Overview
Employee Relations Consultant role at UnitedHealth Group (Optum). The role provides day-to-day support on employee relations issues, policy interpretation, information gathering and resolution in alignment with UnitedHealth Group’s employment policies and practices. The position manages complex employee relations issues for managers and employees in entry to mid-level roles and may assist ER Leaders with cases involving more senior employees/leaders as needed. You will support the business on a wide variety of employee relations issues and provide consultation to ensure consistent policy application and compliance with relevant employment law.
Schedule
Full-time position Monday - Friday with standard working hours. Employees in the Republic of Ireland may split monthly work hours between the Dublin office and a home-based office in a hybrid model.
Primary Responsibilities
* Consult with People Business Partners, Managers, and Employees to provide guidance on the employee relations model and facilitate resolution of issues consistent with policies and practices
* Handle performance, disciplinary, grievance, TUPE and termination issues for managers, following escalation and notification guidelines; ensure documentation and full employee consultation aligns with local requirements and policy
* Handle all sickness cases with business leaders, including occupational health referrals, review meetings, capability reviews and required accommodations
* Conduct due diligence research to mitigate risk
* Resolve problems by clarifying issues, researching questions, exploring solutions, and consulting with others as needed before recommending actions
* Respond to urgent situations in line with UHG protocols
* Manage call schedules from employees or managers efficiently
* Provide analytic insights for the region, prepare documentation for leadership meetings, and implement Service Now changes in the region
* Audit responsibilities related to ISO, WRC review, plan and process improvement; contribute to policy reviews
* Train managers on ER topics, trends, and mitigation strategies
* Manage escalated and complex cases for managers and employees; support sickness absence cases
* Coach and work with People Business Partners on more senior employees/leaders as needed
* Manage workload through report monitoring and case assignments (EMEA may require up to one year to resolve)
* Provide support and backup including vendor management, facilitating team meetings, new hire and cross-functional training, and case management
* Assist in identifying process improvements for processes and policy; contribute to innovative solutions and policy recommendations
* Act as a resource for others with less experience and provide analytical review and feedback
Required Qualifications
* Experience in employee relations
* CIPD Level 7 qualified or CIPD Level 5 qualified but willing to study Level 7
* Knowledge of employment law; EMEA knowledge of local legislation specifically UK & Ireland
Preferred Qualifications
* BS or BA Degree
* Knowledge of Windows, Excel, Word, PeopleSoft
* Consulting experience
Soft Skills
* Verbal and written communication and documentation skills
* Credibility, ability to influence at a senior level with strong stakeholder management, conflict resolution
* Coaching skills
* Ability to work independently
Please note you must currently be eligible to work in the country you are applying to and remain without restrictions. Proof may be required. All telecommuters must adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy. UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, race, or any other characteristic protected by law. Optum is a drug-free workplace. 2024 Optum Services (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved.
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