Employee Relations Specialist

Novogradac and Company LLP • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist manages a variety of responsibilities within the employee relations function of the human resources department, including handling a variety of complex employee relations and performance management cases, helps facilitate the semi-annual Performance Evaluation process, and serves as a backup for leaves of absence and accommodations. This position may also flex into other functional areas of HR in order to provide assistance and/or back-up support. The firm has one available position in either Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Dover, OH, Long Beach, CA, Portland, OR, or Cleveland, OH. Some positions at Novogradac may be open to remote or hybrid work arrangements depending on business needs. Please discuss available options with your recruiter.

Requirements

• Experience working in a multi-state organization.
• Prior experience working in a professional services firm.
• Bachelor’s degree in related area plus a minimum of 5 years of experience directly managing employee relations cases.
• HR Generalist and/or HRBP experience would be considered in lieu of specialized roles.
• Display strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather information, conduct analyses, present findings, and create solutions.
• Must have superior skills in writing/documentation, assessing employee relations situations, take a coaching/collaborative approach, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the ability to analyze and interpret complex HR policies and law and translate them clearly to staff at all levels of the organization.
• Complete work accurately with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to develop rapport with a variety of personalities, maintain a calm and professional demeanor during stressful situations, and effectively defuse escalated personnel situations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize a fast-paced and varied workload, effectively manage a variety of concurrent and shifting priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive work-related information.
• Strong computer skills, including solid skill in the Microsoft Office suite (prefer advanced skill in Excel) and familiarity with a variety of HR software programs (Paychex Flex and Workday, preferred).

Nice To Haves

• HRCI/SHRM certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Research and resolve a variety of complex employee relations and performance management issues/concerns for designated positions, with direction and oversight from the Assistant Director of Human Resources.
• Recommend course of action from coaching to formal discipline to termination decisions.
• Draft employee relations meeting notes, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and other types of communication/documentation for employee relations cases.
• Track and follow up on employee relations cases until the case is resolved and closed.
• Conduct intake of employee concerns received by email, phone, or via the company’s case management system.
• Coach leaders on effective communication techniques for employee issues.
• Assist in the facilitation of the semi-annual Performance Review process for designated office(s) or client groups, including assisting with system set-up, supporting leaders in developing content/message, as well as conducting HR review and approval of feedback.
• Conduct exit interviews; assist in monthly tracking of turnover data.
• May assist with internal investigations in response to concerns or complaints and recommend appropriate actions.
• Act as witness or note-taker, when needed, for employee relations cases being managed by other employee relations team members or Assistant Director of HR.
• Provide backup support for the company’s Leave of Absence (LOA) program, including providing required paperwork, tracking requests/approvals/return-to-work, case management, and maintaining confidential LOA files.
• Collaborate and provide backup support for managing requests for employee accommodations (ADA), including facilitating the interactive process between employee and manager, requesting clarification as needed, as well as reviewing supporting documentation and identifying/recommending appropriate and reasonable accommodations, as necessary.
• Assist in developing and presenting employee and management development training courses.
• Provide back-up support to the HR department for coverage or other special projects as needed.
• Complete other job duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Increased number of paid holidays per year
• Competitive salaries with continuous review of market conditions
• Flexible working hours and work arrangements
• Remote and hybrid opportunities
• Inclusive workplace, providing strong professional growth and development opportunities
• Strong growth opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• 401(k) package with firm profit-sharing
• Discretionary annual bonuses for eligible positions & CPA bonus plan
• Strong emphasis on quality work-life integration
• Dress for your day policy
• Resources of a national firm
• Opportunities to engage with our active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), affinity groups, and advance your career within a supportive, inclusive environment
• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid time off
• life/disability insurance
• commuter flex accounts
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level