Employee Relations Partner

Goodwill of Greater Washington•Washington, DC

21h•$90,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Employee Relations Partner assists with employee relations and conflict resolution, providing support, training, guidance, and recommendations to Donated Goods Managers and Contracts Project Managers while advocating for team members. The position reviews disciplinary actions, mediates disputes, and offers solutions to help reduce conflicts and turnover and foster a positive working environment. Frequent travel is required within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The employee is accountable for behaving in accordance with divisional and organizational RISE values and expectations. The role provides HR guidance on policy interpretation and performance management, investigates internal complaints and concerns, advises managers on documentation and progressive discipline, and analyzes retention and turnover information. It also supports employee resources and referrals, conducts retention and exit interviews, prepares reports, contributes to policy recommendations, and represents the department in committees, projects, and government or legal proceedings. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least two years of experience working in an HR environment in employee relations or mediating grievances or disputes.
Knowledge of federal and state employment and labor laws, and ability to understand and apply federal, state, and local changes or new HR regulations and laws.
Ability to analyze human resources data for critical indicators.
Strong Microsoft Office skills.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication proficiency and excellent attention to detail.
Strong customer service skills and ability to communicate with staff at all levels.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and follow through on assignments.
Ability to be flexible and respond positively to changing business conditions.
Must have own transportation because frequent travel to off-site locations is required.

Nice To Haves

Specialized training in employee relations, employment law, organizational planning, organization development, or labor relations.
PHR certification and membership in a professional HR-accredited association such as SHRM.
Spanish language or ASL ability.
Experience working in retail or in a company with large numbers of entry-level employees.
Previous experience in a federal contracting environment.
Knowledge of EO 11246.
Experience with OFCCP Compliance Reviews.
Experience with EEO-1 and VETS-100 reporting.

Responsibilities

Provide legal and appropriate Human Resources guidance and recommendations to managers and direct-line associates on problem resolution, policy interpretation, and performance management.
Investigate internal complaints and concerns, including alleged policy or code-of-conduct violations, working-condition concerns, disciplinary actions, and employee or applicant grievances.
Recommend employee relations practices that foster positive employer-employee relationships, morale, and motivation, including related measures of success.
Ensure proper documentation of employee relations issues and advise managers and supervisors on the organization's progressive discipline system.
Train staff on disciplinary action, employee relations, and conflict resolution.
Evaluate established metrics and recommend ways to improve turnover and retention.
Work with RISE Coaches on referrals to third-party providers for anger management, conflict resolution, and other associate support resources.
Conduct retention and exit interviews and analyze findings.
Recommend policy, practice, and procedure changes in response to current or pending legal regulations.
Prepare and present required and special reports.
Represent the department on internal and external committees or panels and participate in special projects as needed.
Respond to or appear at government and legal hearings as directed, including preparing input for AAP, EEO-1, VETS-100, and other government filings.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.