Employee Relations Specialist at HWSETA

Job Purpose

• HWSETA is seeking to appoint an Employee Relations Specialist to maintain positive employee-employer relations, manage workplace conflict and disputes, provide specialist employee relations advice, and ensure that employment practices are fair, consistent, and compliant with labour legislation and organisational policies.

Minimum Requirements
Education

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Labour Relations or a related field.

Experience

• 5 to 8 years' experience in Employee Relations or Labour Relations.
• Experience in a unionised environment, collective bargaining, and exposure to CCMA and labour dispute processes will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in handling disciplinary matters, grievances, investigations, absenteeism, misconduct and performance-related matters.
• Experience in an SOE or public-sector environment will be advantageous.

Knowledge Requirements

• South African labour legislation including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and POPIA.
• Disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, investigation and performance management procedures.
• CCMA, bargaining council and labour dispute processes.
• Trade union relations and collective bargaining.

Key Responsibility Areas
Employee Relations and Wellness Support

• Handle employee grievances, complaints and workplace concerns.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers on workplace policies and procedures.
• Mediate and resolve workplace conflicts.
• Facilitate referrals to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and wellness service providers where required.
• Monitor employee relations trends relating to absenteeism, conflict, workplace stress and employee wellbeing.
• Support employee wellness awareness initiatives and programmes.

Disciplinary Processes

• Draft disciplinary charges and notices.
• Conduct and coordinate disciplinary investigations.
• Prepare documentation for disciplinary hearings.
• Advise management on disciplinary procedures and corrective actions.
• Ensure disciplinary processes are procedurally fair and compliant with legislation and policy.
• Maintain accurate disciplinary records.

Grievances and Investigations

• Investigate employee complaints and grievances.
• Conduct workplace investigations and gather evidence.
• Interview relevant parties and prepare investigation reports.
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain confidentiality throughout investigation processes.

Labour Law and Policy Compliance

• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, organisational policies and collective agreements.
• Monitor legislative developments and advise management on labour-related matters.
• Promote consistent application of policies, procedures and employment practices.

Performance and Attendance Management

• Support managers in addressing poor performance, misconduct and absenteeism.
• Assist with performance improvement processes.
• Identify recurring employee relations issues and recommend interventions.

Management Advisory Services

• Coach and support managers on employee relations matters.
• Provide advice on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, performance and termination processes.
• Ensure consistent application of disciplinary codes and employment practices.

HR Administration and Reporting

• Maintain confidential employee relations records and case files.
• Monitor and track employee relations cases.
• Compile and analyse employee relations reports and trends.
• Provide recommendations to mitigate employee relations risks.

Labour Dispute Resolution and Representation

• Coordinate matters involving the CCMA, bargaining councils, labour forums and Labour Court.
• Prepare case documentation and represent or support the organisation during dispute resolution processes.
• Liaise with legal representatives and relevant stakeholders.

Employee Engagement

• Support employee engagement and change management initiatives.
• Promote a positive workplace culture.
• Identify workplace issues that may impact productivity and employee retention.
• Support communication initiatives that enhance employee morale and engagement.

Key Competencies

• Labour Relations and Employment Law
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Investigation Skills
• Dispute Resolution
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Confidentiality and Integrity
• Report Writing
• Attention to Detail
• Relationship Management