Human Resource Specialist

Job Summary:

The Human Resource Specialist will be an additional resource to our HR team and will provide comprehensive internal employee and labor relations consultation, support collective bargaining members and non-members and develop and maintain positive working relationships with others including leadership, staff, HR colleagues and union representatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performance Management Support
  • Fostering positive working relationships between management, employees, and the union. 
  • Serving as a communication bridge between management and the union. 
  • Functions as subject matter expert by providing support and guidance to managers and other staff when complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues arise; may be required to administer and execute routine tasks in delicate circumstances such as providing reasonable accommodations, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and terminations.
  • Supports managers and provides guidance related to performance management and corrective action, including the review of draft corrective action prior to issuance and conducting conversations with employees.
  • Consults with managers on conflict resolution.
• Risk Management, Benefits & Leave Administration
  • In partnership with management, oversees workplace accident investigations and claims reporting with workers compensation. This includes ensuring claims are filed timely, follow up on medical documentation and return-to-work status.
  • Support benefits enrollment, changes, and communication. (open enrollment, eligibility changes, COBRA and ACA requirements)
  • Coordinate with Account Payables regarding Quarterly Audits.
  • Responds to inquiries from third party vendors such as disability, unemployment, leave of absence, etc.
  • Manage leave processes (FMLA, PFMLA, ADA accommodations, other statutory and voluntary leaves) by meeting with employees, requesting and reviewing required documentation, generating approval or denial notices, and maintaining effective communication with staff and the management team and track time off accurately.
• Compliance & Policy Administration
  • Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, ensuring they align with the collective bargaining agreement. 
  • Communicating HR policies and procedures to employees and union representatives. 
  • Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, collective bargaining practices and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
  • Assist with audits and required filings (e.g., 403B, EEO-1, OSHA).
  • Provide accurate, timely compliance of all reports and record requests from all federal, state and local agencies
• Union Relations
  • Managing the grievance process, from initial complaint to potential arbitration. This includes participating in union meetings and discussions. 
  • Investigating employee complaints and concerns related to the union contract or workplace policies. 
  • Develops and maintains positive working relationships with union representatives.
  • Supports with the preparation of information including request for information related to grievances, labor arbitrations, demand letters and/or complaints filed.
  • Serving as a point of contact for employees and union representatives regarding grievances and disputes. 
• Training and Development:
  • Coordinate training initiatives to enhance employee skills and ensure compliance with safety, operational, and communication requirements.
  • Partner with supervisors to identify employee development needs and track training progress.
  • Lead full-cycle employee relations: coach managers, investigate grievances, facilitate resolutions, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Coordinate performance review processes: schedule reviews, collect documentation, assist managers with goal setting and employee development plans.
  • Assisting with the development and implementation of management training programs related to labor relations. 
  • Manages the timely completion of the performance review program to ensure effectiveness, compliance, and equity within the organization.
• Other Responsibilities as needed

Required Skills/Abilities:

• • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
  • Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

Education and Experience:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or
  • At least 3-5 years of human resource experience preferred.
  • Union experience preferred.

Salary : $60,000 - $63,000