Employee Relations Partner

Goodwill of Greater Washington•Washington, DC

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 role reviews disciplinary actions, mediates disputes, and recommends solutions to help reduce conflict and turnover and foster a positive working environment. Frequent travel is required within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The position is accountable for behaving in accordance with divisional and organizational RISE values and expectations. It has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least two years of previous experience in a Human Resources environment focused on 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 regulations and laws related to Human Resources.
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 for frequent travel to off-site locations.

Nice To Haves

Specialized training in employee relations, employment law, organizational planning, organizational development, or labor relations.
PHR certification and membership in an accredited professional HR association such as SHRM.
Spanish or ASL ability.
Experience working in retail or 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 policy interpretation, performance management, and problem resolution.
Investigate internal complaints and concerns, including alleged policy or code-of-conduct violations, working-condition concerns, disciplinary actions, and employee and applicant grievances.
Recommend employee-relations practices that support positive employer-employee relationships, morale, motivation, and related measures of success.
Ensure employee-relations issues are documented properly 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 actions 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 the findings.
Recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures in response to current and 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 assigned or necessary duties.