Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Manager
Department: Human Resources - Operations
Office: Foster City Office
Location: Foster City, CA
WHY MIDPEN
At MidPen, we build communities that change lives. Since 1970, we have been committed to our mission: to provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony, and mutual respect.
We develop affordable housing, provide professional property management for all our communities, and coordinate robust onsite support programs that help residents thrive. We are active in 12 Northern California counties and have earned recognition as one of the nation's leading non-profit developers and stewards of affordable housing. Our current portfolio of more than 130 properties is home to 20,000 working families, seniors, and people with special needs. We take pride in delivering affordable housing solutions, and we invite you to join us on a journey toward social, economic, and racial equity.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
In 2023, MidPen was again certified as an official Great Place to Work, and for good reason! In addition, we offer a best-in-class benefit package that includes healthcare options (Kaiser or Sutter), dental, vision, life & disability insurance. We also offer a wide range of voluntary benefits; 403(b) retirement investment opportunity and annual financial literacy and retirement planning options, FSA for childcare, medical and commuter benefit options, Employee Assistance program and pet insurance for our furry, feathered, and scaled friends. In addition to 14 paid company holidays, which include a paid winter holiday break between Christmas and the New Year, we offer 4 paid wellness days for employees to disconnect and recharge. As a learning organization, we encourage professional development and career advancement, and we offer up to $3,000 annually ($12,000 lifetime maximum) for education assistance with tuition reimbursement and/or loan debt relief that includes qualified family members. And, as a family-friendly company, we offer a paid time off parental leave benefit of 12 weeks in a 12-month period for new or expecting parents. Check out our benefits snapshot on our careers page.
PAY RANGE
$93,000 - $113,000 Annual Salary - Pay based on applicable experience and qualifications
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the Human Resources Director of Employee Relations, you will provide guidance and advice on Employee Relations matters for staff employees at MidPen. You will review disciplinary and other types of employment-related documents/actions (FMLA, LOA, work rules, etc.) and work with department HR Business Partners and senior leadership to ensure proper HR procedures are being practiced. You will be responsible for policy/contract administration, including interpretation, implementation and management of policies and contracts. You will effectively partner/collaborate across the organization. You will orient management/leadership on policy and legal compliance, such as FMLA, corrective action, layoffs, performance appraisals; provide policy and protocol guidance, interpretation and training to management and leadership. You will also assist in creating HR process protocols as needed and conduct full investigations and/or assist in the investigation of matters pertaining to Title IX/Sexual Violence Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, Whistle blower complaints, Retaliation complaints, Policy/Law/Regulation compliance and general workplace/HR investigations.
The Manager will be expected to be a strong leader, communicator, and motivator to the entire MidPen work force. The Manger will need to consistently remain visible in the organization (both at the Central Office and in the field) and have a presence at various organizational functions.
As Business Partner the Manager must have the ability to bring immediate credibility to the human resources function through his/her professional qualifications and leadership skills as well as project the highest levels of integrity. Superior interpersonal communication and presentation skills as well as proven organizational skills are required. Core competencies of this role include strong ethical conduct, strategic thinking, leadership, decision making, financial management, organizational communications proficiency, and public presentation skills.
This is a hybrid position, based on current MidPen policy of working Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Foster City Office. Mon, Wed and Fri, option to work from home or the office. When working from home, requires a reliable internet connection.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supports management by providing human resources coaching, counseling, and advice on sensitive Employee Relations situations
• Guides management and employee actions by researching, developing, writing, and updating policies, procedures, methods, and guidelines, communicating and enforcing organizational ICARE values
• Complies with Federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, anticipating legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, advising management on needed actions
• Updates job knowledge by participating in conferences and educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations
• Serves as liaison for employees and managers responding to questions and inquiries related to employment regulations and policies
• Interprets and explains policies and regulations as needed
• Conducts in house training for management team regarding human resources policies, procedures and practices, human resources, human resources issues and provide regular management development opportunities
• Maintains confidentiality of all employee records and files and ensures all required employee documents are complete, orderly and timely
• Develops, documents, implements, and maintains organizational policy and procedures
• Oversees and monitors performance evaluation process to assure that appraisals are complete timely, equitable and legal manner
• In collaboration with management, approves involuntary terminations
• Coaches, managers, meets with employee and manager, oversees the termination meeting, and participates as needed
• Manages the document process assuring proper completion and distribution of all documents related to termination process
• Proactively assesses and manages risk associated with all employee actions

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be a individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with 2-5 years' experience, or equivalent or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• MBA, MA, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A demonstrated portfolio of Human Resources skills (i.e. training, coaching, organizational development, employee retention, change management, Human Resources metrics development, wage and salary administration, compensation benchmarking and structuring)
• Accomplished communication skills that are effective at all levels of the organization. Ability to represent the organization externally, in an articulate and knowledgeable manner
• Strong working knowledge of local, state and federal laws pertaining to employment and employment practices
• Experience in working with legal advisors on wrongful terminations
• 7+ years of progressive experience in employment related matters
• Skill in writing concise, clear, relevant and persuasive documents, including correspondence, case analyses, investigative reports and settlement agreements.
• Demonstrated presentation skills, i.e., grievance meetings, trainings, panels
• Knowledge of employment laws, including FMLA/CFRA, Reasonable Accommodation, VAWA/CANRA, HIPAA, HEERA, FLSA/wage-hour laws, contract interpretation, EEOC/DFEH/DOJ requirements
• Experience in conducting investigations of harassment allegations, including sexual harassment, hostile work environment, discrimination, HIPAA, and workplace behavior
• Ability to analyze and draft proposals for negotiations, settlements, other employment agreements
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively throughout the
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common legal documents
• Ability to respond to inquiries, complaints, regulatory agencies, or business community
• Demonstrated flexible and efficient time management skills and ability to prioritize and delegate workload
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that is effective at all levels of the organization
• Ability to represent the organization externally, in an articulate and knowledgeable manner
• Working knowledge of Human Resources information systems, and an aptitude to participate in IT initiatives that require interface to Human Resources systems
• The ability to seek out and apply appropriate technology solutions that enhance the effectiveness of Human Resources management
• MS Office Suite proficiency (MS Word, Outlook, Power Point, etc.)
• Must have valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of current auto insurance policy

Physical Requirements

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks, frequently sitting
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15 pounds
• Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl

This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MidPen Housing Corp. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, MidPen Housing Corp. will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job. MidPen believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
To apply, visit https://midpen-housing.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=2672455
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