Seeking an HR professional, highly skilled in handling Employee Relations concerns for this newly created position. If you are adept at resolving conflicts, handling grievances, and finding solutions to complex employee relations issues and are familiar with labor laws and regulations we encourage you to apply. We are seeking someone who possess excellent interpersonal skills, tenacity, and high emotional intelligence.

About Volunteers of America National Services

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) creates inclusive communities of people through innovative collaboration of housing and healthcare that allow those we serve to thrive. At VOANS, over 2000 team members provide the best in quality living, care and services to almost 34,000 people every year. Our footprint covers 38 states and Puerto Rico so we have opportunities across America. Join a team of people who come together in our mission to create Thriving Communities.

The HR Specialist – Employee Relations is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Employee Relations and plays a vital role in fostering positive relationships between employees and the organization. This position involves addressing workplace conflicts, grievances, and performance issues while promoting a culture of fairness, respect, and collaboration. Additionally, collaborates with other SME’s on initiatives such as employee communications, engagement, recognition programs, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and labor relations.

*Remote or Hybrid; Ability to work flexible hours & travel to sites is required.

Salary: $90,000; Tentative Performance Incentive

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

• Employee Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for employees regarding workplace concerns, conflicts, and grievances.
• Employee Communications: Collaborate with HR and organizational leadership to develop and implement effective employee communication strategies.
• Employee Engagement Initiatives: Partner with HR colleagues and SME’s to design and implement employee engagement programs and initiatives.
• Employee Recognition Programs: Collaborate with Performance Management SME and HR team members to design employee recognition programs that celebrate individual and team achievements.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Work with HR leadership to develop and implement DEI strategies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout VOANS.
• Labor Relations: Manage relationships with labor unions, and serve as a liaison between management and union representatives. Negotiate Union Contracts, assist with mediation and arbitration disputes. Implement strategies to prevent unionization efforts and address labor relations issues proactively.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred), or equivalent years of experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in employee relations, HR management, Labor Relations or a related role.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.

At VOANS, we celebrate sharing, encouraging and embracing diversity. Equal employment opportunities are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that blending individual strengths and unique personal differences nurtures and supports our organizations’ shared commitment to our mission and creates an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to do their personal