Employee Relations Specialist - Remote

The Employee Relations Consultant is a member of the HR Employee Relations team and works under the general direction of the Human Resources Sr. Manager performing a range of HR functions within their assigned regions.
The Employee Relations team is responsible for managing and advising on multifaceted complex employment matters. The Employee Relations Consultant serves as a trusted advisor to field managers and Team Partners to provide guidance on a wide range of Employee Relations issues. The role is fast paced with a heavy focus on workplace investigations, case management and reporting. This role also leads several proactive Employee Relations initiatives in partnership with various HR functions that contribute to overall strategy of the department and the organization.
Responsibilities:
Identify and mitigate risk by proposing strategies for effective resolution of employment matters
Leads investigations of harassment, discrimination, workplace violence and other issues to reach an effective resolution
Provides guidance and direction to field managers management concerning employee performance issues, corrective actions, and terminations that align with company policy to ensure legal compliance and mitigate the risk of adverse action
Leads proactive Employee Relations initiatives with the goal of cultivating high quality working environments for our team partners
Communicates with all levels of the organization, including executive management
Serves as a role model, ambassador, and teacher of company values, vision, and standards of conduct
In collaboration with HR Leadership, recommends and assists with writing and communicating HR policies and procedures
Administers the process for receiving, evaluating documenting, and responding to all reasonable accommodation requests under the ADA
Works in conjunction with Workers' Compensation Department to ensure implementation of relevant aspects of Medical Leave and Light Duty policies
Partners with legal counsel during any employment related agency charge or legal matter
Qualifications
3+ years of experience in Human Resources required
1 - 2 years of experience in Employee Relations required
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
HR Certification recommended
Knowledge of State and Federal employment laws required
Experience managing highly confidential information and complex situations with discretion and sensitivity
Excellent communication and critical thinking skills required. Bilingual (Spanish) skills a plus
Strong facilitation and training skills in presenting to small and large groups
Ability to analyze statistical data; PeopleSoft knowledge preferred
Ability to exude calmness under high pressure, fast-paced environment
Ability to multi-task, and manage high case volume
Ability to travel as needed, possibly up to 4 -5 times per year
Benefits & Perks:
401K with Company Match, Profit Sharing, Health Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, 30% Employee Discount, Employee Referral Bonuses.
UniFirst is an international leader in garment & Uniform services industry. We currently employ over 14,000 team partners who serve 300,000 business customer locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
We were included in the top 10 of Selling Power magazine's "Best Companies to Sell For" list and recognized on Forbes magazine's "Platinum 400 - Best Big Companies" list. As an 80-year old company focused on annual growth, there's never been a better time to join our team.
UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws
UniFirst is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to TalentAcquisition@unifirst.com or call to let us know the nature of your request.
UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent.