Job Summary Under the general direction of the Director - Employee Relations, the Employee Relations Specialist performs and/or participates in a variety of functions of a sensitive and often confidential nature in support of the Human Resources Department. The Employee Relations Specialist primarily assists in providing guidance on how to address employee performance, misconduct, employee conflict, FMLA administration and ADA accommodations. Key Responsibilities Serves as the initial point of contact for managers and/or employees for employee relations issues, including, but not limited to employee conflict, performance management, and employee discipline; advises both employees and management regarding applicable policies, procedures, and best practices; research, identifies, and analyzes specific employee relations concerns and makes appropriate recommendations. Partners with HR to conduct workplace investigations and uses conflict resolution techniques to resolve workplace issues. Acts as a neutral party through all aspects of the investigation and ensures a prompt, fair, and neutral process for all parties. Assists with preparation of investigatory reports detailing matters clearly and concisely, along with suggestions for corrective actions. Reviews informal complaints by gathering information, facilitating discussions, and addressing concerns through resolution or escalation. Conducts and/or participates in exit interviews and stay interviews. Monitors trends across departments and reports findings to the Director - Employee Relations. Conducts research on applicable laws and regulations. Brings compliance-related concerns to the attention of the Director - Employee Relations. Provides advice regarding performance management/disciplinary procedures and other personnel policies. In conjunction with the Director - Employee Relations, provides ongoing training related to policies, administrative procedures, and state and federal mandates and improves company effectiveness by providing training in supervisory/management skills to include coaching, performance management, discipline and grievance handling. Attends meetings, serves on select working groups and provides back-up support as needed. Performs job-related duties as assigned. Experience Required Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and four plus years directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of employee and labor relations; grievance/conflict resolution; and mediation/ alternative dispute resolution. Knowledge of the applicable employment laws and regulations. Experience conducting investigations. Knowledge of FMLA, ADA, FLSA and experience in advising managers and staff. Excellent consultative, negotiation, and analytical skills. Ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams. Ability to interpret legal provisions, policies, and procedures. Ability to prepare and present training programs and materials. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency with MS Office (Power Point, Excel, Word, Access, etc.). Preferred Experience in a higher education environment is preferred. Professional Certification in Human Resources preferred. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Note This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or requirements associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change. I have read and understand the above job description. I further understand that this is not an all-inclusive list and does not constitute a contract. My employment remains at will as with all employees of Ancora Education.