Senior Employee Relations Specialist

FourLeaf Career•Bethpage, NY

25d

About The Position

The Senior Employee Relations Specialist supports employee relations initiatives, promotes compliance with labor laws, and fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture. The role manages complex employee relations matters, collaborates on ADA accommodations and leave processes, and helps ensure company policies are applied consistently across multiple states. It provides expert guidance to leaders on progressive discipline and exercises independent discretion within established guidelines. The position operates with substantial autonomy and subject matter expertise while aligning regularly with department leaders and escalating high-impact matters appropriately. The specialist leads investigations and disciplinary processes, coaches employees and leaders on sensitive matters, and maintains thorough documentation to mitigate organizational risk and support legal compliance. The role analyzes employee relations data to identify risks and recurring themes, then recommends interventions to improve leadership effectiveness, engagement, retention, and compliance. In collaboration with Benefits, Payroll, Legal, and other partners, the specialist supports ADA accommodations, leave coordination, policy updates, training, organizational changes, and ongoing compliance reviews. The role also partners with HR leadership and business leaders on sensitive employee matters and participates in projects that enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in employee relations, Human Resources, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of labor laws, conflict resolution techniques, and organizational behavior.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Outlook and Teams.
Ability to manage complex employee relations matters, investigations, progressive discipline, and sensitive workplace issues.
Ability to apply employment laws and regulations across multiple states.

Nice To Haves

PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
Familiarity with HCMS; UKG Pro preferred.
Familiarity with data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Lead the progressive disciplinary process and advise managers on performance concerns and conflict resolution.
Investigate employee complaints and workplace issues, provide actionable recommendations, and perform terminations when necessary.
Coach and advise employees and leaders on sensitive HR matters and foster a respectful workplace.
Facilitate individual or group discussions to improve communication and workplace relationships.
Maintain accurate documentation of employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and employment decisions.
Analyze employee relations data, investigation outcomes, hotline reports, turnover trends, complaints, and corrective actions to identify risks and recurring themes.
Recommend interventions to address systemic workplace concerns and improve leadership effectiveness, engagement, retention, and compliance.
Lead the ADA interactive process with employees in collaboration with Benefits, document accommodation discussions, identify suitable accommodations, and coordinate return-to-work processes.
Coordinate with Benefits and Payroll teams to support leave processes.
Perform job duties in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including ADA, FMLA, ADEA, Title VII, USERRA, and FLSA.
Partner with legal counsel on complex cases and terminations and maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes.
Escalate critical issues and seek managerial input on high-impact matters.
Develop, update, and communicate HR policies and employee handbooks reflecting current legislation and best practices.
Apply multi-state employment regulations and help ensure consistent, compliant practices across locations.
Collaborate with Learning & Development and Organizational Development teams to deliver training on employment law, people management, and inclusive practices.
Collaborate with the manager to validate strategic decisions, align with organizational goals, and maintain compliance with internal policies.
Partner with HR leadership and business leaders on organizational changes, restructurings, and other sensitive employee matters.
Participate in projects that enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
Work with First Line of Defense, Risk Management, Internal Audit, and Legal teams as appropriate.
Review and audit company practices for compliance with multi-state regulations and adjust policies and procedures as necessary.