Senior Employee Relations Specialist

* Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the ethical standards of conduct, state contract, appropriate professional standards and applicable state/federal laws.* Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints, workplace concerns, and policy violations (e.g., harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct).* Provide expert consultation to managers and supervisors on performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution.* Interpret and apply federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.* Partner with HR Business Partners, Legal, and Compliance teams on complex cases and risk mitigation strategies.* Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential documentation of employee relations cases.* Develop and deliver training for managers and employees on topics such as respectful workplace practices, conflict resolution, and performance management.* Analyze employee relations trends and recommend proactive strategies to address workplace issues and improve organizational culture.* Support organizational change management initiatives by advising leaders on effective communication and engagement strategies.* Contribute to policy review and updates to ensure alignment with legal requirements and organizational values.* Act as a role model for ethical decision-making, fairness, and consistency in employee relations practices.* Assists in the development of programs meant to promote employee engagement and satisfaction with the organization and reduce turnover* Participates in employee relations related issues, which may include employee disciplinary action, conflict or grievance resolution, work life balance, or the EAP program* Ensure programs are administered fairly across the employee population* Participates in investigation into employee/employer misconduct* Conduct or moderate’s employee surveys, focus groups, or exit interviews* Performs other duties as assigned.* Analytical Skills: Ability to assess complex situations, identify root causes, and recommend effective solutions.* Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver difficult messages with professionalism and empathy.* Conflict Resolution: Skilled in mediation, de-escalation, and fostering constructive dialogue.* Integrity and Confidentiality: Demonstrates discretion, fairness, and ethical judgment in sensitive situations.* Influence and Coaching: Ability to guide and influence managers in applying consistent and compliant employee relations practices.* Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.* Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workflow and meet deadlines.* Ability to handle multiple tasks and special projects simultaneously.* Able to work autonomously with minimal or no supervision.* Able to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.* Analytical skills, professional acumen, business ethics, thorough understanding of continuous improvement processes, problem solving, respect for confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.* Required: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field* Required: 5–7 years of progressive HR or employee relations experience, with at least 3 years focused on employee relations case management.* Strong knowledge of employment law (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, etc.) and HR best practices.* Demonstrated experience conducting investigations, writing reports, and presenting findings to leadership.* Preferred: Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field* Preferred: HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP)* Performs work under minimal supervision. Handles complex issues and problems, and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff* Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group* Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.* Demonstrated experience in problem management* Possesses good judgement in navigating employee relations issues and escalating to CHRO* Experience in documenting and reporting employee relations issues - detail oriented* Basic math skills required.* Ability to work with reports and numbers.* Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions.* Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.* Use computer, printer, and software programs necessary to the position (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).* Ability to utilize Internet for resources.* Medical/Dental/Vision* Paid Time Off* Paid Holidays* Employee Assistance Program* Retirement Plan, including employer matching* Health Savings Account, including employer matching* Professional Development allowance up to $2000 per year* Bilingual Stipend – 6% of the base salary* Many other benefits #J-18808-Ljbffr