Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a positive, respectful, and productive workplace by providing guidance to managers on workplace concerns, policies, performance matters, and employee relations issues. This position serves as a trusted resource for resolving workplace concerns, conducting investigations, and promoting consistent and fair application of organizational policies and practices.  This role also supports employee relations matters within a unionized environment, preferring some familiarity with collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions, grievance procedures, and the interplay between organizational policy and contractual obligations. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for managers regarding employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and organizational policies. 

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on performance management, corrective action, attendance, workplace conduct, and conflict resolution. 

• Conduct or assist with investigations involving employee relations matters, including workplace conduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations. 

• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation related to employee relations cases and investigations. 

• Participate in the Incident Review Committee (IRC) and partner with program management on CAP resolutions. 

• Partner with the HR Operations Specialist to conduct employment risk assessments as needed in alignment with Hiring Article 23A. 

• Ensure employee relations practices are applied consistently, fairly, and in accordance with organizational policies and applicable employment laws. 

• Train and assist managers with performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and other corrective measures. 

• Support conflict resolution, mediation, and other efforts to address workplace issues effectively. 

• Identify recurring employee relations trends and recommend improvements to policies, practices, training, and workplace culture. 

• Provide training and education to managers and employees on workplace policies, professional conduct, performance expectations, and employee relations practices. 

• Maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices. 

• Collaborate with the Director of Human Resources on employee engagement; conduct surveys and team building training with L&D. 

• Maintain a visible presence at AABR locations by visiting worksites on a regular basis. 

• Collaborate with HR leadership, legal, and other departments as appropriate on sensitive or complex employee matters. 

• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee information. 

• Perform other HR-related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial or Labor Relations, Organizational Psychology, or a related field. 

• 3+ years of experience in employee relations, human resources, or related HR function. 

• Experience handling employee complaints, workplace investigations, performance management, and conflict resolution. 

• Experience working in a unionized environment, including familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and labor relations practices, strongly preferred. 

• Strong understanding of employment practices, HR policies, and employee relations principles. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; good public speaking skills 

• HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR is preferred. 

Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 

Comprehensive benefits available for full-time employees