Employee Relations Specialist

Spelman College Portal•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist will manage workplace issues and help foster a positive work environment. The role serves as a trusted consultant and investigator by providing responsive and objective guidance to proactively and consistently address employee concerns in a thorough, neutral, respectful, and timely manner. This role is responsible for creating excellence and value through standardizing processes, staying informed on Employee Relations best practices, using investigation data analytics to make informed decisions, sharing trends, and assisting in resolving workplace conflicts. This role will report to the Director of Employee Relations and Compliance.

Requirements

3+ years of Employee Relations work experience.
Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
Able to handle confidential information in a professional manner.
Demonstrates ability to develop thorough, complete reports with expediency.
Demonstrates empathy, neutrality, and good judgement.
Demonstrates an acute attention to detail.
Able to create a calm atmosphere and de-escalate emotionally charged situations.
Able to influence peers and leadership for the best results possible.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of Employee Relations work experience.
Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough investigations regarding reported complaints, policy violations, and incidents in a neutral and respectful manner, to include preparing detailed and objective reports that outline findings, evidence, and conclusions to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Consult with the Director of Employee Relations and Compliance to determine if any interim measures are recommended while investigations are ongoing.
Provide recommendations based on investigation findings and consult ER leadership on next steps.
Maintain thorough, accurate, and confidential records of all consultation and investigations, ensuring proper documentation, organization, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Provide consultations with employees to resolve pending issues, as well as provide guidance to supervisors and managers on best practices in managing employee performance and conduct.
Manage investigation tracking methods and report on trends.
Conduct climate surveys and provide recommendations based on survey results.
Demonstrate and maintain knowledge and understanding of all EEO laws and Spelman College policies as well as new or changing federal and state guidelines to ensure a consistent interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and practices.
Administer the reasonable accommodations process under the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ).
Assist with organizational restructurings and reduction in forces.
Process unemployment claims and represent the College in unemployment hearings/proceedings.
Facilitate performance management training and other ER related topics.
Review and analyze exit survey data for trends.
Perform other HR duties as assigned.