Employee Relations Specialist in Austin, TX

Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Employee Relations Specialist 
Job Title: Human Resources Spclst V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HR STAFF 
Posting Number: 12940 
Closing Date: 01/29/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $5,425.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0102,0111,0147,0170,0171,4801,4802,4803,4804,4810,4821,8411,8412,8421,8422,8840,120X,168X,38FX,3F0X1 
3F3X1,3F4X1,3F5X1,3G0X1,420A,42A,42B,42H,641X,70F,741X,79R,79S,79T,79V,83R0,87Q0,8R000,8R200,8R300 
99G0,NC,NCC,NCR,PERS,PS,RCM10,SEI11,YN,YNS 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Human Resources (HR) Employee Relations Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) human resources work and is responsible for day-to-day employee relations and administration of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental leave coordination and review. Work involves analysis, problem solving, conflict resolution, policy interpretation and providing advice, guidance and consultation to managers and employees with the goal of minimizing legal risk and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Health and Human Services (HHS) HR policy and procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Consults, provides guidance and makes recommendations on human resources related issues including, but not limited to, selections, drug testing, background checks, leave issues, workplace violence, conflicts of interest, and/or worker's compensation in accordance with federal and state rules, regulations and statutes and HHS HR policies, procedures and guidelines. 25%

Processes FMLA requests for assigned areas and provides advice and counsel to employees and managers regarding coordination and completion of FMLA forms, reports, related documentation and leave processing. Prepares and disseminates information regarding FMLA, Parental Leave and related leave policies and procedures in response to inquiries or as requested. 25%

Coordinates, completes, and/or monitors certain human resource benefit and compensation actions including death claims, promotions, demotions, temporary assignments, management directed transfers, equity adjustments, merit raises, and reinstatements. Ensures compliance with state and agency eligibility criteria and approvals. 15%

May review criminal history record information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Texas Department of Public Safety and provide guidance and employment eligibility determinations to managers for applicants, employees, contractors and volunteers in relation to HHS agency bars to employment and/or contraindications to employment. Consults with agency attorneys as necessary. 15%

Responds to inquiries and advises management and staff regarding FMLA, Parental Leave, and related leave policies and procedures. Prepares and disseminates information regarding FMLA, Parental Leave and related leave policies and procedures in response to inquiries or as requested. 15%

Other relevant duties as assigned. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Human resources related policies, functions, and operations and programs.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental leave state and federal laws and regulations and employee leave programs.

Human resources management principles and practices.

Human resources programs such as employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers' compensation and organizational development.

Skill in:

Oral and written communication.

Building and maintaining effective working relationships.

Planning and organizing activities.

Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing and problem solving.

Effectively organizing, tracking, and developing written and electronic documents.

Consultation and negotiation.

Customer service orientation and relationship management.

Analytical thinking.

Providing facilitation and effective consultation to management and staff.

Facilitating large and small group meetings with multiple stakeholders.

Defusing conflict, guiding groups to agreement on decisions and maintaining objectivity.

Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Interpreting complex human resources policies and procedures.

The use of computers.

Ability to:

Explain policies and procedures to employees, managers and the general public.

Analyze, interpret and compile data to correlate and analyze facts.

Work under pressure while organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.

Work collaboratively in a team environment and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.

Work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines.

Plan and coordinate program activities.

Identify problems and develop solutions.

Understand and execute detailed instructions while managing complex ideas.

Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and documents.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in human resources management, business or public administration or a related field is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Experience in human resources or closely related field.
• Experience processing Family Medical leave is preferred.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies and procedures in human resources or related field.
• Experience entering, updating, retrieving or analyzing data from automated human resource systems.
• Experience advising and counseling managers and employees on human resources related issues is preferred.

Additional Information:

This posting is for two positions. Following the interview process and determination of the applicant's skillset, a decision will be made on which specialized position each applicant will fill.

This position has the capability to telework on a part-time basis. Selected candidate(s) must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service. The selected candidate(s) must also have a home office location free from distractions that will provide the ability to ensure confidentiality of work product.

Final candidates will have to successfully complete any required due diligence/background checks and reference checks.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.