders. Assist with special HR projects and perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Organizational Leadership, or a related field. Two (2) years of professional experience in Human Resources, employee relations, workplace investigations, labor relations, case management, or a related field. Knowledge of employee relations principles, workplace investigations, performance management, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution practices. Strong interviewing, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare professional reports, finding summaries, and employment-related documentation. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, faculty, staff, supervisors, and senior leadership. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, Human Resources, or performance management. Professional Human Resources certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR. Experience conducting workplace investigations and preparing investigative reports. Experience developing and administering Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and corrective action processes. Experience working in higher education, public sector, healthcare, or similarly complex organizations. Training or certification in workplace mediation, conflict resolution, employee relations, or investigations. SALARY: Up to $4,583.33 Monthly ($55,000 annual) NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026. BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply) From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work. INSURANCE: Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage Dental & Vision Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness Book scholarships 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply). Retirement : Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan Time Off : 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month. 8 hours of sick leave time off every month. 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave. 12-15 paid holidays each year. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.