Employee Relations Investigator

Summary

Pierce County is a public-sector organization whose Human Resources department supports its workforce through employee and labor relations services. The Employee Relations Investigator conducts complex workplace investigations, advises managers on misconduct and performance matters, and prepares investigative, disciplinary, and corrective-action documentation.

Responsibilities

• Advise and counsel managers and supervisors regarding employee relations matters, including workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, documentation, and discipline
• Consult with supervisors and managers regarding appropriate responses to employee conduct and performance concerns, including assessing the nature and severity of an issue, identifying appropriate corrective measures, and ensuring consistent application of County policies and procedures
• Assist management in developing and implementing performance improvement strategies, including establishing performance expectations, identifying deficiencies, documenting performance concerns, and determining appropriate follow-up
• Review and provide guidance regarding disciplinary and corrective action matters, including preparation of counseling memoranda, performance improvement plans, letters of reprimand, suspension notices, termination recommendations, and other disciplinary or corrective documents
• Draft disciplinary, corrective action, performance management, and other employee relations correspondence for review and approval by appropriate Human Resources and department leadership
• Conduct independent administrative investigations involving alleged violations of County policies, Standards of Conduct, workplace misconduct, and, as assigned, complaints involving alleged discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other EEO-related concerns. Employee Relations Investigator
• Receive and assess complaints to determine investigative scope, identify applicable policies, and develop investigation plans
• Conduct thorough interviews of complainants, respondents, witnesses, supervisors, and other individuals
• Collect, preserve, review, and analyze documentary, electronic, video, and other forms of evidence
• Evaluate credibility of witnesses using accepted investigative methodologies
• Analyze conflicting evidence and determine findings based upon a preponderance of the evidence or other applicable evidentiary standard
• Prepare clear, concise, objective investigative reports documenting allegations, evidence, findings of fact, credibility assessments, policy analysis, and conclusions. Prepare investigative findings, disciplinary recommendations, corrective action documents, and other written materials to support management decision-making

Skills

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the work of this position within a legal, human resources, judicial or law enforcement environment or similar field
• Attach a resume
• This position is remote for those residing in or relocating to Washington State. There are occasional in-person meetings and in-person contract bargaining meetings. This can mean once or twice per month for a few months of the year but also could be a few times per week during bargaining
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in conducting investigations including performing witness interviews, gathering, preserving, and analyzing facts, information, and evidence, and developing written reports
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in drafting formal letters and/or reports; applying robust * documentation, analysis, and information gathering skills
• Demonstrated experience providing guidance or consultation regarding employee relations matters, such as workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, or discipline
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Suite office products including Excel, Work, One Note, Outlook, and Teams
• Demonstrated proficiency in maintaining detailed investigative files and well-organized notes and documentation in accordance with legal requirements and records retention schedules
• Successful experience and proficiency in exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and highly sensitive matters
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship
• All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the work of this position within a legal, human resources, judicial or law enforcement environment or similar field
• Attach a resume
• This position is remote for those residing in or relocating to Washington State. There are occasional in-person meetings and in-person contract bargaining meetings. This can mean once or twice per month for a few months of the year but also could be a few times per week during bargaining
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in conducting investigations including performing witness interviews, gathering, preserving, and analyzing facts, information, and evidence, and developing written reports
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in drafting formal letters and/or reports; applying robust * documentation, analysis, and information gathering skills
• Demonstrated experience providing guidance or consultation regarding employee relations matters, such as workplace misconduct, performance management, corrective action, or discipline
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Suite office products including Excel, Work, One Note, Outlook, and Teams
• Demonstrated proficiency in maintaining detailed investigative files and well-organized notes and documentation in accordance with legal requirements and records retention schedules
• Successful experience and proficiency in exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and highly sensitive matters
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship
• All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment

Benefits

• Employee Resource Groups
• Professional development through the Leadership Training Program
• County Book Club
• Health plans, including vision coverage
• Retirement plans through the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System
• Paid leave
• Staff training
• Vacation leave accruing bi-weekly for full-time employees, increasing from 12 days during years 1-3 up to 30 days during year 25 and thereafter; up to 45 days may be carried from one year into the next
• Up to 21 days of paid military leave per state fiscal year for members of the armed forces
• Eleven paid holidays for some full-time employees
• Two additional paid personal holidays for regular full-time and regular part-time employees and employees occupying limited duration positions, subject to the stated eligibility and use conditions
• For some Pierce County employees, 10 furlough days per year in lieu of holidays
• Sick leave accruing bi-weekly at the rate of one day per month
• Medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage for employees and families
• Flexible spending plan for health care and dependent care expenses
• Supplemental life and long-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System programs
• Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan with pre-tax salary deferrals and multiple investment options
• Coverage under the federal Social Security and Medicare systems, with the county and employee paying equal amounts
• Participation in the County's ORCA Passport program, including an annually renewing pass providing free transportation on several public transit systems
• Telework or work-from-home options, dependent on the body of work
• Hybrid and remote work are the norms within the Human Resources department
• Continuous professional development through leadership development, robust online learning, and a variety of training opportunities
• This position is remote for employees residing in or relocating to Washington State, with occasional in-person meetings and contract bargaining meetings