Employee Relations Specialist

Job Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a resource to leadership and employees on employee relations, compliance, and workplace matters. This position conducts workplace investigations, supports employee relations and compliance initiatives, administers various HR-related programs and processes, and helps ensure adherence to company policies and applicable employment laws and regulations. Responsibilities include administration of the Company’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and Drug-Free Workplace Program, along with related reporting, compliance, and training activities. This exempt position works with indirect supervision and regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

Essential Functions

• Investigate employee complaints, concerns, and reports involving discrimination, harassment, policy violations, and other workplace matters in coordination with HR Director; document findings and recommend corrective action when appropriate.
• Partner with leadership and employees to address employee relations, performance, compliance, and workplace conduct issues while promoting consistent application of company policies and employment practices.
• Serve as the Company’s designated EEO Officer and administer and promote the Company’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and related compliance initiatives, including project site reviews/inspections, workforce analyses, bid document/poster execution, and subcontractor/supplier compliance support.
• Prepare, maintain, and submit required EEO-related government and compliance reporting, including EEO, VETS, and other applicable workforce reports.
• Coordinate and conduct employee and leadership training related to EEO, compliance, employee relations, workplace conduct, and other HR-related topics.
• In conjunction with leadership, review the training and promotion potential of each Trainee on completion of the PennDOT program. Serve on interviewing teams for Trainee hires as needed.
• Serve as the Company’s Designated Employer Representative (DER) and administer the Company’s Drug-Free Workplace Program and related compliance activities, including DOT physical recertification tracking and required employment verifications.
• Assist with development, implementation, and administration of HR policies, procedures, programs, and process improvements.
• Represent the Company with compliance agencies, workforce organizations, and external partners as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee and company information.
• Travel to company locations, meetings, trainings, and project sites as needed; occasionally work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends; exercise proper care and maintenance of company equipment; and perform additional assignments as directed.
  
  

Working Knowledge of

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and employment compliance laws and regulations.
• Federal, state, and local employment laws including, but not limited to, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, HIPAA, NLRA, unemployment compensation, OFCCP, and related regulations.
• Employee relations principles, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution practices.
• Drug-Free Workplace regulations and compliance requirements.
• Microsoft Office and related business software applications.
  
  

Ability To

• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Effectively and objectively investigate, analyze, and resolve employee relations and compliance matters.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with employees, leadership, agencies, and external partners.
• Interpret and apply company policies, procedures, and employment laws consistently and appropriately.
• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment with changing and sometimes ambiguous priorities.
• Conduct effective presentations and training sessions.
• Research, analyze, and interpret data and make practical recommendations.
• Build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Develop and implement new processes, procedures, and compliance initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record per company standards.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or other HR-related certification preferred.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or closely related field required.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, HR Compliance, or related field required.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations strongly preferred.
• Experience administering EEO/compliance programs preferred.
• Experience managing or supporting a Drug-Free Workplace Program preferred.
  
  

Required Training

• Selecting/Retaining
• Basic Management
• Drug-Free Workplace
• ADA
• HIPAA
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Constant (67-100%) Talk and hear in conversations with customers.
• Constant (67 - 100%) Talk on telephone and hear telephone conversations.
• Constant (67-100%) Able to see and read PC screens, read normal type size print.
• Constant (67-100%) Normal vision and hearing range.
• Constant (67-100%) Use fingers/hands to type and file.
• Constant (67-100%) Sit for sustained periods of time.
• Constant (67-100%) Use/operate basic office equipment such as phones, computer, file cabinets, copier, etc.
• Frequent (34-66%) Bending, stooping, stretching, and prolonged standing.
• Occasional (0-33%) Lift and/or transport items weighing less than 25 pounds from one location to another throughout shift.
• Occasional (0-33%) Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Occasional (0% -33%) Work in field or plant environment with exposure to adverse or extreme weather conditions, exhaust fumes, noise, dust, extreme temperatures.
• Occasional (0-33%) Walk and work on uneven terrain.
• Occasional (0-33%) Sit in vehicle for sustained periods of time.
• Occasional (0-33%) Travel and/or drive personal vehicle to trainings, meetings, events, etc.
  
  

This job is considered safety-sensitive.

The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required.