Consultant, HR Associate Relations

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

5d•$97,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This role provides information and guidance to Nationwide associates, managers, Human Resources (HR) and other internal entities about complex policy, practice and employment law issues to maintain compliance with state and federal local laws and regulations, and internal policies and practices. The position involves conducting extensive investigations involving associates and management across the enterprise. The role operates in a hybrid environment and requires strong problem-solving, customer service, and issue resolution skills.

Requirements

Undergraduate studies in human resources, law, business administration or related field strongly preferred.
Graduate-level studies preferred.
Progress toward related certifications (PHR, SPHR) preferred.
Typically, eight or more years related experience in human resources, legal or business operations.
Includes at least six years of employee relations or employment law experience.
Project management experience preferred.
Knowledge of employee relations and human resources management practices and procedures, state/federal employment laws and regulations.
Knowledge of related internal practices and procedures in human resources; general insurance, and customer service preferred.
Ability to conceptualize an associate relations problem, define relevant issues, conduct a full and fair investigation, develop recommendations and solutions.
Process improvement and project management skills.
Well-developed verbal and written communication skills for interaction with all levels of associates including top management, other departments, and external contacts such as regulatory agencies.
Strong negotiating and decision-making skills.
Ability to lead team projects and collaborate with other departments.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Nice To Haves

Progress toward related certifications (PHR, SPHR) preferred.
Project management experience preferred.
General insurance and customer service knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews and investigates associate relations incidents, issues and concerns involving managers or associates, working with parties to resolve them fairly and equitably.
Partners with internal resources to gather data and legal opinions, analyzing information to develop investigative summaries that minimize risk and exposure, potentially presenting to HR, Office of Ethics, and General Counsel.
Conducts follow-up interviews with associates and management to ensure risk exposure is minimized.
Provides expert consultative services and advises associates, management, HR, and external parties on associate relations issues, including policy interpretation on hiring, training, attendance, performance, behavior, leave of absence, accommodations, discrimination, and/or harassment.
Provides associate relations training and education to HR, management, and business partners, and builds/delivers communications on policy and procedure changes.
Stays updated on legislation and updates employment-related policies and procedures for company compliance, conferring with HR, management, and associates regarding new or revised legislation.
Provides consultative support and recommendations for reduction in force activity and employment releases, developing related documentation.
Identifies urgent, critical, and complex situations and refers them to the investigative team for immediate review and investigation.
Leads and conducts compliance audits of HR policies and practices, providing analysis, recommendations, and solutions to limit company exposures and risk.
Assesses the company's internal and external environment to disseminate changes in policies, procedures, employment laws, and regulatory requirements.
Interacts with associates at all levels involving critical situations, handling all matters with discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
Actively partners with other corporate offices such as Compensation, Benefits, Office of General Counsel, Ethics, Security, Wellbeing and Safety, and HR.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision
Life insurance
Short and long term disability coverage
Paid time off (minimum of 18 days per full calendar year for newly hired associates, pro-rated quarterly)
Nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
Company-paid pension plan
Business casual attire