Employee Relations Specialist

We are looking for an Employee Relations Specialist to support a healthcare organization in Syracuse, New York through a Contract position. This role focuses on strengthening workplace relations, guiding leaders through employee matters, and helping ensure fair, consistent practices across the organization. The ideal candidate brings strong investigative judgment, experience handling labor-related issues, and a solid understanding of employment law and performance management.

Responsibilities:

Conduct thorough reviews of employee concerns, workplace complaints, and policy-related matters, documenting findings and recommending appropriate next steps. Advise supervisors and department leaders on employee relations situations, helping them navigate disciplinary issues, conflict resolution, and performance-related challenges. Support labor relations activities by interpreting workplace policies and assisting with matters involving unionized employees when applicable. Partner with HR and operational leadership to promote consistent application of employment practices and reduce organizational risk. Prepare clear, well-organized case records, summaries, and correspondence related to investigations and employee relations outcomes. Provide guidance on corrective action processes and help managers address conduct or performance concerns in a timely and compliant manner. Monitor workplace issues for trends and recommend practical solutions that improve the employee experience and strengthen accountability. Ensure employee relations practices align with local employment law, internal standards, and organizational expectations within the healthcare environment. At least 5 years of experience in employee relations, preferably within a healthcare, hospital, or social assistance setting. Demonstrated background conducting employee relations investigations and handling sensitive workplace matters with discretion. Working knowledge of labor employee relations principles and experience supporting union-related or labor-sensitive environments. Strong capability in performance management, including coaching leaders through documentation, feedback, and corrective action. Solid understanding of local employment law and its application to workplace policies, investigations, and employee actions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across employees, managers, and HR partners. Strong organizational skills and sound judgment when managing multiple cases, deadlines, and confidential information. TalentMatch ® Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice .