Associate Relations Specialist

Express•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Associate Relations (AR) Specialist is responsible for overseeing the Associate Relations case management system while ensuring consistency, compliance, and sound judgment in handing associate concerns and organizational risk. The AR Specialist will conduct initial discovery calls, ensure compliance with I-9 requirements, and support workplace accommodations and background check adjudication.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Psychology, Industrial Relations or a related field, additional years of experience considered in lieu of degree
Minimum of 1 year associate/employee relations experience
Strong troubleshooting, writing, and communication skills
Effectively able to work in a high volume, fast-paced, rapidly changing, results-oriented work environment
Ability to build collaborative relationships with leaders

Nice To Haves

Retail Industry Experience/Retail Environment preferred

Responsibilities

Oversees case management by reviewing the Associate Relations inbox periodically throughout the day to ensure all reported issues are detailed and assigned or directed appropriately
Performs initial discovery calls on cases when necessary
Manage, monitor, and audit I-9 process and compliance for the organization in partnership with our third party vendor; identify and make recommendations to business leaders on addressing concerns
Responsible for completing I-9 process with Corporate new hires
Engage with all levels of associates regarding their concerns, managing emotionally charged situations, understanding corporate policies, and applying them equitably and consistently
Conducts interactive discussions for workplace accommodation requests to understand needs and options
Effectively document all concerns and communicate to appropriate parties
Manage adjudication process for background check following up with candidates and key stakeholders. Partnering with legal team as needed
Creates guidance and training related to AR Specialist work for business leaders
Builds standard operating processes for AR Specialist work
Gathers appropriate documents in response to subpoenas, requests from legal, etc.
Assists in gathering documents for investigations and subpoenas when necessary
Complies with all Federal, State, and Local reporting requirements
Applies consistency and sound judgment to evaluate risks and seeks advice when needed
Manage Vendor relationships associates with AR Specialist work, ensuring service level agreements are fulfilled
Builds strong and effective relationships with critical stakeholders and peers to share identified themes and/or information, influence change, and leverage resources to deliver results. i.e.: Legal, Benefits, LOA, HR Operations, HR Business Partners, and 3 rd Party Vendors