Employee Relations & Benefits Specialist

Summary

The Employee Relations & Benefits Specialist is responsible for leading employee relations efforts and supporting benefit enrollments. This role handles complex and sensitive employee matters, conducts investigations and terminations, resolves workplace conflicts, and ensures consistent application of employment laws and company policies to foster fair, compliant, and positive outcomes. The Employee Relations & Benefits Specialist also serves as a key partner to the HR Director, assisting with benefits enrollment, audit support, and other HR initiatives as assigned. This role is based in-office and follows a standard Monday-Friday schedule, working hours of 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. 

Benefits

        ·Competitive compensation
        ·Robust 401 (k) program with safe harbor and profit share (no match required)
        ·Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance
        ·Flexible PTO
        ·8 Paid holidays
        ·Collaborative and supportive culture

Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations

· Serve as the primary point of contact for complex or sensitive employee/management concerns (performance, conduct, policy violations, interpersonal conflict, harassment/discrimination, etc.)

· Conduct prompt, thorough, and well-documented investigations; interview involved parties; gather evidence; assess credibility; and prepare findings and recommendations

· Partner with leaders to implement corrective action, performance improvement plans, and behavior coaching while ensuring consistency and fairness

· Provide guidance to managers and employees on workplace issues, best practices, and policy interpretation

· Facilitate conflict resolution (mediation, coaching, informal resolution) and help restore productive working relationships

· Conduct regular stay interviews (employee check-ins) to evaluate employee engagement, identify potential retention risks, and collect actionable insights to enhance team culture, leadership effectiveness, and day-to-day work experiences

· Support and conduct termination decisions and offboarding processes, including exit interviews to reduce legal risk and ensure documentation meets compliance standards

· Recommend systemic improvements to the HR Director and Recruiting & Retention Manager to reduce risk and improve culture

Benefits Administration

· Administer and manage timely employee healthcare and 401(k) benefits processes, including new hire enrollment, qualifying life event changes, and employee/dependent terminations from benefit plans

· Maintain accurate benefits documentation, employee communication, and audit-ready records

· Provide benefits guidance to employees and assist with claims or other issues by directing them to our benefits broker for processing and resolution HR Operations Support

· Support and execute HR initiatives and priorities as assigned by the HR Director

· Assist with or execute in the administration of HR and Employee Programs

· Assist with employee recognition and celebrations as needed

· Contribute to HR communications, templates, and standard work to ensure consistency and efficiency

· Assist with any workers' compensation claims as needed

· Support HR reporting and recordkeeping accuracy across HR systems to ensure audit readiness

· Keep abreast of general knowledge of employment laws and practices

· Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for assigned tasks/areas

· Participate in team cross-training and serve as a backup for various HR roles and responsibilities

· Maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail

· Physical demands include long hours sitting, using a computer, standing, pulling/pushing, walking, lifting, and climbing

· Job requires intermediate computer proficiency and advanced critical thinking skills

· Other duties, activities, and responsibilities may vary and change as assigned

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, and/or equivalent industry training; Relevant work experience may substitute for the degree

· Minimum 5 years of directly related experience required

· Must demonstrate advanced multi-disciplinary knowledge of human resource principles and best practices

· Experience in working collaboratively and effectively to solve problems