Human Resources Workplace Investigator

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers.

 

Do you love the PNW but can’t decide if you enjoy the ocean, mountains, desert, big city or little city life? Well in this position you do not have to choose. Metro offers the ability to telework not just throughout the State of Oregon but Washington State too!  This position will be remote/telework and onsite at Metro facilities and/or offices.

Metro staff represent a range of backgrounds and experiences, we do better work. Improving access to opportunities for communities of color is a key priority at Metro, and it’s something you have the chance to be a part of. We’re seeking a strategic, solutions-oriented expert on policy and contract interpretation in a union environment. Your ability to lead with emotional intelligence allows you to adeptly work to understand multiple, varying interests and stakeholders while developing trust along the way.

The Labor and Employee Relations team is seeking a Human Resources Workplace Investigator who will focus on ensuring employees are treated fairly, with respect, and consistent with our core organizational values and policies. You will receive and investigate workplace complaints, document findings in accordance with pertinent policies, rules, regulations, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and laws as they relate to labor, employment, human relations, labor negotiations, and labor and employee relations.

 

As the HR Workplace Investigator you will:

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial internal investigations in response to workplace concerns including harassment, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, and other topics as assigned.
• Independently manage investigations from start to finish, including intake meetings, background research, investigative interviews, and debrief meetings.
• Use appropriate and acceptable standards/methods of trauma informed investigative practices to complete a thorough investigation.
• Document comprehensive investigatory/fact-finding analysis for interviews and findings in Case Management database.
• Collect, review, interpret, analyze, and evaluate statements, documents, and physical evidence collected during the investigation. Prepare official investigative case report and discuss findings with Labor and Employee Relations Managers and Legal Counsel.
• Collaborate with Labor and Employee Relations Managers, HR Business Partners, and Legal Counsel to design action plans where appropriate.
• Work closely with Labor and Employee Relations Supervisor to identify and support policy improvement and recommend programs, strategies, and other collaborative activities designed to proactively address workplace trends and enhance the employee experience.
• Maintain confidentiality of all personnel, payroll, accounting, and finance records and reports along with any other records, reports and/or information deemed to be sensitive in nature.
• Participate in other projects led by the Labor and Employee Relations team as needed.
• Attend settlement conferences, mediations, and trials as needed.

 

Attributes for success:

• Strong and effective interpersonal skills; the ability to listen well, remain respectful and diplomatic in the face of difficult and uncomfortable situations surrounding an investigation.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of principles of public employment, investigations, progressive discipline, mediation, employee, and labor relations.
• Experience conducting employee relations investigations in a union environment.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise analytic and descriptive reports including findings and recommendations.
• Excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong skills in conflict resolution and/or facilitated communication.
• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain sensitivity to employee and management needs.
• Ability to objectively present findings to various levels of management.

 

Diversity and inclusion:  At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.

 

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to assigned responsibilities or professional certification related to the job’s duties; AND
• Five years of directly related and progressively responsible experience; OR
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to possess a current driver’s license and driving record sufficient to be insured by Metro insurance carrier if required for the position.

Required:

The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

 

If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

 

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Formal training in Workplace Investigations.
• Experience using trauma informed investigation techniques.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a unionized environment in the public sector.
• Experience with Case Management Systems.

 

COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION

 

Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between $82,774.00 to the equity range $114,519.00. The full-salary range for this position is $82,774.00 -115,084.00.

 

This position is not eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as an Program Analyst (Download PDF reader) . Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

 

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• A cover letter addressing your experience with conducting investigations and workplace complaints, and documenting the findings.

 

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)