Employee Relations Specialist

Under the supervision of the Director of Employee Relations, this position plays a critical role in supporting an organizational culture that promotes productive work behaviors and communications, facilitating effective dialogue between employees and management, resolving workplace conflict, and processing ADA workplace accommodations.

Work responsibilities include: conduct employee investigations, provide employee case management, and reporting; provide investigative files, summaries and recommendations related to policy violations based on facts and evidence; facilitate ADA accommodation requests; collaborate with HR team members and provide day-to-day guidance on matters relating to performance management, disciplinary actions, and organizational policies & procedures.

• Conduct investigations in response to a range of employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Communicate regularly regarding pending investigations and provides timely investigation reports with supporting documentation for all completed investigations
• 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 the handling of performance issues, investigations, and disciplinary actions and provide guidance to performance improvement plans (PIPs)
• Provide guidance and resources to employees on organizational policies & procedures
• Assist managers and supervisors with adhering to the grievance procedure under the collective bargaining agreements

• As needed, coordinate ADA accommodation request and resolution and provide general information to supervisors and employees
• Ensure timely communication to supervisors, employees and Matrix to facilitate resolution of the request
• As needed and approved, coordinate purchases and services for employee requests

• Develop effective relationships with supervisors and staff to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization to ensure a high level of employee satisfaction and engagement
• Conduct weekly meetings with assigned business unit(s)
• Collaborate with the General Counsel’s office and HR Team Members to resolve employee relation matters
• May provide trainings, presentations, and facilitate group meetings to develop skills and knowledge within the organization

• Participate in continuous professional development.
• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of work experience in employee relations, investigations, employment law, conflict resolution and disciplinary actions or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience

• 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

• Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers
• Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
• Proficient computers skills, such as the Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
• Commitment to live Legal Aid Society’s values and follow policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, which govern employment policies and…