Employee Relations Specialist

Position Type:
Professional/HR Employee Relations Investigator II

Date Posted:
12/17/2024

Location:
River Street School - Windsor
Employee Relations Specialist II

Position Purpose: The Employee Relations Specialist plays a key role in fostering a positive and productive work environment by managing employee relations issues and supporting the organization's HR initiatives across all River Street Schools and Programs. This role involves providing guidance on employee concerns, conducting investigations, ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies, and promoting effective communication between employees and management. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of labor laws, and a commitment to building a healthy organizational culture. In addition, the Employee Relations Specialist will work to resolve employee conduct, coordinate and document a variety of workplace and school-based investigations of a confidential and sensitive nature. Works collaboratively with schools, programs and departments, union representatives, outside counsel, and CREC leadership, to provide efficient and systematic resolutions to investigations. In addition to demonstrating strong knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in employee relations and investigations, the Employee Relations Specialist will maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders in a diverse work environment. The incumbent assists in complying with CREC's obligations under Title VII and Title IX regulations.

Essential Functions

1. Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding workplace issues, concerns, or conflicts across River Street Schools and Programs.
2. Provide guidance and support to employees and managers in resolving workplace disputes, including informal mediation and formal grievance processes.
3. Conduct confidential, internal investigations concerning possible violations of CREC policy, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, DCF standards, equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws, and other employee relations matters
4. Use appropriate and acceptable standards/methods of investigative practices to complete a thorough investigation
5. Compile relevant documents to create comprehensive written investigation reports that clearly identify the issues investigated, relevant policies, and a summary of relevant evidence
6. Prepare and maintain accurate logs and complete reports and other documentation relating to investigations
7. Provide guidance and recommendations for problem resolution to managers, supervisors, and employees
8. Contribute toward development and improvement in areas of employee relations practices and procedures
9. Maintain current knowledge and understanding of applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to EEO, affirmative action, collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources
10. Advises management and employees on concerns related to CREC policy, performance management, progressive discipline, and applicable state and federal employment laws
11. Effectively recommends termination and disciplinary actions of employees to the Director of Human Resources
12. Ensure programs, policies, and procedures support and enhance the goal of achieving a diverse workforce

Additional Duties

1. May participate in bargaining negotiations as requested
2. Develop and deliver training, communications, presentations, and information programs for employees/groups of employees
3. May assist with preparation of plans, policies, documents, and reports including EEO-1, affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Strong organizational and time management skills and meticulous attention to detail in order to effectively manage a variety of projects
2. Ability to manage multiple, ongoing, and complex caseload of employee-related incidents, grievances, and complaints
3. Ability to prepare and deliver written and/or verbal presentations
4. Ability to communicate, interact, work cooperatively, and develop and maintain positive relationships while promoting an inclusive culture in a diverse workplace
5. Strong conflict resolution and restorative justice/practice skills
6. Ability to review progress and evaluate results of goals and initiatives and update management as appropriate
7. Thorough knowledge of investigations and employee relations principles, practices, procedures, and legal requirements, as well as applicable federal, state, and local employment-related laws and regulations
8. Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation skills
9. Demonstrated proficiency of computer platforms, databases, and applications including, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field
2. 3+ years experience in employee relations, human resources, or related field as well as experience in workplace investigations or equivalent combination education, training and experience
3. School-based (K-12) knowledge/experience preferred
4. SHRM Certification preferred

Equipment

1. Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, copy machines, fax machines, and telephones

Travel Requirements

1. Regular travel across sites may be required

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

1. Works in standard office environment

FLSA Status: Exempt