Employee Relations Specialist

$80,000 - $90,000/Yr

Legal Aid Society - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

Under the supervision of the Director of Employee Relations, the Employee Relations Specialist plays a critical role in fostering an organizational culture that encourages productive work behaviors and effective communication. This position is essential in facilitating dialogue between employees and management, resolving workplace conflicts, and processing ADA workplace accommodations. The specialist will conduct employee investigations, manage employee cases, and provide comprehensive reporting. Responsibilities include preparing investigative files, summaries, and recommendations related to policy violations based on factual evidence, as well as facilitating ADA accommodation requests. The role requires collaboration with HR team members to provide day-to-day guidance on performance management, disciplinary actions, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures. The specialist will conduct investigations into various employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and workplace violence. Regular communication regarding pending investigations is crucial, along with timely reporting that includes supporting documentation for all completed investigations. The use of effective interviewing and documentation techniques is necessary, as well as utilizing the designated online case management tool for tracking purposes. The specialist may also assist in presenting cases before The Legal Aid Society Complaint Panel. In terms of performance management and conflict resolution, the specialist will coach and advise managers and supervisors on handling performance issues, investigations, and disciplinary actions, while also providing guidance on performance improvement plans (PIPs). They will assist employees in understanding organizational policies and procedures and help managers adhere to grievance procedures under collective bargaining agreements. The role also involves coordinating ADA accommodation requests and ensuring timely communication with supervisors and employees to facilitate resolution. Building effective relationships with supervisors and staff is essential to promote positive employee relations and ensure high levels of employee satisfaction and engagement. The specialist will conduct weekly meetings with assigned business units and collaborate with the General Counsel's office and HR team members to resolve employee relation matters. Additionally, they may provide training, presentations, and facilitate group meetings to enhance skills and knowledge within the organization. Continuous professional development is expected, along with demonstrating behaviors that support an inclusive work environment and learning about workplace bias.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations in response to employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence.
• Communicate regularly regarding pending investigations and provide timely investigation reports with supporting documentation.
• Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques and utilize the designated online case management tool for tracking.
• Assist with the presentation of cases before The Legal Aid Society Complaint Panel.
• Coach and advise managers and supervisors on handling performance issues and disciplinary actions.
• Provide guidance and resources to employees on organizational policies and procedures.
• Assist managers with adhering to the grievance procedure under collective bargaining agreements.
• Coordinate ADA accommodation requests and ensure timely communication to facilitate resolution.
• Develop effective relationships with supervisors and staff to promote positive employee relations.
• Conduct weekly meetings with assigned business unit(s).
• Collaborate with the General Counsel's office and HR team members to resolve employee relation matters.
• Provide trainings, presentations, and facilitate group meetings to develop skills and knowledge within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field.
• 2 years of work experience in employee relations, investigations, employment law, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• SHRM certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) is preferred.
• Experience with conducting EEO investigations is preferred.
• Experience working with a unionized workforce is preferred.
• Knowledge and use of inclusive employee engagement and restorative conflict resolution practices is preferred.
• Training and/or experience in mediation and group facilitation is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree in Human Resources Management or related field.
• SHRM certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).
• Experience with conducting EEO investigations.
• Experience working with a unionized workforce.
• Knowledge and use of inclusive employee engagement and restorative conflict resolution practices.
• Training and/or experience in mediation and group facilitation.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation
• Loan forgiveness programs
• Generous benefits package