Employee Relations Specialist jobs in Buffalo, NY

Non-Competitive: Eight years of experience* in an equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, minority business, employment compliance, human resources, labor relations or training position allocated at or above Grade 18; At least one year of experience must have been at the supervisory level; OR one year of State service in an equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, minority business, employment compliance, human resources, labor relations or training position allocated at or above Grade 23; OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of appropriate experience and education as determined by the New York State Office of Employee Relations.

• Substitutions: Associate’s degree may substitute for two years of non-supervisory experience; Bachelor’s degree for four years; and J.D. or Master’s degree for five years.

Under the general supervision of an Equal Opportunity Compliance Manager (“Team Leader”) in the Anti Discrimination Investigations Division (ADID) of the Office of Employee Relations (OER), the Equal Opportunity Specialist 3 (Compliance) (working title Anti-Discrimination Officer 3 (“ADO”)) will personally conduct complex investigations requiring knowledge and interpretation of applicable policies, laws, rules and regulations of complaints of illegal workplace discrimination filed with regard to the State workforce in Executive Branch agencies, departments, and certain public authorities. Incumbents will deliver training programs to the State workforce designed to prevent or remediate workplace discrimination. Will serve as first-level supervisor of Equal Opportunity Specialist 1 and 2 (Compliance).

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Make recommendations to investigation team leaders regarding improvements or changes in operations.

• Develop and implement appropriate investigative strategies and ensure that the data necessary for successful conduct of investigations is properly gathered, documented, and preserved.

• Interview witnesses, complainants, and subjects of investigations. Request relevant documents.

• Complete reports of draft investigative findings and recommendations in relation to assigned cases.

• Participate in training programs to keep current on policy changes and investigative techniques.

• May be required to testify in a variety of proceedings including, but not limited to, disciplinary arbitrations.

• Deliver training programs, either in-person or online, designated to prevent or mitigate workplace discrimination.

• Serve as a first-line supervisor on a single ADID investigation team, providing direction and guidance on the conduct of assigned investigations.

• Conduct pre-hire evaluation of Equal Opportunity Specialist 1 and 2 (Compliance) candidates.

• Conduct employee performance evaluations.

• Make recommendations in matters concerning employee discipline and retention.