Employee Relations Specialist

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to advise leaders, resolve workplace concerns, and uphold fair, compliant practices across the organization. You will investigate issues, coach managers, ensure policy interpretation, and guide documentation while maintaining independence and high ethical standards in a dynamic healthcare environment.

This role requires nuanced judgment, risk awareness, and strong communication to foster trust and employee

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field.
• 3–4 years of experience resolving employee relations issues and conducting workplace investigations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Strong influencing and communication skills.
• Ability to coach leaders and manage investigations independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide Employee Relations support through partnership and coaching for all associates and leaders.
• Interpret, explain, and clarify employee relations policies and procedures and key labor laws.
• Escalate issues and balance benefits against risks while ensuring compliance.
• Guide on documentation to address performance/behavior concerns.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and dialogue on associate/employer issues.
• Obtain appropriate approvals for terminations ensuring compliance with regulations; escalate as needed.
• Maintain a sensitive caseload of investigations and conduct interviews with involved parties.
• Stay informed of labor laws to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance.
• Contribute to HR by acting with integrity and high ethical standards.

Skills

Employment law

Workplace investigations

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Coaching

Independent work

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR

Job description

About the Job

General Summary of Position

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a trusted advisor and expert in fostering a positive workplace culture ensuring consistency fairness and compliance in addressing employee relations matters. This role is pivotal in aligning employee relations strategies with organizational goals by investigating and resolving workplace concerns managing employee relations programs and ensuring adherence to labor laws and company policies. Acting as a liaison between associates leaders and HR professionals the ER Specialist promotes effective communication and equitable treatment throughout the organization. Operating with independence and confidence the ER Specialist navigates ambiguity and complex situations with strategic thinking and adaptability. This role challenges the status quo by delivering innovative solutions that enhance workplace relationships strengthen employee engagement and support a thriving organizational environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide Employee Relations support thought partnership and coaching for all associates and leaders in the organization.
• Provides interpretation explanation and clarification of employee relations policies and procedures and key federal and state regulations labor and employment law compliance.
• Exhibits a strong risk and control mindset by promptly escalating issues proactively addressing decisions and making practical balanced choices that weigh benefits against risks while ensuring full compliance.
• Provides guidance on documentation to address performance/behavior concerns and supports leaders with delivery and monitoring.
• Provides guidance on conflict resolution and facilitates dialogue on associate/employer issues.
• Gains appropriate approvals for all terminations ensures employment related decisions follow state and federal regulations protecting the rights of the employees and the legal position of the organization; escalates to ER leadership as needed.
• Maintains a sensitive caseload of investigations as assigned. Conducts timely and through investigations interviews with associates that have filed a complaint respondents as well as named witnesses and make objective recommendations based on findings.
• Stay informed of federal state and local labor employment and wage and hour laws as well as legal requirements for day-to-day associate management to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance.
• Actively contribute as a key member of the broader HR community leading by example with integrity respect and high ethical standards fostering trust and building personal credibility.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree Human Resources Business or a related field required

Experience

• 3-4 years resolving employee relations issues conducting workplace investigations and resolving conflicts required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements regarding employee relations and federal state and local employment law.
• Demonstrates strong influencing skills to drive desired business outcomes particularly in situations with unclear ownership or shared accountability.
• Possesses the ability to coach and offer meaningful insights while maintaining an open mind and avoiding rushed judgments.
• Capable of working independently with minimal guidance navigating ambiguity and overcoming internal and external obstacles to achieve effective resolutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $71,843.00 - USD $135,907.00 /Yr.