Human Resources announces an opening for (1.0) Employee Relations Specialist with the Department of Human Resources. This is a full-time, in-person, Grade E-13 position.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Employee Relations Specialist performs high-level, professional employee relations (ER) with the purpose to ensure fair, accurate, and legally sound resolution of workplace issues and to strengthen a positive, equitable, and compliant work environment across Arlington Public Schools (APS). The position achieves this objective by conducting and managing complex workplace investigations; reaching defensible conclusions; and making recommendations that support and influence personnel decisions. The ER Specialist provides expert guidance to administrators and supervisors on performance management, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and adherence to employment laws, APS policies, and collective bargaining provisions. The Specialist27s work product has significant impact districtwide, as properly performed investigations, analyses, and recommendations reduce organizational risk, support consistent application of policy, and improve workplace climate and leadership capacity. In addition to casework, the role contributes strategically by analyzing ER data, unemployment, corrective and disciplinary actions, recommendations for disciplinary actions, AWOL, Child protective Services/Police joint investigations, supporting reasonable suspicion monitoring, background investigations, monitoring attendance plans, reviewing bus accidents, attending labor relations hearings to defend disciplinary actions, identifying systemic trends, recommending resolutions, developing and delivering proactive training, and supporting ADA-related considerations to ensure equitable access and compliance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conducts comprehensive, timely, and impartial investigations into employee misconduct, discrimination/harassment, retaliation, workplace climate concerns, and other policy-related violations.

Reviews arrest notifications, RAP sheets, CPS findings, and police reports, and determines appropriate employment or safety actions.

Manages AWOL, job abandonment, and failure-to-report cases, advising supervisors on required documentation and next steps.

Prepares unemployment responses, gathers supporting records, and represents APS at unemployment hearings.

Guides administrators on mandatory reporting laws and ensures timely coordination with CPS or law enforcement when required.

Advises supervisors on reasonable suspicion procedures, including documentation, testing steps, and employee removal when needed.

Reviews bus accident reports and VARC findings, consults with Transportation leadership, and determines appropriate corrective or disciplinary action based on the employee27s driving history and APS policy.

Reviews medical concerns affecting an employee27s ability to work, consults with appropriate HR offices, and recommends fitness for duty evaluations when safety, performance, or behavioral indicators warrant assessment.

Interviews witnesses; reviews evidence; prepares clear, analytical investigative reports with findings and recommended actions.

Ensures professional recordkeeping, confidentiality, and adherence to APS standards, response timelines, and legal requirements.

Manages a caseload using HR information systems and case-management software; maintains accurate logs and dashboards. Advises supervisors and administrators on performance management, documentation, evaluation systems, corrective action, and progressive discipline.

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