Employee Relations Specialist

Peckham, Inc.; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Peckham, Inc. is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to promote a positive workplace culture and manage employee relations matters.

You will investigate concerns, support policy compliance, and facilitate training and performance management to ensure fair treatment and alignment with Peckham’s standards. Responsibilities include handling disciplinary meetings, mediating conflicts, and collaborating with HR and management to boost engagement and retention.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in employee relations in a nonprofit or mission‑driven setting.
• Working knowledge of employment law and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and documentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Act as a point of contact for workplace concerns, disputes, grievances, and disciplinary issues.
• Conduct impartial investigations into policy violations and employee complaints with recommendations.
• Assist in responding to external complaints under state and federal laws.
• Mediate conflicts and facilitate effective communication between employees and management.
• Develop and ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Create and deliver trainings on best practices and Peckham guidance.
• Support performance management by guiding managers and employees on standards and evaluations.
• Lead training sessions on policies, procedures, and onboarding including new hire orientation.
• Conduct disciplinary meetings and employee terminations when needed.
• Address performance issues and help develop performance improvement plans.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigation

Policy development

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team. The Employee Relations Specialist will play a pivotal role in promoting a positive and productive workplace culture by managing employee relations matters, fostering strong relationships between employees and management, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and organizational policies.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a supporting point of contact regarding workplace concerns, disputes, grievances, and disciplinary issues.


• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into policy violations, employee complaints and conflicts, providing recommendations and solutions to resolve issues.


• Conduct investigations and assist in responding to externally submitted complaints pertaining to applicable state and federal laws.


• Mediate conflicts and facilitate effective communication between employees and management to promote a harmonious work environment.


• Assist with creation of and serve as the subject matter expert on employment HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.


• Create and facilitate training that supports best practices.


• Help support the performance management process by providing guidance to managers and employees, ensuring fair and consistent application of performance standards and evaluations.


• Facilitate various training sessions to inform employees about policies, procedures, and Peckham guidance/standards and other topics. This includes but is not limited to new hire orientation and team member to staff transition meeting.


• Conduct disciplinary meetings and employee terminations.


• Address performance-related issues and assist in the development of performance improvement plans as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with HR and management teams to develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.


• Conduct employee surveys and analyze feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement, developing action plans accordingly.


• Promote Peckham's vision, value, culture, and commitment to excellent customer service to all team members, staff, customers, and stakeholders.


• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.


• Other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent


• 2-3 years of experience in employee relations, preferably in a non‑profit or mission‑driven organization.


• Working knowledge of employment law


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.


• Must have strong follow through and documenting skills.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years of related experience or a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field.


• HR certification (e.g., SHRM‑CP, PHR) is a plus.


• Bilingual speaking proficiency - not required but a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities on a case‑by‑case basis.

PECKHAM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / EEO/AA

Employer/Vet/Disabled. Peckham provides equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR APPLYING NOTICE

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Examples of reasonable accommodations may include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Business Line: Human Resources
Location: Lansing, MI
Worker Sub‑Type: Staff Member

Email us at [e-mail]
Call us at [phone]
Visit us at: 3510 Capital City BLVD, Lansing, MI 48906 (M-F 8am - 4pm)

ABOUT PECKHAM

Peckham is a national award‑winning social enterprise, recognized for its achievement in providing exceptional vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities and barriers to employment. We accomplish our mission by working with community partners and through our own diverse business lines consisting of apparel manufacturing, warehousing, call centers, environmental services, and farming. Peckham prides itself on having a great culture which fosters a respectful, collaborative, and fun work environment. Employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, share ideas, and engage in lifelong learning. Our culture further supports our mission by encouraging flexibility, health, and wellness. Staff enjoy benefits such as generous PTO policies, modern facilities, pet friendly work sites, free fruit, fitness classes, massages available for purchase, and opportunities for flexible work arrangements.

MISSION

Peckham, a nonprofit community vocational rehabilitation organization, is a unique business and human services agency which values quality, diversity, and performance. Our mission is to provide a wide range of opportunities to maximize human potential for persons striving for greater independence and self‑sufficiency. We embrace collaboration, effective resource management, and innovative approaches to achieve world‑class excellence.

VISION

To prove that people with disabilities and other barriers are more than capable of delivering world‑class, high‑quality products and solutions.

EEO / DEI Statement

Peckham is an Equal Opportunity Employer - EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled. Peckham provides equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Peckham participates in the E‑Verify program.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

Nondiscrimination Provision

Visit www.peckham.org to learn more.