UC San Diego
Sr. Employee Relations Specialist - Hybrid - 137728
UC San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Sr. Employee Relations Specialist - Hybrid (ID #137728)
Location: 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego, CA 92122, United States
Filing Deadline: Fri 12/26/2025
Reporting to the Employee Relations Director, the Sr. Employee Relations Specialist serves as an integral part of the Employee Relations team within Health Human Resources (HHR). HHR supports all of UC San Diego Health, which includes the Health System, UC San Diego School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and Student Health & Well-Being.
This position involves the administration of programs, procedures and plans related to employee workplace issues such as conduct, discipline, performance, communications, policies and procedures. Uses employee relations concepts and applies policies and procedures to resolve a variety of employee relations issues and situations. Provides guidance to all levels within the organization, utilizing specialized employee relations expertise within area of responsibility to resolve questions, concerns and grievances for a large, complex group of employees in creative and effective ways. Internal and external contacts often pertain to significant employee relations programs and objectives. Normally receives little direction on assignments.
Key Responsibilities
Applies advanced employee relations specific concepts and skills to investigate formal and informal employee complaints (including whistleblower / UC hotline complaints) and develops recommendations on the organization’s response to employees.
May conduct highly sensitive termination interviews, analyze separation statistics and make recommendations.
Ensures that legal and regulatory requirements are met in terms of employee relations to minimize exposure to liability for the organization.
Provides advice and counsel to managers on such issues as performance management, complex organizational changes, workplace climate and other related areas.
Determines appropriate level of corrective action and discipline up to and including termination.
Responds to employee relations issues according to state and federal laws and union / labor contracts. Coordinates advanced analysis of complex issues and develops recommendations for integrated human resources solutions to clients.
Provides advice and counsel to assigned client groups on complex wide ranging employee relations issues. Provides information in response to complex Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Works effectively with people from diverse cultures to provide employee relations related support.
Administers and interprets labor / union contracts.
Prioritizes work assignments, adapts to changing priorities, and conducts complex and varied analyses and develops resulting recommendations.
Reviews and analyzes a variety of human resources issues, e.g., policy revision proposals, internal procedures and practices.
Coordinates with Office of General Counsel and outside counsel to respond to employment litigation. Serves as a liaison between management and counsel.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Seven years of direct employee relations experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three years of direct employee relations experience/training.
Proven knowledge of employee relations field.
Experience and proven success performing employee relations functions, ideally within a large, complex organization.
Excellent communication skills. Provides written analyses, recommendations and presentations to various audiences, including leadership.
Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state labor laws and regulations.
Thorough knowledge associated with administering labor/ union contracts, dispute resolution, grievance procedures and facilitation and mediation processes.
Highly effective analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and organizational and advanced computer skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle extremely sensitive, difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively and in confidence.
High level of personal accountability and moral functioning.
Preferred Qualifications
University of California experience.
SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification.
Special Conditions
Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act Annual Full Pay Range: $97,200 - $182,000 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $46.55 - $87.16
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The hiring pay scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The annual full pay range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Requirements for Employment Vaccination and Immunization:
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Life‑Support Certifications:
If applicable, life‑support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands‑on practice and in‑person skills assessment; online‑only certification is not acceptable.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Opportunity Statement The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Additional Health and Safety Policies UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information. UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
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Filing Deadline: Fri 12/26/2025
Reporting to the Employee Relations Director, the Sr. Employee Relations Specialist serves as an integral part of the Employee Relations team within Health Human Resources (HHR). HHR supports all of UC San Diego Health, which includes the Health System, UC San Diego School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and Student Health & Well-Being.
This position involves the administration of programs, procedures and plans related to employee workplace issues such as conduct, discipline, performance, communications, policies and procedures. Uses employee relations concepts and applies policies and procedures to resolve a variety of employee relations issues and situations. Provides guidance to all levels within the organization, utilizing specialized employee relations expertise within area of responsibility to resolve questions, concerns and grievances for a large, complex group of employees in creative and effective ways. Internal and external contacts often pertain to significant employee relations programs and objectives. Normally receives little direction on assignments.
Key Responsibilities
Applies advanced employee relations specific concepts and skills to investigate formal and informal employee complaints (including whistleblower / UC hotline complaints) and develops recommendations on the organization’s response to employees.
May conduct highly sensitive termination interviews, analyze separation statistics and make recommendations.
Ensures that legal and regulatory requirements are met in terms of employee relations to minimize exposure to liability for the organization.
Provides advice and counsel to managers on such issues as performance management, complex organizational changes, workplace climate and other related areas.
Determines appropriate level of corrective action and discipline up to and including termination.
Responds to employee relations issues according to state and federal laws and union / labor contracts. Coordinates advanced analysis of complex issues and develops recommendations for integrated human resources solutions to clients.
Provides advice and counsel to assigned client groups on complex wide ranging employee relations issues. Provides information in response to complex Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Works effectively with people from diverse cultures to provide employee relations related support.
Administers and interprets labor / union contracts.
Prioritizes work assignments, adapts to changing priorities, and conducts complex and varied analyses and develops resulting recommendations.
Reviews and analyzes a variety of human resources issues, e.g., policy revision proposals, internal procedures and practices.
Coordinates with Office of General Counsel and outside counsel to respond to employment litigation. Serves as a liaison between management and counsel.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Seven years of direct employee relations experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three years of direct employee relations experience/training.
Proven knowledge of employee relations field.
Experience and proven success performing employee relations functions, ideally within a large, complex organization.
Excellent communication skills. Provides written analyses, recommendations and presentations to various audiences, including leadership.
Strong knowledge of applicable federal and state labor laws and regulations.
Thorough knowledge associated with administering labor/ union contracts, dispute resolution, grievance procedures and facilitation and mediation processes.
Highly effective analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and organizational and advanced computer skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle extremely sensitive, difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively and in confidence.
High level of personal accountability and moral functioning.
Preferred Qualifications
University of California experience.
SPHR or SHRM-SCP certification.
Special Conditions
Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act Annual Full Pay Range: $97,200 - $182,000 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $46.55 - $87.16
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The hiring pay scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The annual full pay range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Requirements for Employment Vaccination and Immunization:
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Life‑Support Certifications:
If applicable, life‑support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands‑on practice and in‑person skills assessment; online‑only certification is not acceptable.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Opportunity Statement The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Additional Health and Safety Policies UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information. UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
#J-18808-Ljbffr