Heather Tepley
Colorado Springs
Summary
Employee Relations Manager with extensive experience at the Colorado Department of Corrections, specializing in dispute resolution, performance management, progressive discipline and employment law compliance. Effectively developed discrimination/harassment training & workplace investigation program. Adept at fostering a team environment while effectively managing employee relations initiatives to promote a positive workplace culture.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employee Relations Manager
Colorado Department of Corrections
03.2024 - Current
- DOC statewide advisor for leadership and executive staff on employee issues, grievances, civil rights complaints, appeals, performance management, progressive discipline, and ADA.
- Collaborated with HR team to establish useful implementation of employee relations programs and initiatives.
- Provide technical guidance and customer services to employees who have grievance, discrimination, and other work environment concerns.
- Oversee & conduct Civil Rights investigations of employee activities.
- Monitored and enforced company policies and procedures to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Devised robust Discrimination/Harassment training program to strengthen legal understanding, and educate on reporting process in compliance with the POWR Act.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration with employees and management to encourage teamwork and rapport.
- Instructed senior leaders on appropriate progressive discipline steps.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams on litigation concerns, respond to Discovery requests and ensure agency stays current with best practices which align with current laws.
- Maintained current knowledge State and Federal employment laws to amend policies and promote compliance.
- Provide guidance and expertise to draft and implement policies, strategic plans and identify performance measures related to Employee Relations and Human Resources that align with departmental WIGS.
- Supervise and manage Employee Relations Specialists, ADA Coordinator, Program Assistant I, and Technician. Complete performance plans and evaluations and ensure team is operating effectively and efficiently to promote the CDOC mission and values.
- Review and process Personal Service Agreement requests. -Develop, update and conduct staff training on grievance process, performance management/progressive discipline and discrimination/harassment
- Provide management and guidance to staff ADA program, ensuring processes align with state and federal laws.
- Review and process all requests for religious accommodations.
Employee Relations Supervisor
Colorado Department of Corrections
10.2020 - 03.2024
- DOC statewide advisor for leadership and executive staff on employee issues, grievances, civil rights complaints, appeals, performance management, progressive discipline, and ADA.
- Collaborated with HR team to establish useful implementation of employee relations programs and initiatives.
- Provide technical guidance and customer services to employees who have grievance, discrimination, and other work environment concerns.
- Oversee & conduct Civil Rights investigations of employee activities.
- Monitored and enforced company policies and procedures to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Devised robust Discrimination/Harassment training program to strengthen legal understanding, and educate on reporting process in compliance with the POWR Act.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration with employees and management to encourage teamwork and rapport.
- Instructed senior leaders on appropriate progressive discipline steps.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams on litigation concerns, respond to Discovery requests and ensure agency stays current with best practices which align with current laws.
- Maintained current knowledge State and Federal employment laws to amend policies and promote compliance.
- Provide guidance and expertise to draft and implement policies, strategic plans and identify performance measures related to Employee Relations and Human Resources that align with departmental WIGS.
- Review and process Personal Service Agreement requests. -Develop, update and conduct staff training on grievance process, performance management/progressive discipline and discrimination/harassment
- Provide management and guidance to staff ADA program, ensuring processes align with state and federal laws.
- Review and process all requests for religious accommodations.
- Manage the work product over Employee Relations Specialists, ADA Coordinator and Program Assistant I, and provide input on performance.
- Sit on Labor Relations meetings and coordinate with LRU staff on employee issues to ensure compliance with Board rules, regulations, and Partnership agreements.
- Function as diversity officer; research and compile annual utilization data and reports, participate in DOC DEI (GRAACE) meetings, identify performance measurements, and provide input on DEI Action Plan.
Employee Relations Specialist/ADA Coordinator
Colorado Department of Corrections
01.2020 - 10.2020
- Research and respond to requests for ADA accommodations.
- Conduct interactive conversations and coordinate with appointing authorities to identify possible accommodations.
- Act as agency contact for staff ADA questions.
- Attend R5-6 meetings and transitional duty meetings and provide guidance on ADA process.
- Work with facilities to identify accessibility technology for staff use. Employee Relations:
- Research and compile reports that support the Department's stance on CCRD and EEOC charges.
- Gather exhibits and assist with position statements.
- Review employee relations letters and provide direction and guidance to appointing authorities.
- Review and provide guidance on Grievance and discrimination/harassment complaints.
- Assist staff and answer questions on employee relations matters.
- Research and gather documents for appeals and discovery requests.
- Gather documents and respond to unemployment claims.
