Employee Relations Specialist

DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS•Aurora, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Developmental Pathways (DP) has an opportunity for an Employee Relations Specialist in our Human Resources Department. The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing employee relations and performance management matters, leading the accommodation process, and ensuring consistent, fair, and compliant application of policies and practices. This role will serve as the primary resource for employee relations and risk management, partnering with leaders to resolve issues and support effective outcomes. Bring your passion for creating respectful, engaging workplaces to DP - where you’ll build trust, navigate challenges, and make a lasting impact on the employee experience. This role offers a 4-day, 40-hour work week, Monday-Thursday. DP operates a primarily hybrid work environment with in-person requirements at our Colorado office. The frequency of on-site work varies by department and is subject to change based on operational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field
Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in employee relations
Experience managing investigations and complex employee relations issues
Ability to conduct investigations and manage sensitive issues
Strong judgment and decision-making ability
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
High level of discretion and confidentiality
Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and Colorado state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Colorado FAMLI, and applicable U.S. Department of Labor and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment regulations
Personal vehicle in good operating condition for use during work as appropriate
Valid Colorado motor vehicle license and proof of motor vehicle insurance
Ability to meet our driving requirements - no suspensions/ no more than two tickets in the past three years
Upon request, qualifying need, and approval, driving requirements may be waived in lieu of reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar certification
Experience working in a non-profit
Strong written and oral communication skills

Responsibilities

Lead employee relations and performance-related matters, serving as the primary point of contact for workplace and performance concerns and guiding leaders through compliant, consistent resolution approaches
Conduct investigations for complex or sensitive employee relations matters, ensuring thorough documentation, consistency, and compliance
Own and manage the interactive process for employee accommodations from intake through resolution, including documentation, assessment, and implementation
Ensure accommodations are handled consistently, timely, and in compliance with applicable laws and organizational practices
Manage leave of absence and return-to-work processes, ensuring compliance, consistency, and effective support for employees and leaders
Guide leaders on performance management, including corrective action and documentation
Partner with HRBP to ensure alignment between case outcomes and broader team effectiveness strategies
Interpret and apply HR policies, ensuring fair and consistent practices across teams
Maintain in-depth knowledge of employment laws, including ADA and accommodation requirements, reducing risk and ensuring compliance
Document employee relations matters thoroughly to support consistency, defensibility, and organizational learning
Identify trends from employee relations cases, exit interviews, and new employee feedback to HR leadership to inform broader actions
Support unemployment claims, EEOC responses, and external inquiries as needed
Partner with HR leadership on complex or high-risk situations, escalating as appropriate
Leverage HR systems and processes effectively, proactively identifying improvement opportunities and supporting ongoing optimization efforts
Perform other related duties as assigned