GLO - (Employee Relations Specialist) Program Specialist V

The Texas General Land Office is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist within the Human Resources Department of the agency.

Performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Our Mission:
The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources.

What Your Contributions to the GLO Will be:

·        Conduct thorough and impartial workplace investigations into employee complaints, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and policy violations. Collaborate with legal, compliance, and audit teams during internal or external investigations or audits, providing accurate and organized documentation as needed. Prepare detailed investigative reports, case summaries, and documentation for internal review, legal purposes, and regulatory compliance.

·        Provide expert, timely guidance and coaching to managers and employees on effective performance management, including setting clear expectations, delivering constructive feedback, and managing underperformance. Assist managers in identifying root causes of workplace conflicts or performance issues and recommend tailored interventions such as mediation, coaching, or training. Support supervisors in developing and implementing corrective action plans, ensuring consistency with company policies and legal requirements while promoting fairness and transparency. Monitor follow-up actions and progress on performance improvement plans to ensure accountability and support ongoing development.

·        Draft, review, and finalize a wide range of employee relations documents, including written warnings, disciplinary letters, performance improvement plans (PIPs), termination summaries, and other formal communications. Ensure all documentation is clear, accurate, and compliant with company policies and applicable legal standards. Communications should effectively outline the reasons for actions taken, expectations for improvement, and potential consequences, promoting transparency, accountability, and consistency.

·        Maintain accurate, thorough, and confidential records of all employee relations cases, including investigations, complaints, disciplinary actions, and resolutions, in compliance with company policies and legal requirements. Ensure secure handling and storage of sensitive information to protect employee privacy and always maintain confidentiality.

Collaborate closely with HR leadership, legal counsel, and other relevant stakeholders to secure necessary approvals and ensure all documentation aligns with organizational policies and employment laws. Support the fair and legally defensible application of employee relations procedures by ensuring consistency in approach and adherence to best practices across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

·        Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or closely related field.

·         Four (4) to five (5) years of progressive experience, with a strong focus on employee relations, investigations, and conflict resolution. Experience to conduct workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, policy violations, and performance concerns. Experience of understanding federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, and EEO guidelines. Experience in advising managers and employees on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict de-escalation. Experience with case documentation, writing investigative summaries, and drafting employee communications (e.g., warnings, improvement plans).

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to primarily perform sedentary office work; however, mobility (moving around the worksite) is routinely required to carry out some duties. This position requires extensive computer, telephone and client/ customer contact and communication. It requires the ability to move and position oneself as needed for filing and similar routine office duties. The job also requires normal cognitive abilities requiring the ability to learn, recall, and apply certain practices and policies. It requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions. Ability to read printed materials and computer screens. The individual must be able to move and transport records, documents, boxes, and all related information and materials, weighing up to 20 pounds when required.

Preferred Qualifications:   

·         Experience in mediating employment and workplace disputes.

·         Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Compensation and Benefits:

·         Free Parking

·         Defined Retirement Benefit Plan Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts

·         Medical Insurance - State pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. The State pays 50% of the eligible part-time employees’ premium and 25% for eligible dependents.

·         Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance.

·         Minimum of 96+ Hours of Annual Leave a year **Annual leave increases with length of service.

·         Professional Development Opportunities: The GLO offers numerous courses to help our employees grow using resources through LinkedIn Learning and our EAP provider.

Veterans:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser:

Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Program Management

How to Apply:

·         To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or in the CAPPS Career Section.

·         You may apply for the job directly through the CAPPS Career Section. It is not necessary to apply both through Work in Texas and the CAPPS Career Section.

·         Applications must be fully completed with a detailed job history, including job title, employment dates, employer name, supervisor's name and phone number, and a summary of responsibilities. Incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. Please be aware that resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application.

·         In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. 

·         A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.  

·         Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.