Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist (Human Resources Division)

Location: Department of Public Safety Headquarters Atlanta, GA

Job Code: HRP011, HRP012 or HRP013

Pay Grade: corresponding K, L, or M

Pay Grade Salary Range: $45,000 - $81,000 annually, depending on qualifications

Note: The selected candidate will be hired at the job level (HR Generalist 2, 3 or 4) that best matches their education and experience, and the salary will be commensurate with experience.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the day-to-day operation of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Capitol Police and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVE).

We are seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Employee Relations Specialist to join our Human Resources Division. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting the dedicated professionals who serve and protect Georgia's communities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and enjoy working on a wide variety of employee relations matters from conducting investigations and responding to employment-related inquiries to advising leadership on workplace issues that shape our culture and operations. This position reports to the Deputy HR Director.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct investigations into employee relations matters and provide clear, well-supported conclusions and recommendations to leadership.
• Conduct employee and management training classes.
• Advise and assist management on employee relations matters.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies and state and federal employment laws.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues and departmental leadership to resolve complex employee issues and promote a positive workplace culture.
• Serve as the department's primary contact for discrimination charges, leading the preparation of comprehensive, well-documented responses that demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and compliance with employment law.
• Coordinate the department's drug testing program, ensuring adherence to policy and consistency across all divisions.
• Lead and provide consultation for a variety of special projects within the Human Resources Division that enhance operations and employee engagement.
• Develop and recommend program goals and objectives that strengthen management practices and promote positive employee relations.
• Prepare timely and accurate departmental responses to employment-related inquiries, including unemployment insurance requests.
• Contribute to the development, review, and revision of personnel policies and procedures to ensure clarity, fairness, and compliance.
• Manage the exit interview program and communicate key findings and trends to HR leadership to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Promote awareness of the DPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by distributing monthly email communications that highlight available EAP services and resources.

Required Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrates high integrity, honesty, and sound judgment, exercises discretion in all matters.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum for HRP011: High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of human resource experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level HR Generalist 1 (HRP010) or position equivalent.

Minimum for HRP012: High school diploma/GED and five (5) years of professional human resource experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level HR Generalist 2 (HRP011) or position equivalent.

Minimum for HRP013: High school diploma/GED and seven (7) years of professional human resource experience, which includes three (3) years in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level HR Generalist 4 (HRP014) or position equivalent.

Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience conducting employee relations investigations, including analyzing issues, gathering evidence, and preparing clear, well-documented reports.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, regulations, and best practices in human resources and employee relations.
• Experience preparing responses to discrimination charges, unemployment claims, or other employment-related inquiries.
• Experience in conducting training/presentations.
• Ability to provide clear, practical guidance and consultation to managers and leadership on complex HR and employee relations matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional correspondence, policies, and reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify trends and recommend proactive solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and special projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• PHR/SPHR and/or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification

The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation. This includes a review of criminal, driver's and credit history. No polygraph examination is required for this position.

This is an unclassified position unless filled by a classified employee. Only applicants chosen for interview will be contacted.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees and applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, natural origin, age, disability, or genetic information.