Employee Relations Investigator - 61006857 - 180277

Job Responsibilities

• Lead timely, impartial investigations into alleged misconduct or violations of employment laws, personnel policies or labor agreements.
• Conduct in-depth interviews, gather evidence, and document findings in clear, legally defensible reports.
• Evaluate and apply employment laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and related state and local regulations.

• Analyzes facts and applies relevant South Carolina state policies, personnel regulations, and federal employment laws.
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes affecting employee relations; assist with policy updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Human Resources, the Employee Relations and Employee Services Director, and DPH’s Office of General Counsel on complex or high-risk cases.
• Recommend process improvements and innovative approaches to strengthen our culture.

• Facilitate mediation between employees or managers to resolve interpersonal or performance-related conflict.
• Recommend proactive interventions to prevent escalation and promote a healthy work environment.

• Develop and deliver training on topics such as respectful workplace conduct, anti-discrimination, harassment prevention, and manager responsibilities under employment law.
• Coach supervisors and HR staff on proper documentation, corrective action, and conflict resolution techniques.

• Maintain comprehensive, confidential records of all case activity in alignment with legal and policy requirements.
• Track case trends and identify systemic issues that warrant broader organizational response.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• At least 3 years of professional experience in employee relations including workplace investigations, or employment law compliance. Experience conducting workplace investigations and/or mediations.
• Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, Law, Public Administration or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Professional certifications such as Association of Workplace Investigators- Certificate Holder (AWi-CH)
• Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR
• Experience delivering workplace conduct training

Additional Comments

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

• Innovative, supportive culture—we encourage ideas from every team member.
• Collaborative environment—you’ll work closely with leaders and colleagues to solve meaningful challenges.
• Room to grow—professional development and learning opportunities are built into our culture.
• Direct impact—your work ensures fairness, compliance, and a positive workplace for all.