Employee Relations Specialist

Covenant Health; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant Health is looking for an Employee Relations Specialist in Knoxville, TN. This full-time position involves conducting investigations, training HR staff, and guiding on employee relations matters. Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field and have 3-5 years of HR experience, ideally in healthcare. The role offers the chance to work in a supportive and proactive environment, ensuring fair and compliant workplace practices. Local travel is required as part of the responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of HR or employee relations experience, preferably in healthcare.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license and insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

• Conducts employee relations investigations and training.
• Partners with HR to address employee relations concerns.
• Stays current on employment law trends.

Skills

Investigation support

Training delivery

Employment law knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field

Job description

Overview

Employee Relations Specialist

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Covenant Health Overview:

Covenant Health is the region’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes “Best Employer” seven times.

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a key resource for HRBPs and leaders across the organization, providing hands‑on support for investigations, training, and risk mitigation. This role is essential in promoting a fair, compliant, and respectful workplace culture across all facilities.

Responsibilities

• Assists in conducting and supporting thorough, timely, and objective employee relations investigations.
• Conducts training for human resources personnel and operations leaders on investigation best practices and documentation standards.
• Partners with human resources personnel to address employee relations concerns and ensure consistent application of policies.
• Monitors and interprets employment law trends, providing guidance and updates to HR and leadership.
• Collaborates with integrity compliance, risk management, and legal counsel to mitigate organizational risk.
• Provides coaching and consultation to leaders on performance management and conflict resolution.
• Supports enterprise-wide initiatives related to employee engagement, retention and workplace excellence.
• Reviews and provides input on disciplinary action and performance improvement plans to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
• Participates in HR policy development and revision.
• Monitor and report on employee relations metrics and trends, providing insights to HR Business Partners for strategic decision making.
• Stays current on federal, state and local employment laws, and proactively educates HR and leadership teams on changes.
• Excels in interpersonal, training, and communication skills.
• Maintains confidentiality in handling sensitive employee matters.
• Local travel required.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field or a combination of education and work experience will be considered.

Minimum Experience:

Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive HR or employee relations experience, preferably in healthcare or a complex organization.

Licensure Requirement:

Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D and state mandated minimum insurance coverage. Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.