Employee Relations Specialist

Pay Range: $20.20hr - $25.20hr

Job Overview:

Our client has an immediate need for temporary Employee Relations support due to an increasing workload. This temporary support is intended to bridge a short-term capacity gap, stabilize caseload distribution, and ensure the Employee Relations function can continue delivering timely, effective, and risk-conscious support to the business. The successful candidate will help manage active caseloads to ensure investigation timeliness, manager support, and responsiveness to employees.

Specific Skills Needed:

• 3-5 years of employee relations experience, experience conducting investigations, strong knowledge of employment laws, and experience with ER case management systems.
• Experience in Retail and Manufacturing supporting large hourly workforces and an understanding of accommodations.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent HR experience.

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The candidate is responsible for providing advice and consultation to support the organization's positive employee relations strategy. This includes, but is not limited to: investigation of employee open door concerns, consultation with cross-functional partners to resolve employees' questions and concerns in a timely manner, interpretation of company policies for management, and assisting management to address performance issues. The candidate will also identify resources to support management's HR needs, counsel management regarding their responsibilities, support compliance efforts, coach on changes in relevant laws and regulations, and interpret and apply relevant contract provisions in union locations.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize exceptional active listening skills to issue spot and ask appropriate follow-up probing questions.
• Assume a lead investigative role for concerns of mid-level risk and complexity, as well as corrective actions and terminations.
• Investigate issues by assembling all relevant facts, interviewing case-critical witnesses, reviewing similar cases, and using knowledge, judgment, and experience to recommend a course of action to leadership.
• Handle complex and emotionally charged issues with composure by addressing the situation objectively and without bias.
• Consult with managers in writing and deliver feedback in a manner that motivates employees to improve, while also providing solid documentation for terminations if needed.
• Ensure company policies and practices are followed consistently and fairly.
• Interpret and apply applicable labor and employment laws, regulations, and standards at the federal and state level for the U.S. and applicable laws of Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Assist managers with diagnosing and resolving issues through proper questioning techniques and risk assessment.
• Understand and apply company policy, procedure, and applicable law in consultation with managers on best practices that reduce the risk of the organization.
• Identify, prioritize, and resolve or escalate issues within established timelines; conduct investigations in partnership with HR Business Partners and the Employee Relations Center of Excellence as necessary.
• Partner closely with Asset Protection to gain knowledge of facility compliance and support corrective actions and terminations.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, and functions as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in Employee and Labor Relations or a related field.
• 3+ years of related Human Resources experience or a proven record of business management experience.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations and individuals effectively.
• Ability to conduct investigations in a neutral manner.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Employment Law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PHR or SPHR certification.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in French or Spanish.