Employee Relations Investigation Specialist

TITLE: Employee Relations Investigation Specialist

WHO WE ARE:

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a student-focused, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence. Our mission is to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with a purpose. We are a family of excellent public schools in which every student has the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future.

Led by forward-thinking leadership and our commitment to prioritizing students, racial equity, and authentic engagement with our families, team members, and communities, our staff have diverse opportunities to develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are an organization for people who are passionate about education and who are committed to the Indianapolis community.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of advisory, investigatory and support tasks related to and Title IX and employee relations matters, including: supporting and conducting internal investigations of employee misconduct and alleged violations of Title IX; addressing employee concerns and complaints; providing guidance to stakeholders on district policies, employment practices and Title IX compliance; and providing assistance with the processing of employee discipline.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and effective internal investigations of varying levels of difficulty and sensitivity involving:

• Charges of sexual harassment or gender discrimination under Title IX;
• Charges of alleged EEO and DOL violations, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, FMLA, USERRA and wage claims;
• Employee discipline and discharge;
• Employee complaints and grievances.
• Prepare thorough investigative reports and recommendations, and maintain detailed and accurate investigatory records.
• Maintain a solid working knowledge of state and federal labor laws and regulations, Title IX regulations and Department of Education guidance, as well as a strong working knowledge of applicable employee collective bargaining agreements.
• Facilitate and/or lead employee corrective action procedures and appeal hearings.
• Facilitate and/or lead dispute resolution for conflicts arising among staff.
• Assist with review and development of fair and effective investigation protocols and employee disciplinary procedures.
• Counsel internal clients on applicability and enforcement of district policies and employment practices.
• Prepare, maintain, and distribute data on incident activity, as well as any other data pertinent to retention and dismissal.
• Assist in developing and communicating policies and procedures associated with Title IX. compliance and employee relations matters; develop and deliver training to applicable stakeholders.
• Work with, and provide support to, legal counsel in response to employment or Title IX related charges or lawsuits.
• Provide general support services to the Director of Employee Relations and the Title IX Coordinator.
• Participate in all department or district meetings, as required.
• Any additional duties as assigned.

“Day In the Life” Overview

On a regular day, as the Investigation Specialist, you might:

• Conduct interviews with staff and/or students;
• Document meeting notes, updates, and outcomes in a data management system;
• Write investigation reports summarizing process and findings;
• Train applicable stakeholders on Employee Relations functions;
• Work with Title IX team regarding prevention/education strategies;
• Prepare and analyze data related to reports and investigations;
• Provide advice to principals and supervisors regarding employee conduct;
• Update interested stakeholders in status of investigations.

WHAT YOU’ll BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following:

• Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Team Work - Gives and welcomes feedback; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition.
• Cost Consciousness - Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Works with integrity and ethically.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values.
• Adaptability - Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative - Undertakes self-development activities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a valid Indiana driver’s license (or equivalent), required.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in human resources, law, business administration, criminal justice, or other field related to the essential job functions and competencies described above.
• Three or more years of combined human resources, labor relations, investigative (including law enforcement), legal or related experience.
• Experience conducting investigative work, including claimant, witness and target interviews, and document/evidence collection and analysis.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Prior Title IX experience or training helpful, but not required.
• PHR, SPHR, JD or investigator credentials, licensing or certifications, preferred.
• Or, any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Eligible per supervisor’s discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.