HR Generalist - Employee & Labor Relations

Job Title:

HR Generalist - Employee & Labor Relations

Type of Employment:

Full Time

Bargaining Unit:

Management

FLSA:

Exempt

Salary Range:

$66,589

Position Classification:

Manager 180

Department:

Human Resources

Job Summary / Basic Function:

The HR Generalist - Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) provides case-level labor relations, employee relations, and classification support for PennWest University across the three campuses. The position conducts investigations, supports grievance administration, interprets routine provisions of collective bargaining agreements, and provides day-to-day guidance to supervisors. The role reports directly to the Executive Director of Human Resources, who maintains institution-wide HR operational oversight, HRConnect liaison responsibilities, and supervisory authority for HR staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

A. Employee & Labor Relations (Approx. 50%)

• Receive, investigate, document, and track employee complaints, workplace concerns, and management issues.
• Conduct Pre-Disciplinary Conferences (PDCs) and prepare investigative summaries and recommended actions.
• Support grievance administration, including evidence gathering, timelines, scheduling, step responses, and maintaining case documentation.
• Provide supervisors with routine guidance on contract interpretation across AFSCME, SPFPA, POA, OPEIU, and SCUPA bargaining units.
• Process routine contracting-out requests in accordance with AFSCME contractual requirements, including documentation, coordination of required meet-and-discuss discussions, and ensuring timelines and notification obligations are met.
• Participate in labor-management meetings or meet-and-discuss sessions as assigned.

B. Supervisor Guidance, Contract Interpretation & Conflict Resolution (Approx. 20%)

• Advise supervisors on documentation standards, employee conduct, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution.
• Draft written notices, counseling documents, timelines, and other ELR-related communications.
• Assist with the development and delivery of ELR training for front-line managers and supervisors.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of Human Resources to identify and support training needs for staff related to employee relations concerns and assist in developing and delivering training contact for front-line employees and supervisors. This is in conjunction with the Compliance department training administrative lead for PennWest.

C. Classification & Position Review Support (Approx. 15%)

• Conduct fact-finding for classification evaluations and prepare supporting documentation and recommendations for review by the Executive Director of HR.
• Assist in maintaining accurate job descriptions, organizational charts, and role documentation across departments.
• Support organizational management changes, manager/faculty transitions, and related classification procedures.

D. Personnel Transactions & HR Operations Support (Approx. 10%)

• Prepare and process case-level personnel actions, ensuring accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Collaborate with PASSHE Shared Services (HRConnect) to resolve personnel transaction issues at the case level, while systemic liaison responsibilities remain with the Executive Director.
• Ensure compliance with audit and documentation standards.

E. Additional HR Support & Projects (Approx. 5%)

• Assist with HR projects, evaluations, pay and classification analyses, and policy implementation tasks.
• Provide HR support to campus leaders, compliance and DEI partners, and administrative units as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and labor relations practices in a multi-union environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate employee relations issues and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to support effective interactions with supervisors, employees, and union representatives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, investigations, and contractual timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR information systems, including tools used for documentation, case management, and personnel transactions.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across campuses and with union partners.

Minimum of Education / Training

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field

3 or more years of HR experience with exposure to labor and employee relations.

Knowledge of discipline processes, labor agreements, investigations, and relevant laws.

Experience working in unionized environment

Or, equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education and/or multi-campus/location operations
• Human resources certification preferred (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR).

Physical Demands:

This position is primarily sedentary in nature and requires extended periods of working at a desk and computer.

Requires frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, operating standard office equipment, and handling paperwork.

Requires the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, including participating in meetings, discussions, and presentations.

May occasionally be required to stand, walk, bend, or reach during normal office activities.

May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 10 pounds, such as files, office materials, or small pieces of equipment.

Requires the ability to travel periodically to other PennWest campus locations, meetings, or training sessions.

Requires the ability to navigate office and campus environments, including stairs and varying building layouts.

Work Location:

Any PennWest Campus

Work Hours:

8am - 4pm Monday-Friday