We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join a Human Resources team in New York City.
This role is ideal for an HR professional with hands-on experience in employee relations and workplace investigations who can independently manage sensitive workplace concerns, conduct objective fact-finding, and support managers and employees through complex employee relations matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct timely, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment-related concerns.
- Develop investigation plans and conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, managers, supervisors, and witnesses.
- Review relevant documentation, communications, personnel records, performance records, attendance information, policies, and other evidence.
- Evaluate conflicting information, identify material inconsistencies, and document factual findings.
- Prepare clear, well-supported investigative reports and present findings to HR leadership.
- Support managers and leadership with performance, attendance, conduct, workplace conflict, and corrective-action matters.
- Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employee relations concerns.
- Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential investigation and employee relations records.
- Track assigned cases, deadlines, follow-up actions, and case status through resolution.
- Partner with HR leadership, Legal, Compliance, and outside counsel when appropriate.
- Identify recurring employee relations trends and recommend opportunities for manager guidance, training, or policy clarification.
- Assist with HR projects, audits, reporting, policy updates, training coordination, and other HR initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Employee/Labor Relations, Business, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- At least 2 years of relevant Employee Relations, HR investigations, workplace investigations, or related experience.
- Demonstrated experience handling employee complaints, workplace investigations, performance or conduct concerns, corrective action, workplace conflict, or manager guidance.
- Strong interviewing, fact-finding, documentation, case-management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to remain objective and neutral when handling sensitive, disputed, or emotionally charged workplace matters.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive employee relations matters and investigations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive personnel information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal workplace-investigation training or certification.
- Experience investigating allegations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to accommodate.
- Experience partnering with HR leadership, Legal, Compliance, or employment counsel.
- Experience supporting EEOC, NYSDHR, or NYCCHR matters.
- Experience with performance management and corrective action.
- Experience in nonprofit, social services, supportive housing, healthcare, unionized, or multi-site organizations.
- Working knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations.
Compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated workplace-investigation expertise.
The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Paid time off, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
- Paid Family Leave
- Short-Term Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Transit subsidy