Employee Relations Specialist

Westlake•Houston, TX

About The Position

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate. SUMMARY The Employee Relations Specialist is a hands-on, highly collaborative, and trusted Human Resources (HR) professional who supports the business by partnering with leaders across the organization on a wide variety of employee relations and compliance-related projects, initiatives, and issues. Reporting to the Employee Relations Manager, this role assists in the administration of employee relations programs, helps ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies, and serves as a resource for employees and managers on HR-related matters. The Specialist is involved in workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and the day-to-day application of HR policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
3+ years of experience in Human Resources or a related field, with exposure to employee relations preferred.
Basic knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required (V-lookups, pivot tables, etc.); ability to compile, review, and manipulate large data sets.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization, resolve difficult situations, conduct appropriate interventions, facilitate problem-solving activities, and remain calm under pressure.
Strong organizational skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail required.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with employees and managers.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a manufacturing setting or with a predominately hourly workforce preferred.
Experience in a union environment is a plus.
Experience with Workday preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the Employee Relations Manager in the execution of employee relations programs and initiatives.
Assist in investigating employee relations issues, including complaints, conflicts, and policy violations, and document findings.
Provide guidance to employees and managers regarding HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.
Manage escalations and advise HR professionals on best practices regarding protected leaves of absence, including FMLA and ADA.
Manage and administer the Company severance program for position eliminations, restructures, reductions in force, and plant closures; review compliance with federal and/or state WARN acts.
Support the development, refinement, and implementation of employee relations policies and processes.
Responsible for answering day-to-day employee relations and HR compliance questions.
Assist in responding to employee questions about policies, leave administration, accommodations, and performance management processes.
Proactively research to ensure compliance, provide appropriate consultation, and help avoid or minimize risk exposure to the organization.
Support the design and delivery of training/education sessions for employees, HR professionals, supervisors, and managers related to employee relations, FMLA/ADA, and union awareness.
Support internal HR audits, including Harassment Training, Employee Handbook, Form I-9s, etc.
Partner with HR team members to maintain accurate and confidential employee relations records and documentation.
Participate in the administration of HR-related cases within the EthicsPoint hotline tool, as directed.
Responsible for ad hoc reporting and metrics to support Employee Relations team initiatives.
Monitor and track employee relations metrics, such as turnover reasons and exit interview data, and provide reports to management.
Build and maintain key internal and external relationships.
Stay current on local, state, and federal employment and compliance laws, and participate in ongoing training and development.