Associate, Employee Relations

Associate, Employee Relations
Los Angeles, CA
POSITION SUMMARY
The Employee Relations Specialist works closely within the Legal and Compliance department, and in collaboration with other teams, to facilitate the resolution of personnel concerns and issues across the organization and to ensure our organization operates in a manner compliant with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and laws especially with respect to employment.
The Specialist helps to manage employee issues in a fast-moving environment, focusing on timely and personalized conflict prevention and resolution. Their primary areas of responsibility are: (i) conducting thorough internal investigations of employee complaints relating to, for example, discrimination or harassment; (ii); providing thorough documentation of all investigations and findings; (iii) communicating with staff and managers, as relevant; (iv) performing trainings (virtual and in-person) to address specific concerns or perform investigations; and (v) advising and partnering with Deputy Director of L&C on strategic build-out, growth, and development of the Employee Relations team and investigation processes. The Senior Associate provides these services in a professional and efficient manner with prompt assistance to achieve high levels of employee satisfaction.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The following is a representative, but not all-inclusive, overview of the responsibilities and other essential functions of this role:
Corrective Action Support & Internal Investigations

• With minimal supervision, respond to program participant and employee concerns about working conditions, harassment/discrimination claims, conflicts with colleagues or management, policy violations and other issues
• Communicate with and escalate issues to appropriate managers as needed
• Draft well-written investigation related documents such as talking points, Close Out letters and written warnings with little supervision
• Provide thoughtful consultation to employees and managers regarding the interpretation of policies, corrective actions, and effective problem-resolution to maximize employee performance
• Support managers by objectively reviewing and editing corrective action memos and termination letters, and assist managers with involuntary separations
• In partnership with Legal team and Employee Experience department, lead the management in the delivery of fair, consistent and meaningful notice of performance improvement plans; verbal and written notices; and performance evaluations
• Perform Exit Interviews as may be required from time to time
• Work with managers and payroll in preparing for unemployment hearings and represent the organization at hearings. Provide required documentation and information for the effective and cost-efficient management of unemployment compensation claims
• Serve as an expert and use knowledge of employment law to manage requests for reasonable accommodations and support HR team with leave requests, as needed

Strategic build-out of Employee Relations team

• Proactively identify opportunities for elevation of the ER function and take appropriate partners to implement processes that mitigate risk and improve the employee experience
• Serve as a consultative partner and resource to the team on complex employment situations such as terminations, corrective actions and accommodations
• Promote a positive environment and supportive culture for employees by maintaining an open door policy for all levels of staff and promoting open dialogue between all staff
• Supervise the progress and completion of all corrective actions flowing from internal investigations, including the development and management of an appropriate tracking tool
• Track, log and analyze Employee Relations related information and data to support the organization in understanding where there is potential need for additional training, supports, and/or resources
• Design, collect, and analyze multiple levels of employee feedback; partner with the Employee Experience team in analysis, distribution, and action planning
• Additional related duties and special projects as assigned by Deputy Director, L&C
• Provide general support to Deputy Director, L&C and EX Team as needed

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Must Have Skills or Competencies

• Solid knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, specifically written memos
• Strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills
• Your strong organizational skills and detail orientation enable you to juggle leadership of numerous projects and your flexible nature enables you to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities
• You listen, learn, and strive to understand diverse perspectives
• You have strong interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate and build relationships with stakeholders of all levels
• You actively help identify challenges and facilitate solutions
• You exercise sound judgment to support working with sensitive and confidential information
• Strong Google Suite skills preferred

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required Experience
• 5+ years in Employee Relations, HR leadership level role, labor relations, or investigation
• Diagnosing, isolating and resolving complex issues and recommending effective solutions to resolve problems
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment
• Strong computer skills or high comfort level with Google Suite

Who We Are
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.
What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $66,100-$88,500/annually CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors including experience, internal equity, and the labor market associated with the city in which the position is located. The labor markets associated with the cities in which CEO is based are variable, and the salary range included here reflects this. Our salary offer will fall within this range and will be reflective of the labor market of the city in which the position is based, as well the other factors named above.
We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, and professional development opportunities to our staff.
We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and teamwork, offering lunch and learns, team outings, holiday gatherings and more for our staff.
More About Us
The Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our commitment to being an anti-racist organization that is inclusive across all identities and experiences drives us forward every day. We exist to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to personal and professional success, and we're passionate about being agents of change who promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all.
People who are justice involved, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+ , and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Please note that due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to contact each applicant regarding the status of each position or reply to candidates' inquiries via phone or email.
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