Employee Relations Specialist

Overview:
Deliver high quality and effective Employee Relations solutions to a line of business, and/or geographic territory as assigned. Resolve problems, receive and participate in resolving employee and regulatory complaints, coach managers and employees to achieve resolution of issues which involve developing and maintaining good Employee Relations, and ensure the uniform and equitable application of organization policies and procedures while adhering to appropriate regulations. Uses HR expertise as part of the Employee Relations team to provide enterprise-ER solutions, through consulting with leaders, managers and employees on issues related to the work environment, and bring to bear technical skills relating to mediation, critical incident management and organization intervention
Primary Responsibilities:

• Deliver high quality decisions and counsel consistently. Identify and analyze Employee Relations matters and recommend appropriate employment action to maintain a productive work environment, achieve optimal performance, and minimize risk to the Bank.
• Under the supervision of an ER manager or Senior ER Partner, administer the Bank's Performance Expectations and Corrective Action Policy. Use judgment based on experience and circumstances to accelerate Corrective Action as appropriate. Under the supervision of an ER manager or Senior ER Partner, determine when termination of employment is appropriate and oversee the termination process in accordance with Bank practices. Prepare documentation and enter into applicable systems consistent with bank standards and practices.
• Understand the employee handbook and interpret/counsel employees and managers as needed.
• Receive complaints, conduct some investigations, assists the Investigations Team in the investigation of some investigations, recommends and resolves problems, and counsels employees.
• Participate in the EEOC/Human Rights/Wage and Hour regulatory complaints and may represent the bank at investigative conferences, unemployment hearings and meetings.
• Counsel employees on conduct issues, including disputes with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates or management, financial problems, illness or disability and performance problems.
• Act as a consultant to department head on Affirmative Action and EEO policies and practices. Conduct presentations and trainings, as needed, to employees and management on Employee Relations topics. Support, develop, and revise training programs for various levels within the organization on Bank policy, sexual harassment, legal issues, performance management, and other topics.
• Work collaboratively with other HR Centers of Excellence for matters requiring interdisciplinary involvement to ensure Employee Relations perspectives are represented.
• Support exit interview process to include analyzing results and follow-up to appropriate individuals.
• Respond to inquiries regarding general personnel policies and procedures. Reports policies issues to corporate Employee Relations.
• Provides presentations on legal related issues and government regulations.
• Keep informed on developments in areas related to wages and salaries, employee benefits, recruitment, and equal opportunity.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:
The incumbent has significant impact to ensure workplace productivity, support the Bank's ability to maintain a high performing workforce through performance management and mitigate risk to the Bank from regulatory action or civil litigation by ensuring consistent policy and procedure application within a line of business to safeguard fair employment practices.
The position interacts with many levels of personnel within the bank.
The incumbent acts as bank representative in external venues including unemployment hearings, regulatory meetings etc.
Education and Experience Required:
Bachelor's degree in related field (Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications) and 3 or more years' HR-related experience OR in lieu of degree, 5 years' relevant progressive work experience.
Working knowledge of technology and software utilized by department.
Familiarity with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and email product.
Previous (internal) investigations experience
Education and Experience Preferred:
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and communicate with all levels of management and employees.
Proven experience in a customer service environment. Effectively able to defuse the irate or emotional caller. Ability to consistently demonstrate courtesy, helpfulness, professionalism, empathy, and politeness.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong consulting, influencing, and presentation skills.
Internal investigations experience.
Extensive knowledge of employment law and regulations. Demonstrated knowledge of HR practices and principles.
M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $69,889.05 - $116,481.75 Annual (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.
Location
Buffalo, New York, United States of America