Employee Relations Specialist

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for fostering a positive work environment by developing and  implementing strategies that promote fair treatment, engagement, and compliance with employment laws and company policies. This role serves as a key advisor to both employees and management, resolving workplace issues and ensuring  alignment with organizational values and legal standards. 

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

ACTIVITIES/TASKS/SCOPE

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations issues and workplace concerns. 

• Investigate complaints related to harassment, discrimination, performance, and workplace misconduct, ensuring thorough and impartial processes. 

• Partner with HR Business Partners and department leaders to address performance management concerns, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution. 

• Develop and maintain policies and procedures that support a respectful, compliant, and inclusive workplace. 

• Monitor trends in employee relations and recommend proactive strategies to improve employee engagement and retention. 

• Support and coach managers in effective people management practices, ensuring consistency and compliance. 

• Maintain documentation of all employee relations matters in accordance with legal and company standards. 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, Title VII, etc.). 

• Lead or assist in employee trainings related to workplace behavior, performance management, and compliance topics. 

• Collaborate with legal counsel as needed for complex or high-risk cases. 

• Track and report on employee relations metrics and outcomes to inform HR strategy. 

• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & CREDENTIALS
Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. 

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2 years focused on employee relations or similar function. 

• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices. 

• Strong investigative, analytical, and documentation skills. 

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion 

Preferred: 

• PHR or SHRM-CP certification. 

• Experience in a mid-size or multi-state company environment. 

• Familiarity with HRIS and case management systems. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Sound judgment and decision-making 

• Conflict resolution and negotiation 

• Empathy and professionalism 

• Attention to detail and organizational skills 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Sitting, standing, and walking 

• Infrequently lifting to 25 pounds 

• Infrequent overhead lifting to 10 pounds 

• Bending, climbing, and stooping 

• Long hours involving overtime and weekends (infrequently) 

• Keyboarding/typing 

• Ability to read effectively from a computer screen and/or a paper copy 

• Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Works in an office environment 

• Potential for extended travel