Health And Welfare Sector Education And Training Authority (HWSETA) Employee Relations Specialist Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) is looking to appoint an experienced Employee Relations Specialist. This vital role is based at their Head Office in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, operating on a fixed-term contract.

This opportunity involves maintaining positive working relationships between employees and management, actively managing workplace conflict and disputes, and offering specialist advice on employee relations matters. The successful candidate will ensure that all employment practices are fair, consistent, and fully compliant with relevant labour legislation and the organisation’s policies.

Minimum Requirements

• Education:
• Matric / Grade 12.
• A postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or a related field.
• Experience:
• 5 to 8 years of experience in Employee Relations or Labour Relations.
• Demonstrated experience in handling disciplinary matters, grievances, investigations, absenteeism, misconduct, and performance-related matters.
• Experience in a unionised environment, collective bargaining, and exposure to CCMA and labour dispute processes will be advantageous.
• Experience in an SOE (State-Owned Entity) or public-sector environment will be advantageous.
• Knowledge Requirements:
• South African labour legislation including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and POPIA.
• Disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, investigation, and performance management procedures.
• CCMA, bargaining council, and labour dispute processes.
• Trade union relations and collective bargaining.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle employee grievances, complaints, and workplace concerns.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers on workplace policies and procedures.
• Mediate and resolve workplace conflicts.
• Facilitate referrals to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and wellness service providers.
• Monitor employee relations trends related to absenteeism, conflict, workplace stress, and employee wellbeing.
• Support employee wellness awareness initiatives and programmes.
• Draft disciplinary charges and notices.
• Conduct and coordinate disciplinary investigations.
• Prepare documentation for disciplinary hearings.
• Advise management on disciplinary procedures and corrective actions.
• Ensure disciplinary processes are procedurally fair and compliant with legislation and policy.
• Maintain accurate disciplinary records.
• Investigate employee complaints and grievances.
• Conduct workplace investigations and gather evidence.
• Interview relevant parties and prepare investigation reports.
• Recommend appropriate corrective actions and maintain confidentiality throughout investigation processes.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, organisational policies, and collective agreements.
• Monitor legislative developments and advise management on labour-related matters.
• Promote consistent application of policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Support managers in addressing poor performance, misconduct, and absenteeism.
• Assist with performance improvement processes and identify recurring employee relations issues, recommending interventions.
• Coach and support managers on employee relations matters.
• Provide advice on disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, performance, and termination processes.
• Ensure consistent application of disciplinary codes and employment practices.
• Maintain confidential employee relations records and case files.
• Monitor and track employee relations cases.

What the Work Involves

As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will be based at the HWSETA Head Office in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. Your daily work will involve actively managing the relationship between employees and the organisation, focusing on resolving workplace conflicts and ensuring fair practices. You will be responsible for handling employee grievances and complaints, conducting thorough investigations into workplace issues, and drafting necessary documentation for disciplinary processes.

You will advise managers on correct procedures for disciplinary matters, performance management, and other HR-related challenges, ensuring that all actions comply with South African labour laws and internal policies. A key part of your role will also involve monitoring employee relations trends, supporting wellness initiatives, and promoting a consistent application of employment practices across the organisation.

How to Apply

To apply for this vacancy, please visit the official HWSETA website: https://www.hwseta.org.za/vacancies/