EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

$83,000 - $91,000/Yr

Santa Rosa Community Health - Santa Rosa, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Santa Rosa, CA

About the position

The Employee Relations Specialist at Santa Rosa Community Health will play a crucial role in the Human Resources Department by providing independent guidance and expertise in managing employee relations and labor relations. This position is responsible for conducting thorough investigations and addressing employee concerns that may arise in a timely manner. The specialist will ensure compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and applicable employment laws, actively participating in the negotiation of CBAs and facilitating Labor-Management Committees. The role also involves training and coaching managers on effective supervision of bargaining unit members, focusing on communication, corrective actions, and terminations. The specialist will conduct worksite investigations, mediation, and conflict resolution, ensuring a harmonious workplace environment. In addition to managing employee relations, the specialist will lead grievance procedures and work collaboratively with HR management to resolve issues. They will track data through the HRIS system to identify trends and provide recommendations to leadership. Building trust with both management and union representatives is essential, and the specialist will engage in proactive grievance avoidance practices by training leaders on managing a union workforce and understanding the CBA. The role requires maintaining document integrity and establishing organized electronic filing systems to ensure traceability of all employee-related documentation. The Employee Relations Specialist will also be responsible for processing involuntary termination paperwork, implementing new and revised union job descriptions, and supporting special projects as required by HR leadership. This position demands a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and the ability to handle sensitive employee information effectively. The specialist will be expected to lead by example and foster a collaborative team environment, ensuring that all actions align with the organization's values and policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage and conduct employee investigations related to employee concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide coaching and consultation to managers regarding supervision and corrective actions, including terminations.
• Conduct worksite investigations, mediation, and conflict resolution as required.
• Guide managers on compliance with CBA, employment law, and organizational policies related to employee rights.
• Lead grievance procedures and work with HR management for final resolutions.
• Assist in preparation for labor negotiations and ensure proactive grievance avoidance practices.
• Track data through HRIS to identify trends and make recommendations to leadership.
• Establish trust with management and union representatives through site visits and roundtables.
• Maintain document integrity and establish organized electronic filing systems.
• Respond to employee policy violations and assist in conflict resolution, escalating as needed.
• Process involuntary termination paperwork and ensure approvals are obtained prior to delivery.
• Implement processes for new and revised union job descriptions in collaboration with leadership.
• Support special projects and requests from HR leadership and the Executive Committee.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience.
• Four years of HR Generalist experience preferred.
• Direct experience with labor relations and collective bargaining agreements required.
• Thorough understanding of Federal and California State employment law.
• Experience in a healthcare environment preferred.
• Experience working in a multi-site organization preferred.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $83,000 - $91,000 annually based on experience.
• Equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.