Employee Relations Consultant

State of Idaho Division of Human Resources

Applications will be accepted through 4:59pm MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Division of Human Resources (DHR) is dedicated to supporting the public sector’s most valuable asset : its people! As a partner in shaping the future of government service, we are committed to enhancing the employee experience at every stage – from recruitment to retirement – ensuring that the State of Idaho remains a place where dedicated public servants thrive and make a meaningful impact on their community.

By joining the DHR team, you would serve as a trusted Employee Relations (ER) Consultant , providing integrated and innovative human resources solutions for statewide agencies. This classified position will operate under the guidance of DHR leadership and will be located at DHR's Central Office in Boise, ID.

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Consultant provides expert, statewide guidance on employee relations matters, including conducting investigations, policy interpretation, compliance, and training. This role requires strong analytical ability, sound judgment, and professionalism in handling sensitive issues. The position serves as a statewide owner of employee relations processes, ensuring consistency, compliance, and defensibility across agencies.

Central ER Consultants may be assigned statewide ownership of specific ER domains, such as IPC/IHRC or Risk Management and the statewide Complaint Line.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Training (25%)

• Develop statewide resources, including templates, guidelines, best-practice materials, and case studies and examples;
• Lead the development and delivery of statewide employee relations training, including DHR SOPs and supporting tools.
• Advise on solutions to employee relations issues involving performance, misconduct, conflict, FMLA, ADA, and workplace accommodations.
• Provide oversight and guidance on tools related to documentation, case handling, and compliance requirements.
• Lead the development and delivery of statewide FMLA and ADA training for HR employees.

Investigations (25%)

• Conduct high-risk or sensitive investigations, including leadership complaints, HR-related complaints, and DAG-requested investigations.
• Identify investigation issues, evidence sources, and investigative actions;
• Prepare clear, well-structured investigation records, including investigation plans, summaries, and supporting documentation;
• Analyze witness statements and evidence and reach timely, unbiased findings;
• Assess witness credibility and maintain confidentiality throughout all investigative activities.

Policy and Compliance (20%)

• Advise employees and HR leaders on HR policy interpretation and compliance requirements;
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure ER practices align with labor laws, policies and ethical standards;
• Guide agencies leadership on consistent application of statewide ER processes and expectations.

Data Analysis (10%)

• Maintain statewide data for IPC, IHRC, tort claims, and complaint line cases;
• Analyze trends to identify risks, training needs, and opportunities for policy or process improvement;
• Report findings and recommendations to supervisors and agency leadership.
• Monitor the DHR Service Level Agreement (SLA) to ensure standards are met and to recommend process improvements to enhance the SLA.

Administrative Oversight (20%)

• Oversee statewide processes for Idaho Personnel Commission (IPC) appeals, Idaho Human Rights Commission (IHRC) complaints, tort claims, and the employee complaint (with domain ownership assigned between consultants;
• Monitor case progress, documentation quality, and compliance with required timelines;
• Coordinate with agency and HR Leadership to ensure accurate submissions and consistent statewide practices.

Minimum Qualifications :

Good knowledge of:

• Human resource administration
• Equal employment opportunity concepts and legal requirements

Experience:

• Analyzing human resource management problems and developing alternatives and recommendations
• Participating in resolving complaints
• Providing human resource consultation to management and administrators

MQ Specialties :

Good knowledge of:

• Supervisory methods

Experience:

• Gathering and analyzing data and developing reports based on the information
• Working with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
• Developing and providing training

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Experience working in an employee relations role or related role
• Conducting and managing multiple internal investigations
• Experience working in complex employee relations environments