Workplace Senior Investigator - Employee & Labor Relation - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Exempt) (Non-Union)

This role involves coordinating investigations and collaborating with Employee and Labor Relations, the Office of Compliance, Title IX, OPE, and Risk Management. The Workplace Senior Investigator will provide training and consultation to departments on various employee relations and complaint areas to minimize future complaints and liability. The Senior Investigator conducts prompt, equitable and impartial administration investigation into complaints including: explaining the processes to all parties, identifying and interviewing parties and identifying, gathering and assessing information relevant to the investigation; applying relevant policies and making findings of fact and/or recommendations. Additionally, involvement in process improvements related to complaint investigations within Human Resources and coordination with other USC offices is expected. Managing special projects as assigned, participating in cross-functional task forces/committees, and offering cross coverage for Employee and Labor Relations as necessary are also key responsibilities.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts investigations of allegations of potential violations of employment related complaints.
• Develops and recommends departmental operating and administrative policies. Disseminates, interprets and applies policies and procedures and may recommend approval of exceptions.
• Participates in short and long-range departmental operational planning. Assists in developing goals and objectives and action plans for implementation.
• Assesses existing utilization of investigatory methods, processes and procedures for adequacy and related policies for regulatory compliance. Recommends enhancements or modifications, as required.
• Coordinates investigations and/or collaborate with Employee and Labor Relations, Office of Compliance and Privacy Services, Staff Diversity & Compliance, Title IX, Risk Management, Human Resources and/or Counsel when appropriate/required.
• Provides training and consultation to corresponding parties to reduce future complaints and liability.
• Promotes and supports compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws, and provides expertise and leadership in the investigation of workplace complaints.
• Investigates policy violations, complex OPE and Risk Management complaints. Coordinates with the office of Equal Employment Opportunity - Title IX (EEO-TIX) to investigate complaints. Investigates wage and hour issues and other employment-related matters.
• Conducts witness interviews, compiles and reviews relevant documentation, analyzes evidence, prepares reports and summaries, and provides appropriate recommendations and mentorship to management.
• Develops and implements an investigation plan for each case; determines method, order, and timing of interviews and evidence to gather.
• Conducts complex analysis and produces high quality written investigation summaries and reports with candid conclusions and findings.
• Conducts investigations thoroughly and fairly by collecting and preserving all relevant evidence; coordinates and conducts lawful and fair investigative interviews promptly and thoroughly, using effective techniques for communicating and asking questions in ways that improve clarity, information flow, and reliability of information with those being interviewed.
• Creates appropriate documentation of investigation steps and information gathered.
• Gathers facts and develops evidence to complete investigations by reviewing records and other relevant files, acquiring witness statements, assessing witness credibility, establishing proof of facts and evidence, and reviewing the case with other stakeholders.
• Independently manages assigned casework and brings investigations to closure promptly and definitively.
• Monitors and analyzes casework trends and provide strategic recommendations.
• Provides stakeholders with information about the investigatory process and applicable rights and policies, and treats individuals engaged in the complaint process with sensitivity and respect.
• Maintains timely and professional communication with all involved parties and key stakeholders.
• Partners as needed with others within the organization to gather information and complete the fact-finding process.
• Presents oral and/or written comprehensive updates regarding findings and investigation status to organizational leaders, and others on a need-to-know basis.
• Keeps detailed, consistent, and accurate records for periodic production of metrics.
• May be required to participate in depositions, court trials, arbitration hearings, and government agency hearings.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and resource.
• Conducts internal audits of complex employee relations issues and makes recommendations to resolve issues.
• Will manage and oversee special projects.
• Will provide cross coverage for Employee and Labor Relations as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req Bachelor’s Degree Degree in Human Resource Management, or Business Administration required.

• Req 3-5 years Experience in Labor Relations and/or Employee Relations required.
• Req 3-5 years Experience with unions and conducting employee investigations.
• Req 3-5 years Experience in conducting investigations of harassment allegations, including sexual harassment, hostile work environment, discrimination, HIPAA, workplace behavior.
• Req Proficient verbal/written communication skills.
• Req Skill in writing concise, clear, relevant and persuasive documents, including correspondence, case analyses, investigative reports, settlement agreements.
• Req Proficient in MS Office and applicable computer applications.
• Req Strong organizational, analytical/critical thinking, presentation and creative skills.
• Req Knowledge of employment laws, including FMLA/CFRA, Reasonable Accommodation, VAWA/CANRA, HIPAA, HEERA, FLSA/wage-hour laws, contract interpretation, EEOC/DFEH/DOJ requirements.
• Req Ability to provide credible HR guidance to and influence management at all levels.
• Req Proven experience coaching and counseling all levels of staff and management on a wide variety of employee/labor relations issues. Experience in interviewing employees and managers and investigating unit and non-unit employee-related situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref Prior experience in a health care industry.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
• Req HR Certification PHR/SPHR from HRCI OR SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP from SHRM required. *If no certification upon hire, one must be obtained within one year of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date.

The annual base salary range for this position is $81,120.00 - $133,010.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.