Employee Relations Specialist

JOB PERFORMANCE STANDARD- Employee Relations Specialist

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The following attributes are desirable for job success: at least 3 years’ experience in an Employee Relations role. Demonstrated experience with the employee disciplinary coaching process, workplace investigations and skilled in the problem resolution process. SPHR/PHR or SHRM certification preferred, computer literate, effective written and verbal communication skills, extensive knowledge of federal, state and local employment legislation, safety conscious, ability to work well under pressure, excellent organization skills, self- motivation and self-direction, exhibit exemplary customer service attitude and a willingness to connect and build rapport with employees. Partner well with peers, supervisor and corporate office support team.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:  

Directly responsible for the overall administration and coordination of the Employee Relations  function.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Employee Relations matters, providing guidance, coaching, and support to managers in handling performance management, employee discipline, and separation processes.
• Responsible for providing guidance to managers for disciplinary coaching matters and reviewing and editing all disciplinary action documentation.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, investigate and draft responses of all company EEOC, DOL and legal claims for VP of HR & EVP approval.
• Lead workplace investigations and resolve a range of Employee Relations concerns, including workplace conflicts, grievances, harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation complaints, and other violations of work rules.
• Manage the Employee Relations case management system to review and track case progress, conduct investigatory interviews while ensuring compliance with company policy as well as legal requirements, collect and analyze relevant evidence, write investigation summaries, and deliver debriefs with relevant individuals.
• Lead all governance on employee issues and exits, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to non-discriminatory practices.
• Stay updated on labor laws, regulations, and industry trends related to Employee Relations, making recommendations for policy and program enhancements.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on employment-related matters, including agency investigations, and employment litigation matters to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop and deliver training of current best practice programs for Employee Relations and investigation processes.
• Proactively identify and address potential Employee Relations issues and develop preventive measures.
• Respond to all unemployment claims and attend unemployment hearings.

·         Review results of performance evaluations to identify high and low performers.  Follow up with Regional Managers to ensure high performers are challenged and on career paths for future advancement.  Follow up with Regional Managers to ensure coaching or performance improvement plans are in place for low performers.  Provide monthly performance evaluation follow up reports to executive leadership.

·         Prepare and present reports and metrics on Employee Relations trends and outcomes to senior leadership.

• Generate compliance reporting for online handbooks platform and follow up with employees and managers on past due assignments.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• In-depth knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and best practices related to Employee Relations.
• Demonstrated experience in investigating and resolving complex Employee Relations issues, including harassment, discrimination, and disciplinary matters.
• Strong understanding of performance management, policy enforcement, and employment separation processes.
• Experience with formal employee investigation processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on finding equitable and practical solutions.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver training programs on Employee Relations topics.
• Exceptional conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with legal counsel.
• Other HR duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports directly to the Vice President of Human Resources.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Hours of Work: 8:00am/8:30am to 5:00pm/5:30pm Monday through Friday. Schedule may vary. Extended hours may be required during peak periods to meet business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform the physical functions of the position, which may include but are not limited to: ability to effectively communicate with team members, supervisors, vendors and service providers. Must be able to see, hear, talk, sit, stand, walk, reach, climb, stoop, kneel and crouch. Must be able to lift a minimum of 60 lbs. as needed.

COMMUNICATION: Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form with Senior Leadership team, Managers, Regional Managers, corporate team members and outside vendors.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL: Some overnight travel may be required to attend company sponsored events such as conferences, training events, road shows etc.

EXPERIENCE: Three years of experience working in an Employee Relations role and in-depth understanding of all Human Resources programs.  

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business or Organizational Development required or equivalent combination of education and related training. SPHR/PHR or SHRM Certification preferred.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT: Drug testing and background screening. Successfully complete pre-employment psychological and basic skills exam, including interest patterns.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read, write and verbally communicate in English.

REASONING ABILITY:  Has the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Advanced knowledge of mathematics required. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations. Ability to calculate interest, fractions, percentages, and ratios.

COMPUTER SKILLS:  Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power Point required. Experience with UKG Pro preferred.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE:  Dress, grooming and personal cleanliness standards contributes to the business image of Hawthorne Residential Partners.  During business hours or when representing the company, you are expected to present a clean, neat and tasteful appearance. Refer to Employee Handbook for complete Personal Appearance Guidelines:                       

Professional business attire is required on non-casual days. Corporate employees should wear dresses, dress slacks and dress shoes that are business appropriate. No sleeveless blouses should be worn without a jacket. Attire must be clean and neatly pressed.