Employee Relations Specialist, Human Resources at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations. Register for our upcoming job fair on March 31, 2026 here: https://bit.ly/4sJutD9
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Administrative Services Division strives to implement solutions with a high level of customer service and professionalism, while fostering a collaborative work environment. In support of these efforts, the Human Resources Department recruits, hires, cultivates, and supports a high-performing workforce for OCDE. OCDE is seeking a fair and detailed-oriented individual to serve as an Employee Relations Specialist. With an ethical and inclusive mindset, this associate supports OCDE's mission of meeting the needs of all students and plays a vital role in promoting a professional work environment. Responsibilities include directing and conducting workplace investigations, making principled recommendations, and leading trainings and projects. Success in this role requires effective managing of competing priorities while remaining accessible to administrators and staff.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, human resources management, public administration, or a related field. • At least one (1) year of experience in Human Resources, employee relations, workplace investigations, or a related area. • Knowledge of employee relations practices, workplace investigations, and applicable employment laws. •Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters professionally. •Experience working with certificated and classified bargaining units, including knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations in an educational or public sector environment.
There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please describe your role, including specific duties and responsibilities, as it relates to employee relations in an organization. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodations in the application process, please inform us.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, human resources management, public administration, or a related field. • At least one (1) year of experience in Human Resources, employee relations, workplace investigations, or a related area. • Knowledge of employee relations practices, workplace investigations, and applicable employment laws. •Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters professionally. •Experience working with certificated and classified bargaining units, including knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and labor relations in an educational or public sector environment.
There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please describe your role, including specific duties and responsibilities, as it relates to employee relations in an organization. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodations in the application process, please inform us.
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Application Deadline
4/8/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Date Posted
3/25/2026
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay dependent on experience
Add'l Salary Info
Classified Management, Range 21: $8,395- $10,230 monthly. Placement based on education and years of experience.
Length of Work Year
225 Days/12 Months
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.