Employee Relations/Training Development Specialist - HR

Friendship Place • Washington, DC

4d • $80,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a confident, approachable person who is comfortable engaging in candid, respectful conversations with individuals at all levels of the organization to help connect our people strategy to organizational outcomes. Through collaboration, unbiased decision-making, and customized and impactful employee and leadership development, you will help sustain the best possible workforce to support our initiatives today and into the future. The Employee Relations/Training Development Specialist plays a key role in fostering a positive, productive workplace culture by supporting fair and consistent employee relations practices and driving staff development initiatives. This position serves as a trusted resource for employees and management, guiding employee relations, conflict resolution, performance management and improvement, and policy interpretation. In addition to managing employee relations cases, the Specialist designs, coordinates, and delivers engaging training and professional development programs that enhance employee skills, leadership capacity, and organizational effectiveness. This role partners closely with HR colleagues and leadership to promote a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous learning across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field; equivalent, relevant long-term experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• 7-9 years of progressive experience in employee relations, human resources, mediation, or a closely related field required.
• Strong intra- and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly in both verbal and written form; skilled in respectful colleague and supervisor interactions, as well as accurate, professional, and timely documentation
• Strong understanding of HR best practices and employment law.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and build trust at all levels of the organization.
• Compassionate and trauma-informed approach to employee interactions.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Able to demonstrate professionalism across all levels of the organization at work and at any organization-sponsored event
• Excellent time management, detail-oriented, organized, capable of maintaining confidentiality, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Must be able to demonstrate active listening, emotional awareness, and the ability to adapt their communication style to different individuals and situations and to navigate difficult conversations with confidence, objectivity, and empathy
• Strong commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and values
• Hybrid, remote; required to travel to sites to meet with employees.
• The position requires split time between an office setting and traveling to office sites via car or public transportation.
• Employees must be able to sit for extended periods while performing repetitive tasks and maintaining positions.
• The employee must be able to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25 lbs.)
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
• The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check, CFSA, NSO, Employment and Education Verification, personal and professional references, and a Department of Motor Vehicles clearance.
• All Friendship Place employees, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with the agency’s COVID-19 protocols and applicable law and guidance. This includes but is not limited to, wearing masks in congregated settings, washing their hands or using hand sanitizer often, monitoring their daily health, and staying home if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (or if they are otherwise prohibited from reporting to work by health provider pursuant to CDC, state and local guidance).
• Valid driver’s license with proof of insurance required.
• Must have or be able to obtain a First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on skills testing module. Friendship Place will provide First Aid/CPR/AED training.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience is strongly preferred, including advising, coaching, or influencing leaders.
• Experience in training development, career development, or leadership development preferred.
• Certification in Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Workplace Investigation, or a related discipline is a plus.
• Experience in conducting workplace investigations preferred
• Experience in a mission-based or social services environment, particularly with programs serving unhoused populations or veterans, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees seeking guidance or resolution on workplace issues, concerns, or conflicts.
• Conduct confidential investigations into employee complaints and grievances, ensuring timely, fair, and thorough outcomes.
• Applies sound judgment, neutrality, and problem-solving skills to resolve workplace issues constructively and collaboratively
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and employees on performance, conduct, policy interpretation, and disciplinary action.
• Partner with leadership to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace aligned with organizational values and mission.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and nonprofit workplace regulations.
• Support the development, communication, and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Maintains strict discretion in handling employee and organizational information.
• Assist in reviewing and updating employee handbooks, procedures, and internal communications related to HR and workplace standards.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to develop and implement initiatives that promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
• Gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, and exit interviews to identify areas for organizational improvement.
• Coordinate staff development sessions and wellness initiatives to enhance morale and team cohesion.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of staff training and professional development programs to enhance employee skills, performance, and career growth.
• Assess organizational training needs through collaboration with supervisors and leadership to identify skill gaps and development priorities.
• Coordinate internal and external training opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and certifications, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Track participation, evaluate training effectiveness, and recommend improvements to support continuous learning and professional advancement
• Support supervisors in managing performance issues constructively and consistently.
• Partner on employee development plans and performance improvement strategies.
• Customizes and oversees the performance evaluation and management program, aligning it with development initiatives.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more! (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees