Employee Relations Specialist

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Sells, AZ

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a positive work environment, employee engagement, and employee relations within the Tohono O'odham Health Care facility. The position supports human resources functions, helps resolve workplace conflicts, and facilitates communication between management and staff. It may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center. The role provides guidance on HR policies and practices, responds confidentially and impartially to employee concerns, investigates complaints and policy violations, and supports initiatives that promote workplace culture and teamwork. It also assists with compliance, training, recognition programs, recruitment, employee records, and HR administration. Tohono O'odham Nation is an Indian Preference Employer. Employees are expected to know existing Nation policies and refer to them when necessary. Depending on departmental needs, fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English may be required. Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check, National FBI fingerprint check, and 39-month driving record are required. The position may require a valid driver's license with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years and, if required, meeting tribal employer insurance requirements for a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in human resources, employee relations, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and procedures, including employment law, employee relations, and organizational development.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with employees, managers, and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and objectivity when handling sensitive employee matters and information.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess complex employee relations issues, identify root causes, and recommend solutions.
Proficiency in conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to promoting a fair, respectful workplace.
Familiarity with HRIS systems, payroll software, and other HR technology used for employee data management and reporting.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, work demands, and organizational needs in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Knowledge of existing Tohono O'odham Nation policies and ability to refer to them when necessary.
If required by departmental needs, fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English.
Upon recommendation for hire, successful criminal background and National FBI fingerprint checks and a 39-month driving record review.
If required, a valid driver's license with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years, and satisfaction of tribal employer insurance requirements for a permit to operate program vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a healthcare or tribal organization.
Master's degree.
Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP) credential.
Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR.

Responsibilities

Advise and support employees and management on human resources policies, procedures, and practices.
Respond to employee inquiries, concerns, and grievances confidentially and impartially, and assist with resolution.
Investigate employee complaints, misconduct allegations, and policy violations; document findings and recommend appropriate actions.
Help develop and implement employee relations programs and activities to improve workplace culture, morale, and teamwork.
Collaborate with HR staff to support compliance with employment laws, regulations, and tribal policies, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, and tribal preference requirements.
Coordinate and facilitate employee training and development, including orientation, diversity training, and conflict resolution workshops.
Administer employee recognition programs, awards, and appreciation events.
Participate as needed in recruitment and selection, including job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination.
Maintain accurate employee records, documentation, and databases while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy regulations.
Assist as needed with benefits enrollment, payroll processing, employee data management, and other HR administrative tasks.