Employee Relations Specialist

The Legal Aid Society•New York, NY

5h•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Employee Relations, this position plays a critical role in supporting an organizational culture that promotes productive work behaviors and communications, facilitating effective dialogue between employees and management, resolves workplace conflict, and processing ADA workplace accommodations. Work responsibilities include: conduct employee investigations, provide employee case management, and reporting; provide investigative files, summaries and recommendations related to policy violations based on facts and evidence; facilitate ADA accommodation requests; collaborate with HR team members and provide day-to-day guidance on matters relating to performance management, disciplinary actions, and organizational policies & procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of work experience in employee relations, investigations, employment law, conflict resolution and disciplinary actions or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers
Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
Proficient computers skills, such as the Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
Commitment to live Legal Aid Society’s values and follow policies, and procedures
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, which govern employment policies and practices
Thorough understanding and application of internal and external HR principles, concepts, practices and standards
Ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization
Excellent planning, organization and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; must be an articulate and persuasive communicator
Ability to objectively coach employees and management through complex, difficult, and emotional issues using a DEI-informed lens
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Human Resources Management or related field
SHRM certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)
Experience with conducting EEO investigations
Experience working with a unionized workforce
Knowledge and use of inclusive employee engagement and restorative conflict resolution practices
Training and/or experience in mediation and group facilitation

Responsibilities

Conduct investigations in response to a range of employee relations concerns, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
Communicate regularly regarding pending investigations and provides timely investigation reports with supporting documentation for all completed investigations
Use effective interviewing and documentation techniques and utilize the designated online case management tool for tracking
Assist with the presentation of cases before The Legal Aid Society Complaint Panel
Coach and advise managers and supervisors on the handling of performance issues, investigations, and disciplinary actions and provide guidance to performance improvement plans (PIPs)
Provide guidance and resources to employees on organizational policies & procedures
Assist managers and supervisors with adhering to the grievance procedure under the collective bargaining agreements
As needed, coordinate ADA accommodation request and resolution and provide general information to supervisors and employees
Ensure timely communication to supervisors, employees and Matrix to facilitate resolution of the request
As needed and approved, coordinate purchases and services for employee requests
Develop effective relationships with supervisors and staff to promote positive employee relations throughout the organization to ensure a high level of employee satisfaction and engagement
Conduct weekly meetings with assigned business unit(s)
Collaborate with the General Counsel’s office and HR Team Members to resolve employee relation matters
May provide trainings, presentations, and facilitate group meetings to develop skills and knowledge within the organization
Participate in continuous professional development.
Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment.
Other duties as assigned.