Employee Relations Specialist

Community Options, Inc.•Princeton, NJ

5d•$70,000

About The Position

Community Options, Inc. is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states. We are actively seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to join our team in Princeton, NJ. The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing complex employee relations cases, including investigating allegations of misconduct, policy violations, harassment, and other workplace issues. This role requires a deep understanding of employment law, exceptional investigative skills, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, confidentiality, and impartiality. The Employee Relations Specialist will collaborate closely with the Senior Employee Relations Specialist and HR leadership to ensure fair resolutions and a positive work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in employee relations or conducting workplace investigations
In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and other relevant statutes
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and make sound decisions
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear and professional reports
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with discretion
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems

Responsibilities

Complaint Intake and Resolution
Receive and manage complaints from various sources, ensuring prompt and appropriate responses
Triage and prioritize cases based on severity, complexity, and organizational impact
Partner with Senior Employee Relations Specialist and HR leadership to develop and implement appropriate resolutions, including corrective actions and policy updates
Investigations Management
Conduct thorough investigations into complex employee relations issues, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, and policy violations
Define the scope and objectives of each investigation, developing an effective plan to gather and analyze relevant information
Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses, ensuring a fair and unbiased process
Review and analyze evidence, including documents, communications, and other materials, to support findings
Prepare detailed and concise investigation reports summarizing findings and recommendations
Compliance and Policy Adherence
Ensure investigations and resolutions are conducted in compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable employment laws
Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information throughout all phases of investigations
Documentation and Tracking
Maintain organized, detailed records of all complaints, investigations, and resolutions
Regularly update the complaint and investigation tracker to reflect case progress and outcomes
Employee must cooperate with the licensee and department staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of checks of criminal background, central registry, child abuse registry, and drug testing
All other duties as assigned