Sr. Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

As a member of the Compliance and Employee Relations COE, the Employee & Labor Relations Specialist will provide compliance and employee relations guidance across the US organization. The Specialist will coach and consult managers, employees and other HR functions on such matters as performance improvement, policy management, leave escalations, compliance and accommodations. In support of the centralized team model, the Specialist will also take the lead in managing complex complaints/investigations, developing tools, templates, processes and reference materials, and other projects in support of the ER function.

+ Consult with and support managers in the review and action plan implantation for employee performance improvement and discipline matters.

+ Conducts fact-based investigations for employee relations concerns (simple to complex) including matters that are raised internally, EEOC and DOL charges, state agency claims, hotline complaints, etc. In collaboration with the Legal Department and corresponding HR business partners, prepare written investigation summaries, recommended actions, and draft responses as required.

+ Manages the interactive process for workplace accommodation requests, reviews, and resolutions.

+ Collaborate with HR business partner, HR operations, and Legal to support escalated leave of absence and immigration cases.

+ Develop and maintain reporting processes to assure the HR business partner functions understand individual employee actions as well as trends.

+ Maintains a current understanding of policy and process changes within WK as well as external regulatory changes that need to be incorporated into our management approach. Tracks and monitors all changes and documents activities the business undertakes to maintain proper governance and compliance with respect to employment.

+ Consults with HR team members on the interpretation of policy and process to ensure we maintain consistency across the division as appropriate and are aligned to WK requirements.

+ Analyze employee relations activities to make recommendations to the HR Business Partner, Operations, and Legal functions for policy/process development or modification, manager and employee training, and other risk mitigation and compliance opportunities.

+ Assists in developing and maintaining the overall best-in-class employee relations strategy, practices, and policies. Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure solutions are aligned with organizational values and business objectives.

Required Experience:

+ 3+ years experience in employee relations including directing and coaching leaders on performance improvement/discipline, investigations, ADA interactive process, dispute resolution required

+ Highly knowledgeable about federal employment laws and management-labor regulations including, but not limited to EEO, FLSA, FMLA, ADAAA; likewise, knowledgeable about state laws and regulations including the variations between states.

+ Proven experience in investigating and recommending resolution for simple to complex workplace issues based on a best practices approach, which includes proper documentation, tracking, and trend reporting and analysis.

+ Highly adept at resolving conflict and managing sensitive situations; act as a calming presence while being deliberate in achieving required outcomes.

+ Significant experience in policy interpretation and education with a balanced focus on compliance/risk mitigation, employee engagement, and maintaining high standards of behavior.

+ Superior standard of discretion and confidentiality; does not compromise the integrity of HRs role as the steward of highly sensitive information.

+ Effective collaborator; strong interpersonal skills; partners well with key stakeholders through influence and a consultative approach; strong team player.

+ Experience in roles that required engagement and working with employees at all levels, including executives.

+ Professional presence; demonstrates superior judgment; represents HR in a professional and service-oriented way.

+ Demonstrates initiative and drive; self-motivated, organized, and detail oriented; creative and analytical; able to prioritize work to meet all required deadlines with high quality deliverables with minimal to moderate guidance.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Wolters Kluwer U. S. Corporation and all of its subsidiaries, divisions and customer/business units is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.