ABOUT US:
At The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) we are dedicated to the Colorado for All philosophy - working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
We support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This position will have hybrid workplace options available, at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs. The employee will still be required to report to the agency address listed on this announcement: 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246
Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . . join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.
CDPHE offers:
Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
Flexible working arrangements
Retirement ( PERA options), Medical and dental health plans
Defined Benefit Plan or the PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year and generous personal time off
Tuition assistance
Wellness programs
Professional development opportunities on a wide variety of subjects
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch
The Work Unit:
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) provides strategic, tactical, and operational services to implement a comprehensive, integrated departmental human resources (HR) program that maximizes productivity, diversity, inclusion, and a positive work environment while minimizing liability and risk in the department. Services include establishing and consulting on departmental talent management policies and processes (job evaluation, compensation practices, selection); interpreting and complying with the State Personnel System rules and policies as well as state and federal employment law; employee and labor relations (dispute resolution, performance management, discrimination complaints, and labor agreements); comprehensive talent acquisition (recruitment marketing, sourcing, recruitment, new employee experience), organizational development (workplace culture, inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA), employee engagement, consulting), professional development (training, mentorships and career development, succession planning); time off and benefits administration; employee wellness and safety; and technical operational support (HR systems, onboarding/offboarding, transaction processing).
What You Will Do:
The Employee and Labor Relations position plays a key role in fostering a respectful, equitable, and legally compliant workplace by managing relationships among employees, leadership, and union representatives. This position serves as a trusted advisor to supervisors and staff on workplace policies, performance management, conflict resolution, and corrective or disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and fairness across the organization.
Key responsibilities include interpreting and applying State Personnel Board Rules, the COWINS Partnership Agreement, and applicable federal and state employment laws, as well as internal policies and procedures. The role supports efforts to enhance employee engagement, mitigate organizational risk, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
This position is responsible for utilizing internal systems and processes to intake, track, investigate, and resolve employee and labor relations matters, including complaints, grievances, and workplace concerns. The role conducts or supports workplace investigations, prepares documentation, and provides recommendations for resolution.
Additionally, the position collaborates closely with other Human Resources units, including Talent Acquisition, Total Worker Health and Benefits, and Organizational Development, to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to employee and labor relations management. This position administers and manages the department’s unemployment insurance claims process which involves responding to claims, coordinating documentation, and representing the organization as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
H4G3XX
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST III
Experience Only:
Six (6) years of experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or Employee Relations Specialist or experience in a related human resources discipline.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education in a Human Resources discipline, such as Human Resources Management or Business Administration, and experience as an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or Employee Relations Specialist or in a related human resources discipline, equal to Six (6) years.
**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge of employment law.
Demonstrated skills in translating human resources best practices, employment laws, policies, and procedures into actionable employee relations advice.
Demonstrated experience across core HR disciplines.
Experience conducting workplace investigations in harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims.
Experience managing unemployment claims and appeals.
State of Colorado experience.
Experience with the Google suite of applications.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
This is a critical position and can be expected to work and/or remain at their worksite in delayed start, early release, or closure situations.
Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
Hybrid Position.
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed, and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at
[email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.
A complete application packet must include:
Completed State of Colorado application.
COVER LETTER: describing how your professional experience aligns with the preferred qualifications of this position
If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
The Selection Process:
All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
E-Verify:
CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
ADAAA Accommodations:
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at
[email protected] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.
