Employee Relations Specialist (Salaried, Exempt)

Organization Overview, Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission is to improve the health of people in the communities we serve through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, and wellness education. Washington Regional Medical System is a community-owned, locally governed, non-profit health care system located in Northwest Arkansas in the heart of Fayetteville, which is consistently ranked among the Best Places to live in the country. Our 425-bed medical center has been named the #1 hospital in Arkansas for five consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. We employ 3,400 team members and serve the region with over 40 clinic locations, the region’s only Level II trauma center, and five Centers of Excellence - the Washington Regional J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute; Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute; Washington Regional Women and Infants Center; Washington Regional Total Joint Center; and Washington Regional Pat Walker Center for Seniors.

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist reports to the Human Resources Manager and serves as a trusted advisor to leaders and employees by managing and resolving complex employee relations matters in a healthcare environment. This position focuses on workplace investigations, conflict resolution, corrective action guidance, and policy interpretation, while ensuring compliance with employment law, accreditation standards, and organizational values focused on patient safety and respectful care. This position serves in a critical role in fostering a positive, fair, and legally compliant work environment that supports caregiver engagement, retention, and high‑quality patient outcomes

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, and investigate employee concerns, including allegations related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, and policy violations.
• Conduct timely, impartial, and well‑documented investigations; analyze findings and prepare written summaries and recommendations.
• Partner with HR leadership and legal counsel as needed to mitigate organizational risk and ensure fair outcomes.
• Advise leaders on corrective action, performance management, disciplinary processes, and policy application.
• Review and approve disciplinary actions and performance improvement plans for consistency and compliance.
• Coach leaders on difficult employee conversations and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ensure employee relations practices align with healthcare laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, EEOC, FMLA, ADA) and internal policies.
• Recognize and escalate issues that may affect licensing, accreditation, patient safety, or organizational reputation.
• Support audits of personnel files and documentation as required.
• Identify trends and themes in employee relations cases and recommend proactive solutions to improve morale and retention.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, exit interviews, and workplace climate assessments.
• Promote a culture of respect, accountability, and psychological safety consistent with healthcare mission and values.
• Track employee relations metrics and prepare reports for HR leadership.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, Safety, Compliance, and Leadership teams across clinical and non‑clinical departments.
• Participate in internal and external community activities, as necessary.
• Maintain a standard to be the best place to receive care and the best place to give care.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED, required. Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field, preferred.
• Licensure and Certifications: Active drivers license and auto insurance.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years within human resources fields with a focus in employee relations, required. Previous experience in a healthcare setting, preferred.

Professional Skills 

• Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient in human resources software and data management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.