Team Member Relations Specialist (Newport News, Virginia)

Drucker and Falk LLC•Newport News, VA

2d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Team Member Relations Specialist supports the Director, Human Resources in managing the company’s employee relations program. The role focuses primarily on conducting workplace investigations and helping managers resolve conflict, combining investigation and case management with coaching and mediation so managers can address concerns early, fairly, and consistently. The position supports a workplace culture in which team members feel heard and respected and managers lead through conflict with fairness and empathy. The specialist conducts impartial investigations; advises and coaches managers; facilitates mediation and structured conversations; maintains confidential case files; responds to state unemployment claims and appeals; supports employment-law compliance and agency or counsel requests; analyzes case trends; and contributes to policies, handbook updates, and training. The role reports to the Director, Human Resources and includes travel to company offices and managed properties as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of human resources experience, including at least two years in employee relations and workplace investigations.
Demonstrated experience coaching managers and facilitating mediation or conflict-resolution conversations.
Working knowledge of employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and FLSA.
Strong writing skills, including the ability to prepare clear, objective investigation reports.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR information or case-management systems.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and remain neutral in emotionally charged situations.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to company offices and managed properties.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification, or willingness to certify within one year.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience responding to state unemployment claims and appeals.

Responsibilities

Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into conduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy concerns under the direction of the Director, Human Resources.
Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses; gather and evaluate evidence; and assess credibility.
Prepare clear, objective investigation reports with findings and recommended actions.
Partner with the Director, Human Resources on outcomes and corrective actions, and monitor matters through resolution.
Maintain strict confidentiality and avoid any perception of retaliation throughout the process.
Advise managers on performance, attendance, conduct, and interpersonal conflict.
Coach managers to prepare for difficult conversations, deliver constructive feedback, and set clear expectations.
Guide managers through progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and documentation practices.
Review coaching reports and separation requests for consistency, accuracy, and proper documentation.
Encourage early intervention and build managers’ ability to resolve issues independently.
Assess whether concerns are best addressed through mediation, informal resolution, or formal investigation.
Facilitate mediation sessions and structured conversations to resolve conflict and restore working relationships.
Help parties develop documented resolution plans and follow up to confirm progress.
Serve as an approachable resource for employees raising workplace concerns.
Maintain accurate, confidential case files and track employee relations matters through timely resolution.
Respond to state unemployment claims, including preparing separation information, submitting timely responses, and representing the company at appeal hearings as needed.
Ensure practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies, and promptly escalate sensitive matters.
Support the Director, Human Resources in responding to agency charges and requests from employment counsel.
Analyze case data to identify trends and report themes, outcomes, and recommendations to leadership.
Work with HR leadership and the Benefits Specialist on team member relations matters involving medical accommodations, workers’ compensation, and other protected leave.
Help develop and update team member relations policies and the team member handbook, and promote consistent application.
Develop and deliver training on conflict resolution, respectful workplace conduct, harassment prevention, and documentation.
Travel to company offices and managed properties as needed for investigations, meetings, and training.
Perform other duties as assigned.