Employment Relations Specialist

Come join our team as an Employment Relations Specialist within the Division of Personnel Management. This position will support the State's second largest agency, the Department of Health Services (DHS), with more than 7,000 employees. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, team-oriented atmosphere with a flexible work schedule which includes core work hours of 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday and a hybrid office remote work schedule.

This position offers the majority of work days as remote. The position will be required to report occasionally to the office location at the DHS State Office Building in downtown Madison (201 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI) or other work sites in Madison or the State of Wisconsin. As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package including: 3.

5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays ; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months. Top rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. Exceptional pension plan with a 7.25% employer match in 2027 with lifetime retirement payment.

Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package! Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, and High Deductible Health Savings.

Well Wisconsin Wellness Program. A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

This position provides consultation in the administration of all employment relations activities for the assigned work units in DHS.

Responsibilities include

coaching and mentoring management through the disciplinary investigation process, administering grievance processes, assisting with gathering information on Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) cases and Wisconsin Equal Rights Division (WERD) cases, providing guidance on performance management issues, and the interpretation of work unit and State of Wisconsin policies and procedures, state statutes, and administrative codes governing all employment relations functions.

This position will also provide program oversight and support to Human Resources professionals located in satellite offices throughout the state. The position will assist with training within their assigned work units and participate in the State of Wisconsin’s workforce relations committee.

The starting pay is between $37.50 and $41.50 per hour (approximately between $78,000 and $86,320 per year) depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required. This position is classified as an Employment Relations Specialist and is in pay schedule and range 81/03. Pay for current or former state employees is set based upon the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DOA to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Employees must have access to both a private workspace and private and secure high-speed internet for a hybrid remote work option.

DOA does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following: Experience interpreting and applying applicable human resources laws, statutes, policies or procedures. Experience in a human resources setting providing consultation or guidance to human resources professionals, managers or supervisors regarding employee relations matters, including performing duties such as: consulting on conducting and managing workplace investigations, evaluating misconduct, recommending or administering appropriate corrective action and applying employer policies, work rules or procedures.

Experience training, coaching, and advising management or supervisors on effective employee performance management techniques (e.g., writing SMART goals, providing feedback or coaching employees, writing effective performance evaluations or improvement plans, etc.) Well-qualified applicants will also have one or all the following: Experience interpreting and applying state and federal employment laws such as Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and/or other laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment.

Experience leading investigations into employee violations of employer work rules or policies including conducting investigatory meetings, drafting reports or findings, and issuing discipline. Experience coordinating and training managers and supervisors in best practices and strategies for managing employee/supervisor conflicts.

The letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages and your resume is limited to three (3) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Helpful Tips: Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.

You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. Please monitor your email for communications related to this position. Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.

If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs . For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions . For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Alyssa Kjin at Alyssa.

kjin@wisconsin.gov . DOA is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s affairs, click here .

The deadline to apply is Monday, October 19 by 11:59pm CT. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.