Union College
Education
EmployeeRelationsSpecialist
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Junior candidates.
“Employee Relations Specialist at Union College. Skills: Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations, HR Policies, Employment Law, Conflict Resolution. Manages employee relations matters, conducts workplace investigations, advises managers and employees on HR policies, and ensures compliance with employment laws and Union’s standards. Serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns. Investigates complaints related to policy violations and workplace conflicts. Facilitates c”
What You'll Achieve.
Ensures compliance with employment laws and Union’s standards in a thorough, neutral, respectful, and timely manner. Responded to employee matters related to discrimination, harassment, bias, or retaliation promptly and appropriately. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Supports policy development, updates, and communication initiatives. Ensures compliance and risk mitigation during termination processes.
Industry & Context.
process improvement; root cause analysis; data analysis
Finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions. Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
3+ years of Employee Relations work experience. Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience. Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Ability to demonstrate acute attention to detail. Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment and discretion when responding to employee relations requests and handling difficult or volatile situations effectively. Ability to provide guidance to managers and employees on complex and significant employee relations issues. Ability to prioritize tasks to meet established and variable deadlines, with the flexibility to respond to stressful situations and unexpected demands. Excellent writing skills to prepare clear, concise, and well-written documents. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets) and familiarity with HRIS or ER case management tracking software. Excellent conflict resolution and mediation skills. Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities.
Nice to Have
5+ years of Employee Relations work experience. Master’s degree or equivalent experience. HR certification (e. g. , SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).
What You'll Do.
Manages employee relations matters, conducts workplace investigations, advises managers and employees on HR policies, and ensures compliance with employment laws and Union’s standards.
Serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns.
Investigates complaints related to policy violations and workplace conflicts.
Facilitates conflict resolution between employees and management.
Provides coaching and guidance to managers on performance management and disciplinary processes.
Supports policy development, updates, and communication initiatives.
Guides managers through progressive discipline processes.
Assists in drafting performance improvement plans (PIPs) and corrective action documentation.
Supports termination processes to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
Assists with the preparation, launch, and training for the annual performance plan process.
Provides support with coaching and training initiatives.
Maintains accurate and confidential records of investigations and employee interactions.
Tracks and analyzes employee relations data to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Prepares reports, including Exit Questionnaire data, and summaries for HR leadership.
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborates closely with the Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator. Partners with legal counsel, when necessary.
Communication Scope
writing skills; interpersonal abilities
Full Job Description
The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for fostering a positive, productive, and compliant workplace environment. This role manages employee relations matters, conducts workplace investigations, advises managers and employees on HR policies, and ensures compliance with employment laws and Union’s standards in a thorough, neutral, respectful, and timely manner. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor who demonstrates sound judgment, confidentiality, and strong conflict resolution skills. ****Employee Relations Specialist**** ****Pay Status and Classification:** **Exempt, Regular Full-time ****Supervisor:**** Sr Director of Benefits & HR Systems **Essential Responsibilities and Duties:** _Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution_ * Serves as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns. * Investigates complaints related to policy violations and workplace conflicts. * Conducts fair, thorough, and timely investigations; documents findings and recommends appropriate actions. * Facilitates conflict resolution between employees and management. * Provides coaching and guidance to managers on performance management and disciplinary processes. * Maintains documentation and files for investigations, incidents, and programs as needed. * Collaborates closely with the Director of Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator to ensure employee matters related to discrimination, harassment, bias, or retaliation are responded to promptly and appropriately. _Policy Interpretation & Compliance _ * Interprets and applies company policies consistently and fairly. * Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. * Supports policy development, updates, and communication initiatives. * Partners with legal counsel, when necessary, on complex employee relations matters. * Processes unemployment claims and represents the College in unemployment hearings and proceedings. _Performance Management Support_ * Guides managers through progre
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