Employee Relations Specialist / ADA Program Administrator (HR Spec IV) - Denver

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

About the Work Unit

The Division of Human Resources (DHR) provides all human resources (HR) functions at the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), which includes performance management, compensation and benefits, the employee relations programs, labor relations, HR compliance, organizational & employee development, recruitment, selection, and HR Information Systems. DHR is the point of contact for all HR-related activities and ensures that department policies and procedures, state personnel rules and procedures, state and federal employment laws, and HR best practices are appropriately implemented at CDOT.

About the Position

As the Employee Relations Specialist and ADA Program Administrator, you will provide CDOT employees and managers with strategic consultation, advice, counseling, and guidance on issues that relate to the rules of the Colorado Personnel system; CDOT policies and procedures; local, state and federal employment laws; Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA) guidance; and Governor Executive orders. You will recommend resolutions to management with focus to minimize legal risk and to meet the business needs of the organization. You will conduct complex workplace investigations that focus primarily on allegations of violations of CDOT policy, Title VII, POWR Act, and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. You will also administer CDOT’s Statewide ADA Program, providing data, tracking, and reporting of ADA activities to ensure adherence to agency protocol and state and federal laws. You will develop and deliver ADA-related informational material and training and serve as the ADA coordinator for Headquarters.

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following

• Provide consultation and technical guidance on workplace concerns related to the state and federal employment laws and regulations, as well as CDOT policies and procedures.
• Apprise and guide CDOT managers in best practices related to employment and professional HR management issues.
• Ensure consistent application of all laws and rules across CDOT, e.g., Title VII, POWR Act, ADA, USERRA, etc.
• Counsel employees on options in solving workplace concerns.
• Serve as consultant to both management and employees regarding appropriate implementation of performance management techniques, including corrective and disciplinary actions.
• Prepare appointing authorities for and attend disciplinary meetings as a representative of appointing authorities. Review letters of decision, corrective, and disciplinary actions for legal compliance and to ensure consistency with agency practice.
• Ensure consistency with Employee Relations case files; responsible for keeping case notes and filing relevant documents.
• Evaluate complaints to determine legal issues, scope of concern, evidence needed and logistical plan to make policy/ procedure and employment law and Rule compliant recommendations. Analyze evidence obtained in order to detect credibility, pretext, motive, and trends of fact patterns.
• Conduct complex workplace investigations, primarily disability discrimination workplace investigations. May also conduct other workplace investigations, such as workplace violence, policy violations, and as needed, allegations of Title VII, the POWR Act and Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA).
• Support all CDOT Regions in investigating harassment claims, e.g., when the Regions have an investigator neutrality concern and/or need additional support due to internal civil rights staff workloads.
• Author position statements to EEOC and CCRD on behalf of the Department.
• Recommend policy and procedure changes to management to ensure that legal and professional best practices are implemented.
• Ensure confidentiality to the extent possible and the integrity of the investigation and investigation report.
• Ensure CDOT’s compliance with Title I of the ADA, with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and with Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act).
• Administer CDOT’s Statewide ADA Program and develop data tracking and reporting of statewide ADA activities to ensure adherence to agency protocol and state and federal laws.
• Identify CDOT non-compliance and litigation risks and recommend ADA program and process changes and improvements to the Employee Relations Manager and Program Director.
• Mitigate risk and ensure compliance through the Development and marketing of ADA-related informational material to employees and managers.
• Educate Appointing Authorities, managers, supervisors, and employees on the interactive process, confidentiality, roles and responsibilities, reasonable accommodations, and undue hardship. Provide support and guidance to departments on the complex and/or highly sensitive interactive process meetings.
• Responsible for all Headquarters ADA case management records, compliance, and retention requirements. Ensure confidentiality of employee's disability and case files, including medical information.
• Develop, update, and provide training to ADA Coordinators. Identify training needs and develop additional and supplemental training.
• Serve as an instructor for CDOT’s required Progressive Discipline and Defensible Documentation training course.
• Serve as a back-up for unemployment claim and litigation responsibilities.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Your schedule will primarily be 8:00 am – 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday, but we are flexible to meet your work/life balance needs while ensuring CDOT business needs are met.

• You will likely work a hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office and remote work. HR is currently in the office 1 day per week. You could be expected to be in office more often during your training period.

• Occasional travel throughout the state, including the possibility of overnight travel, for investigations, meetings, and training.

• Politically sensitive environment requiring confidentiality.
  

Class Code & Classification Description:

H4G4XX Human Resources Specialist IV

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

• At least 7 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, equal employment opportunity, business administration, training, ADA program administration, conducting employment investigations, or other experience relevant to the duties of this position.

  • 3 years of this experience must be experience in human resources administration focused on employee relations, workplace investigations, and ADA Title I.

OR

Education and Experience:

• A combination of relevant education and experience equal to at least 7 years.

  • Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in human resources management, industrial/organizational psychology, organizational development, sociology, business administration, public administration, law, management or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.

  • Human resources administration experience focused on employee relations, workplace investigations, and ADA Title I will be considered.

Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. “See Resume” statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section.

• A current valid driver’s license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

The exceptional applicant will be an experienced Employee Relations Specialist and will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;

• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;

• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;

• Experience resolving complex employee relations issues;

• Experience conducting internal employee investigations and preparing reports, including discrimination and harassment;

• Experience working with legal counsel;

• Experience ensuring comprehensive and compliant documentation of workplace issues;

• Experience administering an ADA program;

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with workplace issues and state and federal rules, laws, and regulations (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FLSA, sexual harassment, POWR Act, State Personnel Rules, etc.);

• Experience delivering HR-related training;

• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential, SPHR, or PHR;

• Proven investigative, interviewing, and research skills;

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to develop official correspondence and reports;

• Ability to verbally communicate clearly, diplomatically, and in a manner easily understood by the recipient;

• Excellent conflict resolution skills;

• Ability to work with and relate to employees at all levels within an organization;

• Ability to operate in a politically sensitive environment and maintain confidentiality;

• Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments;

• Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner;

• Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders with sensitivity to their needs, priorities, promises made and commitments;

• Effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills;

• Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking ability;

• Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability;

• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral;

• Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;

• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, SAP or other HRIS system, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

1. A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)

2. A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)

3. A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.

4. A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

5. If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), your name, and the name of your school, or your official NACES credential evaluation report. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

6. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Notifications:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email. Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorado's website.

The Hiring Process:

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

• Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the Major Duties, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications sections as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate in any step of the selection process and placement on the eligible list.

1. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement

If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant.

Employment Screening

If an applicant reaches the finalist stage of the hiring process, the Colorado Department of Transportation may procure a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on the applicant in connection with his/her application for employment purposes, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These reports may be obtained at any time after receipt of the applicant's authorization. As part of the employment screening an applicant will be requested to disclose any deferred judgments and convictions as well as an explanation of the circumstances around any arrest or conviction. In the event that a screening returns information that the applicant believes is not accurate, he or she will have an opportunity to dispute the information with “Accurate.”

Accurate, a consumer reporting agency, will obtain the report for CDOT. Further information regarding Accurate including its privacy policy, may be found online at www.accurate.com. Accurate is located at 200 Spectrum Center Drive Suite 1100, Irvine, CA 92618.

The report may contain information bearing on the applicant's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. The information that may be included in the report includes social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records checks, educational records, and driving records checks. CDOT will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which the applicant is applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources. The applicant will have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, . If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at .

ADAAA Accommodations

CDOT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Erin.Hardin@state.co.us.

Former State Employees

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.

ERIN (SAP #50004940/PCR #68057)