Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist partners with employees, managers, and Human Resources Business Partners to address and resolve employee relations matters, ensuring equitable and consistent treatment for all employees in alignment with the company's policies, procedures, and state and federal laws. This position reports into the Director, Human Resources. 

Key Job Responsibilities

Performance Management

1. Addresses inquiries concerning the company’s policies and procedures.
2. Educates managers on legal compliance, appropriate workplace conduct, and effective counseling methods.
3. Conducts initial meetings with employees and managers to identify concerns or complaints related to workplace behavior, performance issues, policy violations, harassment allegations, and other complaints.
4. Assesses and integrates information from all parties while applying a deep understanding of corporate policies, employment law, and relevant regulations.
5. Provides guidance on efficient methods to resolve employee relations issues and formulates corrective action recommendations following the company’s progressive corrective action process.
6. Reviews and approves corrective action documentation based on predetermined criteria.
7. Engages in discussions involving corrective actions and, when necessary, participates in termination discussions.
8. Escalates HR issues that meet predefined criteria, exercising judgment to assess risk and sensitivity levels.
9. Keeps business and HR leaders informed of the status of issues and concerns being addressed, along with recommendations or disciplinary actions as applicable.

Internal Investigations

1. Seeks legal counsel related to labor relations in alignment with predefined criteria or as necessary for complex issues.
2. Prepares and furnishes required correspondence, information, and documentation for case preparation involving legal and third-party reviews.
3. Leads internal investigations and, upon request, collaborates with HR Leadership to represent the organization in unemployment or labor hearings.

Training

1. Collaborates in identifying training needs for managers, tailoring topics based on the nature and frequency of issues encountered.
2. Actively leads training sessions for managers, emphasizing coaching, corrective action procedures, and company policies and procedures to ensure thorough comprehension and adherence.

Case Management and Reporting                                                                                                     

1. Utilize the Case IQ system to track, analyze, and report on employee relations data/metrics, enabling the establishment and implementation of proactive strategies and action plans to enhance organizational effectiveness and address critical areas of opportunity.
2. Ensure file integrity by accurately and promptly recording case information within the Case IQ system, maintaining data accuracy and completeness for effective analysis and reporting.
3. Engage proactively in project initiatives aimed at refining ER team processes and optimizing efficiency, as well as contribute to other strategic Human Resources initiatives.

Job Qualifications

1. Bachelors degree required, preferably in Human Resources or related field
2. 2+years experience in Human Resources preferred
3. 1+years experience in Employee Relations required
4. Previous employee relations experience preferred
5. Firm understanding of employment laws
6. Excellent professional written and verbal communications skills
7. Critical thinker, active listener and effective time manager
8. Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and discretion in handling confidential information and situations
9. Strong PC and analytical skills

Competencies

1. Communication
2. Consultation
3. Critical Evaluation
4. Relationship Management
5. Ethical Practice

Skills

• Analytical Thinking
• Communications Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Human Resources