Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Under the general supervision of the Director of Employee Relations, this position plays a critical role in supporting an organizational culture that promotes productive work behaviors and communications, facilitating effective dialogue between employees and management, resolves workplace conflict, and processing ADA workplace accommodations. 

 

Work responsibilities include conduct employee investigations, provide employee case management, and reporting; provide investigative files, summaries and recommendations related to policy violations based on facts and evidence; facilitate ADA accommodation requests; collaborate with HR team members and provide day-to-day guidance on matters relating to performance management, disciplinary actions, and organizational policies & procedures. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Complaints and Investigations:

• Conduct investigations in response to a range of employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned investigations and coordinate with necessary stakeholders throughout the process to ensure resolution
• Communicate regularly regarding pending investigations and provides timely investigation reports with supporting documentation for all completed investigations
• Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques and utilize the designated online case management tool for tracking
• Assist with the presentation of cases before The Legal Aid Society Complaint Panel
• Provide guidance and support to Employee Relations Specialist(s) during the investigation process, as needed

 

Performance Management and Conflict Resolution:

• Coach and advise managers and supervisors on the handling of performance issues, investigations, and disciplinary actions and provide guidance to performance improvement plans (PIPs)
• Provide guidance and resources to employees on organizational policies & procedures
• Assist managers and supervisors with adhering to the grievance procedure under the collective bargaining agreements
• Assist the director with both the implementation and enforcement of the new telecommuting and time & attendance policies

 

ADA Accommodation Requests and Resolution:

• As needed, coordinate ADA accommodation request and resolution and provide general information to supervisors and employees
• Ensure timely communication to supervisors, employees and Matrix to facilitate resolution of the request
• As needed and approved, coordinate purchases and services for employee requests
• Provide guidance and support to Employee Relations Specialist(s) on the reasonable accommodation request process, as needed

 

Team Support:

• Develop effective relationships with supervisors and staff to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization to ensure a high level of employee satisfaction and engagement
• Conduct weekly meetings with assigned business unit(s)
• Collaborate with the General Counsel’s office and HR Team Members to resolve employee relation matters
• May provide trainings, presentations, and facilitate group meetings to develop skills and knowledge within the organization
• Assist the director with developing and conducting employee & labor relations trainings for both supervisors and employees

 

Professional Development: 

• Participate in continuous professional development 
• Demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment and continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of work experience in employee relations, investigations, employment law, conflict resolution and disciplinary actions or an