Employee Relations Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for leading and administering comprehensive employee relations programs for the County through a professional, proactive, fair, and consistent approach. This role applies professional employee relations expertise to manage performance improvement, disciplinary actions, complaints and investigations and other workforce matters. The position partners closely with department heads, and supervisors to ensure compliance with applicable laws and County policies while fostering positive employee relations and effective service delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performance Management:

• Develop, implement, and monitor performance management programs for union and non-union employees in alignment with organizational policies and labor agreements.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and addressing performance deficiencies.
• Assist supervisors in creating performance improvement plans and tracking outcomes.
• Analyze performance trends to identify systemic issues and recommend solutions to improve workforce productivity and engagement.

Complaints and Investigations:

• Serve as a subject-matter expert on employee complaints, grievances, and workplace investigations.
• Conduct impartial investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or policy violations.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, recommendations, and documentation in compliance with internal policies, collective bargaining agreements, and legal requirements.
• Act as a liaison between management, employees, and union representatives to facilitate fair resolution of disputes.

Corrective and Disciplinary Actions:

• Advise management on appropriate corrective and disciplinary measures for both union and non-union employees.
• Ensure disciplinary actions are consistent, legally defensible, and compliant with labor agreements, policies, and procedures.
• Track disciplinary trends and provide recommendations for proactive measures to mitigate recurring issues.
• Partner with management to enforce disciplinary action when necessary, including cases involving non-preventable injury or property damage.

Mandatory Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Oversight:

• Manage and oversee mandatory EAP referrals, ensuring employees receive required support and follow-up.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify employees in need of EAP intervention for performance, safety, or behavioral concerns.
• Maintain accurate records of EAP participation while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Provide reporting and trend analysis to leadership on EAP utilization and outcomes.

Risk Management and Safety:

• Collaborate with Risk Management and Safety teams to identify, analyze, and mitigate workplace risks.
• Review and analyze workers’ compensation claims to identify trends, root causes, and preventive strategies.
• Develop recommendations for training, policy changes, or disciplinary action to reduce risk exposure and prevent recurrence.
• Enforce accountability measures for employees involved in incidents resulting in non-preventable injury or property damage, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
• Provide guidance on safety and compliance initiatives in conjunction with labor agreements and regulatory requirements.

General Employee Relations Functions:

• Serve as a resource for managers and employees regarding labor relations, employment law, organizational policies, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Conduct trend analysis and prepare reports on employee relations metrics, grievances, disciplinary actions, EAP usage, and risk management indicators.
• Participate in labor negotiations and consultations as needed to support management objectives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position primarily involves sedentary work in an office setting, including prolonged periods of sitting with occasional standing or walking, and extended use of a computer and standard office equipment. The employee must be able to communicate effectively, review and prepare documents, perform fine motor tasks such as typing, and occasionally lift or carry light materials up to 10 pounds consistent with routine office operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Work is performed in a professional, climate-controlled office environment typical of county government operations and involves prolonged periods of sitting with extensive use of computers and standard office equipment, which may result in eye strain or repetitive motion. The role requires frequent interaction and collaboration with employees, management, union representatives, and the public in shared workspaces with standard lighting and moderate noise levels. Physical activity is limited to occasional movement within the office, and while no unusual physical hazards are present, the position may involve handling sensitive or contentious labor relations matters that require sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:  

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year institution in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.  Relevant experience, training or technical certifications may substitute for preferred college degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources administration with a concentration in employee and labor relations is required. At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience is preferred.
• Public sector or governmental experience strongly preferred.
• Highly experienced in employee labor relations, collective bargaining, FLSA, employment law, and HR best practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, policies, and training materials.
• Strong analytical, investigatory, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential matters with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including union representatives and executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS/payroll systems.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License (Class E) with a good driving record.

Pay Grade G208

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.

Salary : $87,845 - $131,767