University of South Carolina
Employee Relations Consultant
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $54K - $81K
💻 Academic Advising
🗓️ July 4th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring an Employee Relations Consultant. This role involves advising and counseling university staff and management on employee relations issues, managing disciplinary and telecommuting processes, administering drug and alcohol testing programs, and coordinating ADA accommodation requests to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Highlights
- Provide consultation to supervisors, managers, and employees on policy interpretation and disciplinary matters.
- Manage and maintain written disciplinary notices and telecommuting agreements.
- Administer the telecommuting process, including review, approval, and tracking for the university system.
- Oversee the random drug and alcohol testing program ensuring compliance and training supervisors.
- Advise on programs like Reduction-in-Force, Voluntary Separation, and Retirement Incentive Programs.
- Assist with policy editing, development, and back up ER consultants and training as needed.
- Coordinate ADA workplace accommodations through intake, assessment, implementation, and documentation.
- Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree and two or more years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and training.
- Preferred skills include experience in employee relations and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Knowledge of university policies, state HR regulations, state and federal laws with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Employee Relations Consultant Full Description
Employee Relations Consultant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 31, 2025.
Posting Number | STA00540PO25
Job Family | Human Resources
Job Function | Employee Relations
USC Market Title | Employee Relations Consultant
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133087
Job Level | P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Employee Relations Consultant
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Human Resources
Department | DHR Employee Relations
State Pay Band | 6
Approved Starting Salary | $54,165
Advertised Salary Range | $54,165 - $81,247
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm with one hour for lunch. Must be willing to work flexible schedule in support of office needs.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Human Resources/Legal
Posting Number | STA00540PO25
Job Family | Human Resources
Job Function | Employee Relations
USC Market Title | Employee Relations Consultant
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133087
Job Level | P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Employee Relations Consultant
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Human Resources
Department | DHR Employee Relations
State Pay Band | 6
Approved Starting Salary | $54,165
Advertised Salary Range | $54,165 - $81,247
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm with one hour for lunch. Must be willing to work flexible schedule in support of office needs.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Human Resources/Legal
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | Under general supervision of the Employee Relations Director, performs a variety of professional level duties to facilitate effective and efficient operations of the Employee Relations Office to include:
· Initial contact for Employee Relations (by phone, email, in-person, virtual) advising and counseling supervisors, managers, service teams and administrators on policy interpretation and disciplinary matters in accordance to University, State and Federal procedures, policies and laws.
· Counsels employees who seek HR advice on workplace related matters. Maintains the ER tracking spreadsheet for issues that come to the ER office consulting with the Employee Relations manager as appropriate.
· Creates and reviews written disciplinary notices and templates including performance, conduct and telecommuting related letters. Provides edits and recommendations as needed to best support the action taken. Maintains templates on the ER shared drive.· Administers the telecommuting process for the University system advising, reviewing and approving division telecommuting plans; providing guidance and answering questions to campus about telecommuting for staff.
· Reviews and approves telecommuting agreements; maintains telecommuting tracking and follows reporting standards as required.· Manages the random drug and alcohol testing program. Communicates with the designated drug and alcohol administrators for safety and security sensitive positions; Ensures compliance with the policy to include training for reasonable suspension identification for supervisors.
·Advises on Employee Relations managed programs such as Reduction-in-Force (RIF), Voluntary Separation Programs (VSP) and Retirement Incentive Programs (RIP). ·Assist in policy editing and development and serve as back-up to other ER consultants and training classes as needed.
·Provides intake appointments, working closely with employees and supervisors to assess ADA accommodation needs and work within the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. ·Coordinates the implementation of accommodations and maintains documentation of accommodation requests, approvals, and outcomes in accordance with ADA guidelines and university policies.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Experience working in Employee Relations.
Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of USC policies and procedures; State HR regulations; knowledge of State and Federal laws. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures.
· Initial contact for Employee Relations (by phone, email, in-person, virtual) advising and counseling supervisors, managers, service teams and administrators on policy interpretation and disciplinary matters in accordance to University, State and Federal procedures, policies and laws.
· Counsels employees who seek HR advice on workplace related matters. Maintains the ER tracking spreadsheet for issues that come to the ER office consulting with the Employee Relations manager as appropriate.
· Creates and reviews written disciplinary notices and templates including performance, conduct and telecommuting related letters. Provides edits and recommendations as needed to best support the action taken. Maintains templates on the ER shared drive.· Administers the telecommuting process for the University system advising, reviewing and approving division telecommuting plans; providing guidance and answering questions to campus about telecommuting for staff.
