Community Options
Employee Relations Specialist
Community Options, Princeton, New Jersey, us, 08543
DescriptionCommunity Options, Inc.
is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states.
We are actively seeking an
Employee Relations Specialist
to join our team in
Princeton, NJ.
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for overseeing complex employee relations (ER) investigations, providing expert advice to HR professionals and managers, and ensuring that all employee-related concerns are managed with consistency, thoroughness, and in full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In addition to investigations, this role supports the development of ER programs, assists with policy creation, and ensures adherence to HR compliance standards. The Senior ER Specialist also guides HR Generalists (HRGs) in best practices, playing a critical role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and compliant workplace environment, while mitigating risks related to employee relations and HR compliance matters .
ResponsibilitiesLead and manage complex investigations related to employee misconduct, discrimination,harassment, and other ER issuesConduct thorough interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses to gather andassess all relevant information impartiallyProvide clear, detailed investigation reports, outlining findings, conclusions, and recommended corrective actionsCollaborate with senior HR leadership to drive resolutions and ensure actions are compliant with organizational policies, employment laws, and regulatory standardsServe as a key resource and provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to HR Generalists (HRGs) on employee relations cases, conflict resolution, and performance managementOffer hands-on support and direction for less complex investigations managed by HRGs,ensuring consistent handling of cases across the teamLead the development of investigation best practices and ensure HRGs are equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge to manage cases efficientlyProvide expert-level advice to HRBPs and HRGs on complex employee relations matters, helping them navigate difficult situations and make informed decisionsPartner with HR leadership to identify trends and recommend strategies for improvingemployee relations and workplace cultureSupport HRBPs in addressing performance issues, managing conflicts, and implementingcorrective actions in a fair, compliant, and legally sound mannerEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies,advising managers and HR professionals on regulatory mattersAssist in the development, implementation, and continuous review of ER and HR compliance policies and procedures to maintain adherence to legal requirementsWork closely with HR leadership to design and deliver compliance training for HRGs andmanagers on ER processes, investigations, and best practicesMonitor HR activities to ensure compliance with internal policies and external legalrequirements, minimizing risk and exposure to legal actionAnalyze employee relations and HR compliance data to identify trends and provide insights to HR leadership, helping to proactively address recurring issuesMaintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations investigations, complaints, and compliance activities, ensuring they meet legal and organizational standardsGenerate regular reports to highlight key findings, trends, and areas of concern for continuous improvementAdditional tasks and responsibilities may be assignedEmployee must cooperate with the license and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigationEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background,central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testingMinimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field (required)Minimum of four years of experience in employee relations, investigations, or conflictresolution in a fast-paced environmentProven ability to handle complex investigations and provide strategic ER and compliance advice to senior leadership and HR teamsIn-depth knowledge of employment laws (FMLA, ADA, Title VII, etc.) and HR compliance best practicesStrong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience guiding HR professionals throughsensitive mattersExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce clear and concise reportsAbility to manage multiple priorities and handle sensitive cases with confidentiality andintegrityProficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systemsPHR, SHRM-CP, or other relevant HR certificationsExperience in a nonprofit or healthcare environmentStrong mediation, conflict resolution, and leadership skillsWhy Community Options?
Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)Paid Holidays—Including a Birthday HolidayGenerous PTOEmployee Incentive & Discount Programs403b Retirement PlanIncredible career growth opportunitiesCommunity Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer
M/F/D/V
is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states.
We are actively seeking an
Employee Relations Specialist
to join our team in
Princeton, NJ.
The Senior Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for overseeing complex employee relations (ER) investigations, providing expert advice to HR professionals and managers, and ensuring that all employee-related concerns are managed with consistency, thoroughness, and in full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In addition to investigations, this role supports the development of ER programs, assists with policy creation, and ensures adherence to HR compliance standards. The Senior ER Specialist also guides HR Generalists (HRGs) in best practices, playing a critical role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and compliant workplace environment, while mitigating risks related to employee relations and HR compliance matters .
ResponsibilitiesLead and manage complex investigations related to employee misconduct, discrimination,harassment, and other ER issuesConduct thorough interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses to gather andassess all relevant information impartiallyProvide clear, detailed investigation reports, outlining findings, conclusions, and recommended corrective actionsCollaborate with senior HR leadership to drive resolutions and ensure actions are compliant with organizational policies, employment laws, and regulatory standardsServe as a key resource and provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to HR Generalists (HRGs) on employee relations cases, conflict resolution, and performance managementOffer hands-on support and direction for less complex investigations managed by HRGs,ensuring consistent handling of cases across the teamLead the development of investigation best practices and ensure HRGs are equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge to manage cases efficientlyProvide expert-level advice to HRBPs and HRGs on complex employee relations matters, helping them navigate difficult situations and make informed decisionsPartner with HR leadership to identify trends and recommend strategies for improvingemployee relations and workplace cultureSupport HRBPs in addressing performance issues, managing conflicts, and implementingcorrective actions in a fair, compliant, and legally sound mannerEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies,advising managers and HR professionals on regulatory mattersAssist in the development, implementation, and continuous review of ER and HR compliance policies and procedures to maintain adherence to legal requirementsWork closely with HR leadership to design and deliver compliance training for HRGs andmanagers on ER processes, investigations, and best practicesMonitor HR activities to ensure compliance with internal policies and external legalrequirements, minimizing risk and exposure to legal actionAnalyze employee relations and HR compliance data to identify trends and provide insights to HR leadership, helping to proactively address recurring issuesMaintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations investigations, complaints, and compliance activities, ensuring they meet legal and organizational standardsGenerate regular reports to highlight key findings, trends, and areas of concern for continuous improvementAdditional tasks and responsibilities may be assignedEmployee must cooperate with the license and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigationEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background,central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testingMinimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field (required)Minimum of four years of experience in employee relations, investigations, or conflictresolution in a fast-paced environmentProven ability to handle complex investigations and provide strategic ER and compliance advice to senior leadership and HR teamsIn-depth knowledge of employment laws (FMLA, ADA, Title VII, etc.) and HR compliance best practicesStrong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience guiding HR professionals throughsensitive mattersExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce clear and concise reportsAbility to manage multiple priorities and handle sensitive cases with confidentiality andintegrityProficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systemsPHR, SHRM-CP, or other relevant HR certificationsExperience in a nonprofit or healthcare environmentStrong mediation, conflict resolution, and leadership skillsWhy Community Options?
Competitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)Paid Holidays—Including a Birthday HolidayGenerous PTOEmployee Incentive & Discount Programs403b Retirement PlanIncredible career growth opportunitiesCommunity Options is an Equal Opportunity Employer
M/F/D/V