EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist is the first point of contact for employee relations matters at Spartan College's California campuses. The role investigates workplace concerns, advises managers on discipline and performance, and keeps SEG compliant with California employment law.

Working closely with the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and outside employment counsel, this position applies independent judgment to resolve sensitive issues fairly and consistently. It supports a regulated higher-education environment, where employee conduct and documentation can also affect accreditation and Department of Education obligations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and policy violations. Prepare clear investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Advise managers on progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, coaching, and terminations, ensuring consistent and well-documented decisions.
• Interpret and apply SEG policies and the Employee Handbook, including the California addendum, and recommend policy updates as California law changes.
• Partner with the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and outside employment counsel on agency charges (CRD, EEOC, Labor Commissioner), demand letters, and pre-litigation matters; gather and organize documentation as requested.
• Support leave and accommodation processes, including the interactive process under FEHA and coordination of CFRA and PDL leave, in partnership with benefits and leave administration.
• Review wage-and-hour practices with managers, including meal and rest periods, timekeeping, and exempt versus non-exempt classification questions, and escalate concerns.
• Track employee relations cases in the HRIS or case management system and report trends, root causes, and risk areas to HR leadership.
• Facilitate conflict resolution, mediation, and stay or exit interviews to improve retention and workplace climate.
• Deliver or coordinate training for supervisors and employees, including California-mandated harassment prevention training (SB 1343) and manager training on documentation and investigations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of personnel and student-related records, including information protected under FERPA, and follow SEG record-retention requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years focused on employee relations and workplace investigations.
• Working knowledge of California employment law, including FEHA, CFRA, PDL, the Labor Code, and IWC Wage Orders, plus federal laws such as Title VII, the ADA, the FMLA, and the FLSA.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, defensible investigation reports and disciplinary documentation.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential matters with professionalism.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft 365.

Preferred

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification; California-specific credential (PHRca) a plus.
• AWI (Association of Workplace Investigators) training or certificate.
• Experience in higher education, a Title IV institution, or a multi-state, multi-entity employer.
• Experience working with outside counsel on agency charges or litigation holds.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay scale for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 per year. This range reflects our good-faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to pay at the time of posting. Actual pay is based on experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity. This position is eligible for SEG's benefits package Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office setting on a campus with active aviation maintenance labs. The role requires extended computer use, occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds, and regular travel between the Inglewood and Riverside campuses. A valid California driver's license and reliable transportation are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Spartan Education Group, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Fair Chance Hiring

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. Criminal history is reviewed only after a conditional offer of employment.

At-Will Statement

Employment with SEG is at-will. This job description is not a contract and may be changed at any time.