Link to application and full position listing

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Tuesday, May 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.  

About CalOptima Health

CalOptima Health is the single largest health plan in Orange County, serving 880,000 members, or one in four residents. Our motto — "Better. Together.” — is at the heart of our mission to serve members with excellence, dignity and respect. We are a public agency made up of compassionate leaders and professionals working together to strengthen our community’s health. If you’re looking for an opportunity to work for an organization dedicated to improving local health care and serving the needs of the most vulnerable, we encourage you to join CalOptima Health.

About the Position

The Manager Human Resources (Employee Relations) oversees and provides direct supervision to the Human Resources Employee Relations function and team members while working closely with the Director, Human Resources to develop and implement comprehensive correction and performance management programs which are designed to ensure efficient and effective organizational and employee performance, in compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, statutes and internal policies, procedures and guidelines. The incumbent will work with other stakeholders, update policy, communicate changes, conduct research into best practices and stay up-to-date on regulatory changes.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Cultivates and promotes a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.
• Directs and assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with the leadership team and staff to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
• Manages performance management programs, such as the annual performance review program; administrative investigations, corrective action and terminations; employment law compliance; personnel-related policy and procedure development and updates; department reorganizations; equal employment opportunity; employee, supervisory and management training; leadership development; succession planning; and employee engagement and retention.
• Collaborates with Director, Human Resources and other executive level leaders on cases that are complex and of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.
• Partners with leaders in developing and implementing comprehensive initiatives and programs to ensure organizational effectiveness and employee development that is in alignment with the organization’s mission; facilitates the development of organizational strategic planning and change management processes.
• Conducts organizational analysis, including one-on-one and group interviews with leaders and employees to assess the organizational culture and effectiveness; provides team building activities as appropriate. Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational performance, identifies improvement opportunities, makes recommendations and implements programs and activities to increase organizational and employee performance; assists managers to analyze, review, document and report employee performance development.
• Analyzes statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of personnel-related problems and develop recommendations for improvement, mitigation and prevention.
• Receives and directs the responses to personnel-related complaints and concerns; initiates, oversees and conducts complex investigations; oversees investigations conducted by subordinate personnel for quality, thoroughness and appropriate follow-up in order to ensure efficient and effective organizational and employee performance.
• Interviews, selects and trains assigned personnel; evaluates and directs the work of subordinates and when applicable, addresses performance deficiencies, implements discipline and/or makes recommendations regarding termination.
• Participates and manages in the forecasting of expenditures, development and administration of annual budget; monitors and approves expenditures; adjusts as necessary; and initiates purchases and contracts in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Partners with other leaders and employees to receive and resolve significant and/or complex human resources matters.
• Prepares and presents reports and requests to the Board of Directors, Board Committees and executive management.
• Stays current with employment laws; interprets, recommends and implements modifications and/or development of policies, procedures and guidelines; advises and educates leadership on revisions or changes.
• Designs, develops and presents trainings to educate and develop leaders and employees within assigned area of subject matter expertise.
• Designs, develops and communicates the implementation of HR programs, initiatives and processes. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of organizational and employee performance.
• Consults with legal counsel on recommended courses of action and may participate in litigation matters as required.
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Public Administration or related field required.
• 7 years of progressive human resources experience in employee relations is required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above is also qualifying.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience within the health care or public agency industry.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of the job, employee may need to move about the organization. Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time, as well as work at the computer for long periods. Employee is required to use hands and fingers, especially for typing on the computer and using the mouse. Must also be able to reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift office supply boxes. Employee must be able to communicate, particularly for regular phone use and in meetings.

• Work Environment: Typical office environment with moderate noise levels, distractions and controlled office temperatures.