HR Specialist, Employee Relations

Monday, November 11, 2024Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for a fast-paced, innovative, and welcoming workplace, then a career with our Familia is right for you.What’s in it for you!Hybrid work scheduleCompetitive pay and bonusMedical + Dental + Vision Insurance401(K) Plan with match and immediate vestingFlexible Spending AccountsVacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid HolidaysDog friendly officeAmazing office cultureFree El Pollo Loco food (Dine Out Card) + Restaurant DiscountDiscounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more…POSITION PURPOSE:The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the organization’s positive employee relations culture by addressing workplace concerns, guiding conflict resolution, and ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies. This role serves as the primary liaison with the leave of absence (LOA) vendor, ensuring a smooth administration of LOA processes, including management of reasonable accommodation and interactive processes in compliance with legal and company guidelines.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Independently conduct prompt and thorough investigations into employee concerns and policy violations.Exercise independent discretion and judgment when providing guidance and making recommendations to managers and employees by applying policies to various conflicts, concerns, and employee relations issues.Support HR leadership in developing, implementing, and updating employee relations policies and training.Maintain confidential employee relations records and manage documentation in compliance with company policy and legal standards.Responsible for the management of the company’s LOA vendor, overseeing the communication and escalation of cases as needed.Educate employees and managers on LOA policies and procedures, including CFRA, FMLA, ADA, pregnancy accommodations and leaves, lactation accommodations, and other applicable federal and state laws.Monitor and work with the LOA vendor to ensure accurate and compliant tracking of all leave cases ensuring timely action and proper documentation.Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all employee relations cases and LOA records. Generate reports on employee relations and LOA trends to inform HR leadership and support continuous improvement initiatives.Travel to restaurant locations as needed in support of the field People Services and Operations teams.Collaborate effectively with support center and field teams.Other activities, duties, or responsibilities that are assigned by your supervisor.QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.Education/Work Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Minimum of 3 years of experience in employee relations or HR compliance, with experience in LOA administration preferred. Experience working in a multi-state, multi-site role required, preferably in the restaurant/retail/hotel industry.License/Certifications:Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Understanding of employee relations, organizational culture, and HR best practices.Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, and other leave-related regulations.Demonstrated growth within the Human Resources discipline, including employee relations and leave of absence/reasonable accommodation administration.Ability to partner with and influence management and all levels of employees.Flexible work style and approach based on operational needs.Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.Solid knowledge of FMLA/CFRA and ADA matters throughout all areas, including engagement in the interactive process and reasonable accommodations.Must be decisive and able to make fact-based decisions.Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset and skills; meticulous attention to detail.Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external business partners.Highly developed interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, coaching, team building, and leadership.Adept at managing and prioritizing competing time-sensitive requests while working well in a team atmosphere that may be under pressure.Ability to read, write, and interpret complex reports, documents, and correspondence.Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, customized database applications, HRIS, and internet research tools.Ability to exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the company.Ability to work extended work schedules, including weekends and evenings as needed.Must be willing and able to travel locally within Southern California and to out-of-state restaurant locations, as needed by car or airplane.This is a field position and requires you to work in the field with at least one day in the office at the Support Center in Costa Mesa, CA, consistent with the hybrid work policy.Bi-lingual in Spanish highly desirable.The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. Individual pay will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.

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