Employee Relations Specialist

JOB OBJECTIVE SUMMARY:

The Employee Relations Specialist is a key associate at Hope Network whose primary responsibilities include:  fostering a positive work environment by supporting employee relations, engagement, and advocacy efforts. This role ensures fair and consistent application of policies and procedures while assisting employees and leaders in resolving workplace concerns. The Employee Relations Specialist also plays a vital role in onboarding, retention, safety initiatives, compliance, and employee training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of job functions.  This job description is in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The employee is required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as assigned. 

1. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of this position.
2. Advise managers, supervisors, or administrators in all HR practices.
3. Provides coaching to leaders on employee issues and offers guidance on quality corrective action documentation.
4. Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
5. Serve as a confident first point of contact for employees, providing guidance and support while ensuring a positive employee experience.
6. Triage employee issues to appropriate subject matter experts within HR, ensuring timely and accurate resolution.
7. Educates employees on regulations, and policies, and lends general support to employees throughout the organization.
8. Conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations throughout the organization, possibly while working with outside agencies.
9. Proficient in all aspects of HRIS system to guide leaders, provide metrics/reports and improve upon existing processes, as needed.
10. Assist in developing/updating SOPs and the Employee Manual.
11. Support employee engagement and recognition programs to foster a positive workplace culture.
12. Ability to attend and represent Human Resource at various meeting inside and outside of the organization.
13. Effectively communicate new and updated laws, policies, and organizational practices.
14. Respond to all unemployment claims, attend unemployment hearings as the Human Resource Representative.
15. Performs other HR duties or projects, as assigned. 

Position Qualifications

1. Associate’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a related field plus an additional two years of experience in Human Resources or Business Operations required.
2. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record as it relates to Hope Network policy.
3. PHR/SHRM-CP Certification, preferred.
4. Strong experience in working with MS Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
5. Ability to exercise effective judgement, sensitivity, and creativity to changing needs and situations.
6. Ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with people at all levels within the organization.
7. Ability to work independently and demonstrate well developed organizational skills.
8. Familiar with FMLA, ADA, PDA (Pregnancy Discrimination Act), OSHA, HIPAA, and other government regulations.
9. Ability to understand and implement legal Human Resource Policies, Procedures, and Best Practices.
10. Experience responding to and representing the organization in all phases of the Unemployment process.