DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Employee Relations Unit
1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
www.azdes.gov

Salary: $60,723 - $92,000 Annually 

Grade: 25

Closing Date: 3/22/2024

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Human Resources Administration (HRA) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Employee Relations Manager. The HRA ER Manager plans, organizes, approves, retains, and directs employee relations actions within a large state agency. Directs the work of professional staff on employee relations complaints, investigations, and final actions taking into consideration state and federal employment rules and regulations such as FMLA, ADA, FLSA, DOL, and other employment laws as applicable. This position works closely with the agency CHRO, ELT, ADOA, and the Attorney General's office in reviewing and coordinating high-level actions ensuring the agency's actions are appropriate and lawful.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manages the day-to-day functions of the HRA Employee Relations unit.
• Ensures objectives, goals, resource allocation, personnel issues and employees' needs are met.
• Reviews, conduct or assign sensitive investigation as they are elevated.
• Review, audit and approve all official disciplinary actions submitted by the Division Employee Relations staff.
• Attends meetings with the Division HRBP's and Division Employee Relations Managers/Supervisors to review complex Employee Relations issues.
• Leads and participates in the development and review of policy, procedures and standard work related to Employee Relations. Execute and take action as required.
• Ensures the Agency is appropriately applying HR processes, state personnel system rules, policies, and procedures and provides updates to appropriate leadership as needed to ensure the Agency's needs are being met and that the Agency is meeting all State and Federal requirements.
• Oversees the Agency's official disciplinary process, running reports and updating executive leadership on the status of disciplinary actions, investigations, and complaints against the Department.

Knowledge of:
• Principles and best practices of management and the human resources field, specifically employee relations.
• Applicable federal and state statutes, State Personnel System Rules, and DES policies and procedures.
• The DES mission, goals, strategies, and organization.
• The legislative process.
• All federal and state employment law, to include DOL, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEOC, Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Tracorp, Salesforce Onbase, and Google Workspace.

Skills in:
• Oral and written communication.
• Planning, research and analysis.
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
• Leadership and supervisory techniques.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Ability to:
• Exercise excellent and sound judgment and discretion in complex situations.
• Balance heavy workloads with ever-changing priorities.
• Multi-task assignments and adapt to changes quickly.
• Maintain confidentiality.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Four (4) or more years of recent human resources supervisory experience. AA, BA, BS or MS degree in Human Resources, Personnel Management, Public Administration or related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Human Resource certification, such as SHRM, HRCI, or IPMA.

• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Margaret Guerra at 480.601.1445 or email mguerra@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480.601.1445. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.