Human Resources Advisor Senior (Employee Relations/Austin Parks & Recreation)

About This Position

Purpose:

Under limited direction, provides management and employee groups advanced journey-level professional human resources (HR) support on a broad range of HR issues and decisions, primarily in matters that require independent discretion. Responsible for the implementation of services and programs in one or more areas of HR.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Collaborates and serves as strategic partner with senior leaders and management on HR programmatic analysis, implementation, and administration providing operational oversight, advice, and analytical support.

• Manages and resolves complex HR-related issues and provides solutions to programs and processes, monitoring implementation of agreed upon actions until the problem has been resolved.

• Advises and influences management in making sound HR-related decisions.

• Serves as subject matter expert in providing advice and counsel to management and employee groups on a broad range of HR issues and with applicable regulations, programs, policies, and procedures.

• Interprets and provides guidance on, and interpretation of, applicable systems, policies, procedures, strategies, process work flows, and regulations; and monitors compliance with policies, regulations, laws, and program objectives.

• Identifies, analyzes, and recommends solutions for various HR problems using morale indicators and other personnel measurements, such as, but not limited to, surveys, turnover, and grievances; and presents recommendations for corrective action programs when needed.

• Provides training to managers and supervisors on HR topics and procedures.

• Researches, gathers, analyzes, and evaluates data and information; monitors program trends; reviews and performs quality checks of program-related data; and develops and maintains management reporting to support decision making and policy development.

• Monitors and maintains system data, files, records, and reporting; transmits program data files to vendors; and develops, monitors, and implements information tracking systems.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing personnel activities.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge and practices of HR program administration and management.

• Knowledge of practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.

• Knowledge of principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.

• Knowledge of customer service principles.

• Skill in overseeing the maintenance of HR program/process documentation, data, schedules, records, and files.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to coordinate deadlines, prioritize work demands and assign/monitor work performed.

• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

• Ability to train others.

• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in assigned specialized HR areas.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field, plus four (4) years of HR experience.

• One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience conducting investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other policy violations, including writing investigative summaries and disciplinary memos.

• Experience advising and supporting supervisors and managers to successfully manage employee behavior and performance issues.

• Experience integrating employee protections and benefits, including FMLA and employer-provided benefits, and facilitating requests for accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Experience partnering with management to develop and document policies and procedures.

• Experience providing employee relations support in a municipal civil service environment.

Preferred Certifications:

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provide, protects, and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural, and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.
 

The purpose of the Human Resources Advisor Senior position will be to investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and other employee relations issues. This position will provide advice and guidance to employees, supervisors, and managers across the department on complex employee relations matters, including interpretation and application of policy, procedures, and rules that apply to civilian and/or commissioned personnel.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.

• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.

• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.

• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.

• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Location/Work Schedule Notes: 

Austin Parks and Recreation Main Office - 200 S. Lamar Blvd.

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.

• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary Range:

$68,660 - $85,830 per year.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.