STEPS Employee Relations Specialist Senior

Job Title
STEPS Employee Relations Specialist Senior

Requisition Number
TE09230

Department Name
3JHRE:Employee Relations/Leave Administration

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Salary Range
$19.00 - $25.00/hour

Type of Position
Temporary

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Required Related Experience

~5 years

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs
• Occasionally standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs
• Sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time with repetitive motions (such as typing)
• Occasional (<10% of the time) job-related travel.

Position will primarily be located on-site with potential for a hybrid opportunity.

Shift

Work Shift
Monday – Friday
Expected Hours per Week
8AM – 5PM; additional hours may be required based on departmental need

Job Summary

Are you passionate about building strong workplace relationships and helping leaders navigate complex employee situations with confidence? We have the job for you! We’re seeking an experienced STEPS Employee Relations Specialist Senior to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner within our University and UKHC community.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in strengthening workplace relationships by coaching and guiding managers, supervisors, administrators, and employees on the fair and consistent application of policies and practices. You’ll provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, coach leaders through corrective action and performance concerns, and ensure policies and procedures are applied consistently and thoughtfully.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a strategic consultant to managers and supervisors on employee relations matters including: performance concerns, workplace conflict, and corrective action.
• Provide thoughtful, solutions focused guidance to employees regarding workplace issues.
• Coach leaders on effective, fair, and policy aligned approaches to workplace challenges.
• Maintain thorough and accurate employee relations documentation and records through LaborSoft.
• Interpret and apply University and UK HealthCare policies, procedures, and best practices with consistency and sound judgment.
• Partner with leadership to proactively address concerns and strengthen team effectiveness.

What You Bring:

• Strong judgement and the ability to assess situations from multiple perspectives.
• Confidence in navigating sensitive and complex workplace situations.
• Excellent coaching and communication skills.
• Build trust quickly and communicate with clarity, professionalism, and empathy.
• Have a collaborative, solutions oriented mindset.

If you thrive in a role where no two days are the same and are looking for a consultative role, apply today!

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Independent judgment and decision making
• Engages in active listening, objectivity, analytical and critical thinking
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of personnel within the organization
• Work Autonomously while maintaining flexibility and adaptability
• Understanding of customer/employee’s perspective – remaining nonjudgmental of their views and actions
• Knowledge of State and Federal Employment Laws and related liability issues
• High level of integrity and respect for confidentiality

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Prefer Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field. Five (5) years of employee relations experience, highly preferred.

Deadline to Apply
03/23/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.