Senior Specialist- CRC

Covista•Chicago, IL

2d•$80,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Employee Relations Director, the Sr. Specialist – Employee Relations (CRC) role serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and colleagues, managing a portfolio of complex and highly sensitive employee relations matters. This role provides expert consultation and case management related to employee conduct, performance concerns, workplace investigations, accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), leave of absence (LOA) administration, and policy interpretation. Under the leadership of CRC Director, the Sr. Specialist – Employee Relations (CRC) conducts investigations, evaluates and assesses organizational risk, develops recommendations, and partners with business leaders to resolve workplace concerns in a legally compliant and employee-centered manner. This position plays a key role in fostering a positive workplace culture while mitigating risk and ensuring consistent application of employment laws, company policies, and HR practices. Success in this role requires strong judgment, investigative expertise, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence outcomes across all levels of the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required
4+ years of demonstrated experience managing employee relations investigations, ADA accommodations, FMLA/leave administration, and employment compliance matters required
Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Expert investigation, interviewing, documentation, and fact-finding skills.
Strong conflict resolution, mediation, consultation capabilities using sound judgment in ambiguous or high-risk situations.
Excellent communication, training, writing ability, and interpersonal skills and influencing skills.
Strong facilitation, mediation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Good business acumen and writing skills.
Skill in analyzing human resource and management problems and devising effective solutions.
Strong business acumen and ability to balance compliance, org culture, and operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred
Employee law coursework or training preferred
PHR or SHRM-CP Preferred or SPHR or SHRM-SCP Preferred

Responsibilities

Manage complex employee relations cases, including workplace investigations, performance concerns, conduct issues, ADA accommodations, FMLA, and leave administration.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and HR partners, providing strategic guidance on complex employee relations matters while balancing business objectives, employee experience, and legal compliance.
Partner with Legal, Compliance, Benefits, Risk Management, and HR Business Partners to assess risk, resolve sensitive employment issues, and support organizational goals.
Lead and support investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and workplace misconduct; develop findings and resolution recommendations.
Provide guidance on performance management, corrective action, coaching, performance improvement plans, employment decisions, accommodations, and leave programs.
Analyze employee relations trends, maintain compliant case documentation, and support leader capability through training, coaching, and mentoring on employee relations best practices.
Review and draft employment-related documentation, including disciplinary actions, written warnings, performance improvement plans, investigation summaries, and separation recommendations.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards