The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title:  Senior Employee Relations Specialist- Atlanta

Pay Grade: L

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Employee Relations Manager, assists in supporting the employee relations function for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Assists in planning, developing, and implementing new and revised employee relations programs, policies, practices, procedures, and best practices aligned with the strategies and culture of DBHDD. Provides support in the administration of employee relations matters and related policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance. 

Duties and Responsibilities 
Assists in supporting the employee relations function for the agency. Assists in planning, developing, and implementing new and revised employee relations programs, policies, practices, procedures, and best practices. Provides support in the administration of employee relations matters and related policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance. 

Provides/supports employee relations activities to include but not limited to employee/management counseling and coaching, complaint/grievance investigations, unlawful discrimination, or harassment charges, reviewing and/or recommending corrective/disciplinary action, EEOC charges, reduction RIFs and unemployment hearings. 

Provides consultation, support, and training to all levels of management on employee relations policies, practices, procedures, and related decisions.

Acts as a resource to ensure fair and consistent interpretation, implementation, communication and administration of related programs, policies, and initiatives. Provides guidance and counsel on performance management issues and disciplinary process. 

Assists in the development and documentation of procedures to enhance and streamline processes and ensure compliance with related regulatory requirements, as well as provide education and training to managers and staff. 

Monitors the effectiveness of existing employee relations programs, policies, practices, and procedures, evaluates and/or recommends changes which enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of operations/services, implements, and provides guidance to management/staff in their administration, and ensures programs and administration are consistent with departmental objectives and attentive to related policies and regulations. 

Serves as a senior resource and aids and oversight to less senior ER staff on significant employee relations issues. 

Works with Human Resources staff and departmental leadership to assist in ensuring HR policies and procedures are appropriately aligned with departmei1tal goals, objectives, and culture, and attentive to federal, state, and local laws and State Personnel Board Rules and Regulations. 

Tracks/logs employee relations activities, compiles/analyzes/reports/presents data, and findings, identifies trends and recommends and/or /implements corrective action 

Keeps apprised of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations to ensure departmental compliance. 
Performs other duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of state and federal regulations specific to employment law, employee relations and relevant 
human resources 

Employee relations experience to include planning, developing, and implementing new and revised employee relations programs, policies, practices, procedures, and best practices.

Provide support in the administration of employee relations matters and related policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.

Provide support for employee relations activities to include but not limited to employee/management counseling and coaching, complaint/ grievance investigations, unlawful discrimination, or harassment charges, reviewing and/or recommending corrective/disciplinary action, EEOC charges, reduction in force (RIFs), and unemployment hearings.

Experience providing consultation, support, and training to all levels of management on employee relations policies, practices, procedures, and related decisions.

Ability to act as a resource to ensure fair and consistent interpretation, implementation, communication, and administration of related programs, policies, and initiatives.

Ability to provide guidance and counsel on performance management issues and disciplinary process.

Ability to track and log employee relations activities; compile and analyze reports; present data and findings; and identify trends and recommend appropriate action. Ability to keep apprised of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations to ensure departmental compliance. 

Demonstrated experience and ability to independently initiate, analyze, report, implement and monitor employee 
relations programs and related activity.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in successfully navigating complex employment law and employee relations matters. 

Ability to exercise sound judgment, make recommendations/decisions and clearly and succinctly explain their basis Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships and influence others 

Ability to lead management in conflict resolution and handle difficult/sensitive situations and/or individuals effectively. 

High degree of emotional intelligence. Well organized and confident to work independently but be a strong team player. 

Analytical mindset and skills, and ability to collect, organize, interpret, problem solve, recommend/make decisions and develop plan of action 

Ability to multi-task, establish/maintain priorities and manage multiple issues 

High professional standards; strong customer service mentality and with attention to confidentiality 

Ability to coach, counsel, and mentor 

Solid attention to detail 

Strong and concise oral and written communication skills 

Knowledge of and ability to effectively use related HR systems and software packages/applications. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook) 
 

Preferred Qualifications

Related masters or law degree is preferred, with 5-6 years progressively responsible experience in employee 
relations or legal experience with an emphasis in employee relations. Experience in administering employee 
relations programs, policies, procedures, and best practices in a state government entity strongly preferred. 
PHR/SPHR or other relevant certification. 

Benefits 

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.  

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.