EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

The Employee Relations Specialist is the first point of contact for employee relations matters at Spartan College's California campuses. The role investigates workplace concerns, advises managers on discipline and performance, and keeps SEG compliant with California employment law.

Working closely with the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and outside employment counsel, this position applies independent judgment to resolve sensitive issues fairly and consistently. It supports a regulated higher-education environment, where employee conduct and documentation can also affect accreditation and Department of Education obligations.

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and policy violations. Prepare clear investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Advise managers on progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, coaching, and terminations, ensuring consistent and well-documented decisions.
• Interpret and apply SEG policies and the Employee Handbook, including the California addendum, and recommend policy updates as California law changes.
• Partner with the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and outside employment counsel on agency charges (CRD, EEOC, Labor Commissioner), demand letters, and pre-litigation matters; gather and organize documentation as requested.
• Support leave and accommodation processes, including the interactive process under FEHA and coordination of CFRA and PDL leave, in partnership with benefits and leave administration.
• Review wage-and-hour practices with managers, including meal and rest periods, timekeeping, and exempt versus non-exempt classification questions, and escalate concerns.
• Track employee relations cases in the HRIS or case management system and report trends, root causes, and risk areas to HR leadership.
• Facilitate conflict resolution, mediation, and stay or exit interviews to improve retention and workplace climate.
• Deliver or coordinate training for supervisors and employees, including California-mandated harassment prevention training (SB 1343) and manager training on documentation and investigations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of personnel and student-related records, including information protected under FERPA, and follow SEG record-retention requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.