Employee Relations Specialist

Tohono O•Sells, AZ

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a positive work environment, employee engagement, and employee relations at the Tohono O'odham Health Care facility. The role supports human resources functions, helps resolve workplace conflicts, and facilitates communication between management and staff. The position may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center. The specialist advises employees and management on HR policies and practices, responds confidentially and impartially to employee concerns and grievances, and investigates complaints and alleged misconduct or policy violations. The role also supports employee relations initiatives, training, recognition programs, recruitment, recordkeeping, and HR administrative work. The position works with HR staff to support compliance with employment laws, regulations, and tribal policies, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, and tribal preference requirements. 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 as a condition of employment. Candidates recommended for hire must complete a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check, including a 39-month driving record. The position may require a valid driver's license with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the past three years. If required to operate program vehicles, the employee must meet the Nation's tribal employer insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit.

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 and practices, including employment law, employee relations, and organizational development.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with employees, managers, and stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and objectivity when handling sensitive employee matters and information.
Analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess employee relations issues, identify root causes, and recommend solutions.
Proficiency in conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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 healthcare environment.
Employees are expected to know existing Tohono O'odham Nation policies and refer to them when necessary.
A criminal background check, National FBI fingerprint check, and 39-month driving record are required upon recommendation for hire.
A valid driver's license may be required, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the past three years.
If required to operate program vehicles, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide employees and management with guidance on human resources policies, procedures, and practices.
Respond to employee inquiries, concerns, and grievances, offering confidential and impartial assistance in resolving issues.
Investigate employee complaints, misconduct allegations, and policy violations; document findings and recommend appropriate actions.
Assist in developing and implementing 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 in recruitment and selection activities, including job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination, as needed.
Maintain accurate employee records, documentation, and databases while protecting confidentiality and complying with privacy regulations.
Assist with HR administration, including benefits enrollment, payroll processing, and employee data management, as needed.