· Reviews and approves telecommuting agreements; maintains telecommuting tracking and follows reporting standards as required.· Manages the random drug and alcohol testing program. Communicates with the designated drug and alcohol administrators for safety and security sensitive positions; Ensures compliance with the policy to include training for reasonable suspension identification for supervisors.
·Advises on Employee Relations managed programs such as Reduction-in-Force (RIF), Voluntary Separation Programs (VSP) and Retirement Incentive Programs (RIP). ·Assist in policy editing and development and serve as back-up to other ER consultants and training classes as needed.
·Provides intake appointments, working closely with employees and supervisors to assess ADA accommodation needs and work within the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. ·Coordinates the implementation of accommodations and maintains documentation of accommodation requests, approvals, and outcomes in accordance with ADA guidelines and university policies.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Experience working in Employee Relations.
Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of USC policies and procedures; State HR regulations; knowledge of State and Federal laws. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to analyze needs and resources and to recommend and communicate solutions effectively. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting a variety of policies and procedures.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Initial contact for Employee Relations (by phone, email, in-person, virtual). Advises and counsels supervisors, managers, service teams and administrators on policy interpretation and disciplinary matters in accordance to University, State and Federal procedures, policies and laws. Counsels employees who seek HR advice on workplace related matters. Maintains the ER tracking spreadsheet for issues that come to the ER office. Consults with ER manager as appropriate.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Creates and reviews written disciplinary notices and templates. This includes performance, conduct and telecommuting related letters. Provides edits and recommendations as needed to best support the action taken. Maintains templates on the ER shared drive.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Administers the telecommuting process for the University system. Advises, reviews and approves division telecommuting plans; provides guidance and answers questions to campus about telecommuting for staff; reviews and approves telecommuting agreements; maintains telecommuting tracking and follows reporting standards as required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Manages the random drug and alcohol testing program. Communicates with the designated drug and alcohol administrators for safety and security sensitive positions; Ensures compliance with the policy to include training for reasonable suspension identification for supervisors.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Job Duty | Advise on Employee Relations managed programs such as Reduction-in-Force (RIF), Voluntary Separation Programs (VSP) and Retirement Incentive Programs (RIP). Assist in policy editing and development and serve as back-up to other ER consultant and training classes as needed. Provides intake appointments, works closely with employees and supervisors to assess ADA accommodation needs and work within the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. Coordinates the implementation of accommodations and maintains documentation of accommodation requests, approvals, and outcomes in accordance with ADA guidelines and university policies.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Creates and reviews written disciplinary notices and templates. This includes performance, conduct and telecommuting related letters. Provides edits and recommendations as needed to best support the action taken. Maintains templates on the ER shared drive.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Administers the telecommuting process for the University system. Advises, reviews and approves division telecommuting plans; provides guidance and answers questions to campus about telecommuting for staff; reviews and approves telecommuting agreements; maintains telecommuting tracking and follows reporting standards as required.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Manages the random drug and alcohol testing program. Communicates with the designated drug and alcohol administrators for safety and security sensitive positions; Ensures compliance with the policy to include training for reasonable suspension identification for supervisors.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Job Duty | Advise on Employee Relations managed programs such as Reduction-in-Force (RIF), Voluntary Separation Programs (VSP) and Retirement Incentive Programs (RIP). Assist in policy editing and development and serve as back-up to other ER consultant and training classes as needed. Provides intake appointments, works closely with employees and supervisors to assess ADA accommodation needs and work within the interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. Coordinates the implementation of accommodations and maintains documentation of accommodation requests, approvals, and outcomes in accordance with ADA guidelines and university policies.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 07/03/2025
Job Close Date | 07/31/2025
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 31, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/190267
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 07/03/2025
Job Close Date | 07/31/2025
Open Until Filled | No
Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 31, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/190267
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No
- * Please describe your Employee Relations experience and share your direct and indirect responsibilities.
(Open Ended Question) - * Explain your working experience administering and interpreting state/federal labor laws and governmental compliance requirements and disclose your knowledge and familiarity level of the University of South Carolina policies.
(Open Ended Question) - * This position includes evaluating ADA workplace accommodations. Please describe your knowledge and examples of when you facilitated ADA reasonable accommodations. Walk us through the procedural steps you take beginning with receiving the initial request and ending with the resolution.
(Open Ended Question) - * This position requires the ability to write and edit numerous professional notices and letters, often with short deadlines. Please describe your experience with writing and editing professional letters such as disciplinary, accommodation, return to work, fitness for duty, etc.
(Open Ended Question) - * What approach would you use and how would you coach an executive leadership member through a difficult employment decision that needs to be made? Explain your strategy and delivery of the consultation.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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