Career Center

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general direction of the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, this position provides a full range of employee relation services to the University community, including consultation and support to management and employees through analysis and interpretation of University policies and procedures, review of applicable employment and labor law, providing objective problem-solving and decision-making assistance as well as mediation and conflict resolution services.
Work will be reviewed through meetings, reports, analysis, and observation of results. A flexible work schedule is required.

As a condition of employment, Duquesne University requires all new employees —full-time and part-time, including adjunct faculty—to get a COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof of their vaccination upon commencement of employment.

New employees requesting a religious or documented medical exemption from the vaccine must complete and submit a Duquesne University exemption request form for review and approval. To receive the appropriate exemption request form, contact hrservices@duq.edu. Employees with approved exemptions will be required to be tested on a regular basis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coaches and counsels managers and employees; assists with clarifying goals and objectives; serves as an objective problem solver; assists with facilitating communications and fostering effective working relationships with employees at all levels, balancing employee advocacy with stewardship of University's needs, goals and values; collaborates with managers and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
Serves as a strategic first point of contact for managers seeking advice on employee relations matters; consults with managers to develop workplace and job expectations and to address performance issues of employees; provides counsel related to documenting, coaching and identifying training needs and related supports; assists with preparing and reviewing formal corrective actions documents, including performance improvement plans; provides strategies for resolving complex and critical employment matters.

In accordance with applicable policies and procedures, conducts effective, thorough and objective employment-related investigations.

Writes clearly articulated documents related to various disciplinary matters, including but not limited to formal corrective action documents, performance improvement plans, and investigation reports.

Coordinates all aspects of the staff introductory and performance review program; follows up as necessary with employing departments to ensure timely and complete information is provided; tracks reviews and consults with employing department and Director of Employee and Labor Relations as appropriate.

Coordinates all aspects of unemployment compensation program; receives, reviews and responds to all documentation requests in a timely manner; maintains appropriate filing system of UC claims; reviews and audits UC invoices and corresponding claims brought against the University to assure protection of fiscal assets; prepares UC and vendor invoices for timely payment; prepares for and represents the University at appeal hearings as needed.

Coordinates all aspects of the exit interview program; prepares surveys, meets with employees, complies feedback and maintains program metrics.

Assists with various aspects of the annual staff performance appraisal program including preparing communications, updating the e-solution, and training.

Identifies employee relations training for departments and individual coaching needs; develops, implements and delivers training.

Assists with various employee engagement programs and events fostering positive and effective performance management and staff relations.

Reviews and recommends amendments to policies and procedures based on business trends.

Maintains web content and related online resources for employee relations.

Assists with various aspects of labor relations including, contract interpretation, grievance management and research and planning related to contract negotiations.

Serves on various ongoing and ad-hoc committees.

Assists with University’s pandemic response, including but not limited to, responding and providing guidance to employees who test positive for COVID-19, updating the University’s data dashboard, partnering with Student Health Services, Center for Pharmacy Care, Marketing and Communications, and Environmental Health & Safety on various COVID-19 initiatives; keeping updated on CDC guidelines for employee health.

Completes special projects and related duties as assigned by Director of Employee and Labor Relations.          

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or closely related field from an accredited institution.
2 – 4 years of work experience in human resources.

Preferred qualifications:

Prior experience in higher education setting and with HR employee relations, conflict resolution and related training as well as PHR/SHRM-CP certification is highly desirable and preferred.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to employment, employee relations, affirmative action/equal employment opportunity, employee development and related human resources functions.

Ability to listen objectively to employee concerns and complaints and plan an appropriate, recommended course of action.

Skill to analyze complex problems and apply original and innovative approaches and techniques to solve difficult problems with multiple variables.

Demonstrated experience resolving complex employee relations issues that includes conducting investigations, preparing and writing findings and recommendations.

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce clear, well organized and concise analytical reports, procedures, and/or disciplinary documents.

Ability to prepare and deliver relevant and engaging group training sessions.

Experience working with human resources practices, policies, and procedures.

Experience with mediation facilitation and/or coaching is desirable.

Ability to maintain confidentiality in highly sensitive matters.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work, multi-task, take initiative, and take ownership of projects.

Ability to be people-focused, positive with a customer service-orientation.

Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule and respond to the needs of a 24/7 workforce.
Sensitivity to the need of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as it relates to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.