Employee Relations Specialist

Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 73,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

25 days paid time off

Retirement plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc. is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to partner with management and staff in a busy New York setting. You will lead investigations, advise on policy, and drive compliant employee relations programs.

The role requires 3–5 years in employee relations, strong communication, and confidentiality. Based in Briarwood, Queens with at least three days in-person weekly, the position offers a high-visibility, exempt, full-time opportunity with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Admin, Psychology, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive HR experience with focus on employee relations and investigations.
• Experience in healthcare, human services, or nonprofit sectors preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and investigation practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to handle confidential matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for employee concerns and workplace complaints
• Advise and coach managers on policies, performance issues, discipline, and separations
• Facilitate conflict resolution, mediation, and employee engagement initiatives
• Conduct thorough, impartial investigations into misconduct, harassment, and policy violations
• Analyze evidence, document findings, and determine consistent corrective actions
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws
• Develop, update, and communicate workplace policies while protecting confidentiality
• Design and deliver leadership training on performance management, legal compliance, and workplace conduct
• Maintain complete records, track employee relations trends, and report key HR metrics to leadership

Skills

Conflict resolution

Investigation skills

Communication skills

Policy guidance

Employee relations

Confidentiality

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/ Psychology

SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

HRIS platforms

Job description

Overview

Samaritan Daytop Village provides life-changing services in mental health, addiction recovery, housing, and more to help individuals and families across New York rebuild their lives. We serve over 33,000 clients annually at more than 60 locations throughout the five boroughs, as well as Suffolk, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester, and Ulster Counties.

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a strategic partner to management and employees by fostering a positive work environment, ensuring consistent application of company policies, and supporting the resolution of employee concerns. This position conducts workplace investigations, provides guidance on corrective actions, promotes compliance with employment laws, and supports initiatives that enhance employee engagement and organizational culture.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee concerns and workplace complaints
• Advise and coach managers on policies, performance issues, discipline, and separations
• Facilitate conflict resolution, mediation, and employee engagement initiatives
• Conduct thorough, impartial investigations into misconduct, harassment, and policy violations
• Analyze evidence, document findings, and determine consistent corrective actions
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws
• Develop, update, and communicate workplace policies while protecting confidentiality
• Design and deliver leadership training on performance management, legal compliance, and workplace conduct
• Maintain complete records, track employee relations trends, and report key HR metrics to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Psychology, or a closely related field
• 3–5 years of progressive HR experience, anchored by deep expertise in employee relations and sensitive workplace investigations
• Experience in healthcare, human services, behavioral health, or nonprofit sectors preferred
• Strong mastery of employment law, conflict resolution techniques, and formal investigation practices
• Demonstrated tact, exceptional judgment, and an uncompromising commitment to confidentiality
• Persuasive written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all organizational levels
• Proficiency in using MS Office Suite and enterprise HRIS platforms
• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR) preferred
• Willingness to travel occasionally between organizational sites as needed

Additional Information

This is a full-time exempt role with a salary of $73,000-$85,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 25 days of paid time off, access to a retirement account with an employermatch, and tuition reimbursement.

This role is based out of our Briarwood, Queens headquarters with at least 3 days of in-person work required per week. Willingness to travel occasionally toprograms in NYC and NYS State is required.

The regular schedule for this role is Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.