- Maintain employee relations files and database.
HR Specialist III
Colorado Department of Corrections
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Partner with Appointing Authorities and Hiring Mangers on workforce development; identify hiring needs, review positions descriptions, develop job analysis and implement recruitment plans for open vacancies.
- Create job postings, screen and review applications for minimum qualifications, conduct comparative analysis and manage eligible lists and referrals while adhering to personnel rules, state and federal employment laws, guidelines and acceptable practices.
- Work with SMEs to develop comparative analysis plan and to conduct assessments.
- Evaluate and classify new and existing positions by reviewing position descriptions and conducting interviews with incumbents and supervisors.
- Conduct position audits. -Research and compile data and write reports.
- Respond to inquires from employees and the public regarding general and specific employment opportunities and processes.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with internal and external agencies in recruitment efforts and provide recommendations for recruiting and retaining top talent.
- Participate in job fairs and workforce events.
- Conduct trainings on job evaluation, selections and HR processes.
- Review and approve Personal Service Agreements.
HR Technician III
Colorado Department of Corrections
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Move candidates through the selection process, send applicants to background, make contingent offers, schedule UA and process new hires prior to the next Training Academy
- Provide technical support by analyzing data and creating reports.
- Organize and manage HR on-boarding day for each Training Academy.
- Consult with hiring managers to write and post job announcements.
- Meet with SME's to develop comparative analysis processes.
- Answer inquires about qualifications and provide customer support to employees, new hires and prospective applicants.
Administrative Assistant III
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
11.2010 - 08.2015
- Provide customer service by selling licenses, permits, passes, registrations and answer phone calls about wildlife in accordance to state policy, regs and statues.
- Complete VIN/HIN verification on boats and OHVs.
- Provide administrative support to Deputy Regional Manager and act as back-up to current program assistant for Regional Manager by processing mail, editing staff meeting minutes and communicating with staff and other professionals.
- Hire, train and oversee volunteers and temporary staff.
- Schedule volunteers to assist with front desk operations and with busy License Sale dates.
- Provide outreach and training to local license agents and other Park and Wildlife offices.
- Enter invoices into CORE and allocate credit card purchases for SE Aquatic section.
- Maintain accurate financial spreadsheets and files.
- Assist law enforcement by taking and dispatching calls and processing citation payments.
- Resolve customer service challenges and address complaints in a respectful and professional manner.
- Conduct trainings and seminars for volunteers and the hunter/angler community.
Administrative Assistant II
Colorado Division of Wildlife
08.2003 - 11.2010
- Provided hunting/fishing information and recommended wildlife solutions in accordance to state regulations and statues.
- Provided customer service by selling licenses and answering phones.
- Assisted law enforcement by taking and dispatching calls, processed citation payments and evaluated and euthanized sick and/or injured wildlife.
- Formatted and edited the statewide volunteer newsletter.
- Created wildlife PowerPoint presentations to be used by local teachers.
- Conducted presentations to local school groups and assisted with volunteer trainings.
Office Manager
Doxey Paving
06.1999 - 07.2003
- Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and company budget.
- Created proposals, work orders, and invoices.
- Provided support to owner, superintendent and foreman with scheduling and completion of documents.
- Handled all Human Resource functions including: advertising, recruiting and interviewing for open employment positions, process insurance and workmen's comp. documentation, respond to unemployment claims, benefits, payroll and complete exit documentation.
- Supervised office staff; evaluate staff performance and make decisions that impact pay, status, and tenure.
- Administration of CDOT required drug screening.
- Handled all incoming calls and customer contacts.
- Managed and maintained customer and employee files.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Colorado College
05-2001
Skills
- Human resources
- Training and mentoring
- Team management
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment law compliance
- Diversity and inclusion
- Coaching and mentoring
- Progressive Discipline
- Performance Management
Certification
Mediation
Personal Service Agreements
Job Evaluation
Selections
Timeline
Employee Relations Manager
Colorado Department of Corrections
03.2024 - Current
Employee Relations Supervisor
Colorado Department of Corrections
10.2020 - 03.2024
Employee Relations Specialist/ADA Coordinator
Colorado Department of Corrections
01.2020 - 10.2020
HR Specialist III
Colorado Department of Corrections
01.2017 - 01.2020
HR Technician III
Colorado Department of Corrections
08.2015 - 01.2017
Administrative Assistant III
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
11.2010 - 08.2015
Administrative Assistant II
Colorado Division of Wildlife
08.2003 - 11.2010
Office Manager
Doxey Paving
06.1999 - 07.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Colorado College
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