UTEP - Employee Relations Consultant

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Position Information

Position Summary

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Consultant serves as a strategic partner within the Office of Human Resources department, focusing on fostering a positive and compliant workplace environment across the institution. This role is responsible for managing complex employee relations matters, including conducting impartial investigations, advising on performance management, and interpreting employment laws and university policies. The consultant collaborates with academic and administrative leaders to resolve conflicts and ensure adherence to institutional values and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the position supports proactive initiatives such as training programs on workplace conduct and supervisory skills, contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations Management - 40%

• Provide employee relations consultation and guidance to supervisors, faculty and staff regarding performance issues, corrective action, and conflict resolution. 
• Conduct workplace investigations, including interviewing employees, gathering documentation, and preparing investigative reports. 
• Manage employee relations casework by maintaining accurate confidential case files, tracking deadlines, and documenting recommendations and outcomes. 
• Prepare written reports and communications, including investigation summaries, performance improvement plans, and corrective action documents. 
• Conduct investigation meetings and mediation sessions. 

Collaboration and Consultation - 35%

• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to address organizational challenges and improve employee engagement.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to identify employee relations issues and recommend strategies for organizational development and workforce planning.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees on institutional policies.
• Collaborate and consult with HR units, Legal Counsel, Title IX, Equal Opportunity Office, and other internal partners to ensure coordinated responses to workplace issues.

Training and Development - 15%

• Assist in the development and facilitation of training programs in performance management, employee recognition, and supervisory skills in conflict resolution. 

Compliance and Policy Interpretation and Guidance -10%

• Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees on institutional policies. 
• Collaborate and consult with HR units, Legal Counsel, Title IX, Equal Opportunity Office, and other internal partners to ensure coordinated responses to workplace issues. 

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.

and

Experience: 

• Three (3) years of experience in employee relations, HR consulting, investigations, mediation, or related HR role. 
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulatory requirements and best practices. 
• Strong interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills. 
• Demonstrate ability to manage time sensitive and confidential information with discretion. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Experience conducting workplace investigations
• Advanced HR certification such as SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR

Why Pick UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its 2030 Strategic Plan. Built around the institution’s core strengths—its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships—the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University’s regional impact and national stature.

About the Office of Human Resources 

UTEP’s Office of Human Resources supports the university’s mission by recruiting talented individuals, fostering professional growth, and promoting a culture of service, integrity, and respect. We are committed to providing exceptional service to applicants, employees, and campus departments. Our team partners with the campus community to attract, develop, and retain a skilled workforce dedicated to student success and institutional excellence.

As a key function within Human Resources, the Employee Relations team supports a positive and effective work environment by promoting strong communication, sound management practices, and proactive conflict resolution. Through consultation, training, and guidance on performance management and policy, the team works collaboratively with employees and supervisors to foster a respectful and productive workplace aligned with the UTEP's values and goals.

Miner Perks and Benefits

What UTEP Offers:

• Benefit Package includes: Medical, Prescription, Life Insurance and Wellness platform
• Voluntary Benefits: Dental, Vision, Additional life insurance, UT Flex, Short and Long - term disability plans
• Retirement Programs
• Longevity Pay
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Discounts & Perks
• Employee Education Assistance program
• And much more! Visit our Benefits Summary Page for more information on our additional benefits.
   

Disclaimer: Eligibility for perks and benefits may vary based on part-time or full-time employment.

Additional Information

Note: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to a learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.  Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX,  Kelly Hall, Room 223C. 

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.