Employee Relations Specialist

Company Overview:

Cayuga Health is the region's leading healthcare system, and most trusted driver of integrated health services, together with valued partners. We empower our people and employ our capabilities to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve. At Cayuga Health System, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies, and research protocols. We have a commitment to its employees by providing competitive rates and compensation, a comprehensive employee benefits programs, attractive working conditions, and the chance to build and explore a career opportunity by offering professional development.

Nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, Cayuga Health provides an outstanding place to work in a vibrant community. Come discover all that Ithaca, New York and Cayuga Health has to offer!

Position Overview: The Employee Relations Specialist ensures that human resource and Employee Relations practices are consistent and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Conducts investigations, writes and presents reports to appropriate parties. Assists in the development and implementation of policies. Provides training and counsel to human resource employees.

What you'll do:

The Employee Relations Specialist partners with HRBP's to serve as a resource to management to provide advice and counsel on subjects such as the appropriate level of corrective action, responses to issues that may raise difficult concerns for Cayuga Health System and other sensitive topics. This individual will often work on unique issues/problems without precedent and/or established guidance.

• Ensures understanding and compliance with all federal, state and local laws, through investigations, recommendations for discipline, mediations, training and action planning.
• Investigates, advises and makes recommendations on internal claims of discrimination, harassment/hostile work environment and/or retaliation or conduct in the workplace which violates CHS policies/procedures, State or Federal laws.
• Writes comprehensive, factual reports of findings resulting from assigned investigations for use in decision-making. Meets with HRBP's and operational leaders to discuss investigation summary, outcomes and recommended action related to employee complaint.
• Assists CHS leadership and HRBP's in resolving or preventing negative workplace conflicts and disagreements by creating action plans to address problem areas where disparate treatment/impact is identified.
• Provides training, advice and counsel to supervisors, employees and HR business partners on Employee Relations' issues. Tracks comparative information to identify trends in the workplace.
• Partners with Shared Services and assists where needed in the development and implementation of policies, reporting procedures and administrative guidelines.
• Conducts exit interviews, summarizes findings, and partners with HRBP's and Department leaders to discuss trends and concerns
• Serves as the expert on Employee Relations' matters for the Human Resources Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field , OR Associates Degree with 5 years directly related experience in Employee Relations, OR High School Diploma with 10 years of directly related experience in Employee Relations
• Experience: Minimum three years as an Employee Relations Specialist, HR generalist or professional in a specialized role, focused on, Employee Relations. Five or more years as either an HR generalist or consultant in a complex healthcare organization with demonstrated expertise in Employee Relations is strongly preferred.
• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve allegations, compile and document detailed results, and compose summaries for management and executive review
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to interact and develop strong trusting relationships with employees at all levels in order to gain support and achieve results
• A high level of knowledge of New York state and federal laws including ADA, EEO, FMLA, Title VII
• Solid understanding of human resources policies and practices
• Knowledge of employment law
• Exceptional emotional intelligence with great critical thinking skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment and exercise good judgment with excellent follow-through
• Highly organized with the ability to be agile in reprioritizing tasks/work items as necessary
• Experience working as a professional advisor in situations requiring assessment of complex issues and facilitation of sound decisions involving high risk as well as confidential and sensitive matters

Travel Requirements:: Travel to sites where client groups are located is a requirement of this position

Work location: This position requires heavy interaction with client groups. Hybrid flexibility will be offered with a heavy emphasis on face to face live interactions.