Employee Relations Specialist

Oregon Child Development Coalition; Wilsonville (OR); On-site; USD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to support a positive workplace culture by guiding on employee relations, compliance, and investigations. You will work with leaders, HR staff, and employees to address concerns and ensure consistent practices aligning with OCDC’s mission.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience, with preferred certifications in HR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in HR, business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in employee relations, HR generalist work, workplace investigations, or labor relations.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on employment laws, policies, and employee relations best practices.
• Conduct and document timely investigations into allegations, concerns, complaints, or policy violations.
• Coach managers through performance management and corrective action processes, including documentation and progressive discipline.
• Promote consistent application of policies, including Head Start Performance Standards related to employee conduct and performance management.
• Partner with HR leadership and legal counsel on high-risk or complex matters and policy development.
• Write and update policies and procedures reflecting law changes and organizational needs.
• Support employee relations projects, including contract administration and data gathering.
• Assist resolution of workplace conflicts through coaching, mediation, and arbitration.
• Maintain accurate HR records and protect confidentiality.

Skills

employment laws

conflict resolution

mediation

workplace investigations

policy development

training

HR systems

data analysis

communication

confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree

5 years experience

Tools

Workday

Job description

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC)
Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.
Position Summary
The Employee Relations Specialist supports a positive workplace culture by providing guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws, regulations, HR best practices, and organizational policies. This role works with leaders, HR staff, and employees to address concerns, conduct workplace investigations, support the organization’s initiatives, and contribute to consistent practices that support OCDC’s mission, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
Essential Functions

• Provide guidance to managers, HR staff, and employees on employment laws, workplace policies, and employee relations best practices.
• Conduct and document timely investigations into allegations, concerns, complaints, and potential policy violations.
• Coach managers through performance management and corrective action processes, including documentation, feedback conversations, expectations, and progressive discipline.
• Promote consistent application of organizational policies and practices, including Head Start Performance Standards related to employee conduct and performance management.
• Partner with the Sr. Manager of Employee Relations, HR leadership, and/or legal counsel as needed on higher-risk or complex matters (e.g., sensitive investigations, complex accommodations, litigation holds, or significant employee relations trends), policy development, and the implementation of guidance.
• Write, update, and communicate policies and procedures ensuring they reflect changes in laws, regulations, best practices, and organizational needs.
• Support employee relations activities as assigned, including small to moderate sized projects, contract administration tasks, information gathering, and meeting preparation.
• Support resolution of workplace conflicts through coaching, facilitation, mediation, and arbitration.
• Maintain accurate records and data in HR systems; protect confidentiality and follow documentation standards.
• Support the exit interview process, analyze and report on themes and employee relations trends, and recommend practical improvements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department and organizational priorities.
  

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree. Preferably in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in employee relations, HR generalist work, workplace investigations, and/or labor relations.
  

(or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Certifications

• Preferred: Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®) via the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• Preferred: Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
  

Technical & Functional Competencies

• Knowledge of employment laws (e.g., FLSA. FMLA, ADA, EEO) and employee relations.
• Skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and workplace investigations.
• Experience in policy development and training.
• Proficiency in HR systems (Workday preferred) and data analysis.
• Aligns work with OCDC’s mission to support children and families.
• Builds strong relationships across teams.
• Effectively manages priorities in a dynamic environment with effective communication and collaboration.
• Maintains confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence.
  

OCDC Core Competencies
All Staff: Focuses On Children & Families, Collaborates with Others, Demonstrates Nimble Learning, Ensures Accountability.
Pay Range

• The pay range for this position is $68,000 to $85,000 annually.
• Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.
  

Benefits:
Benefits
At OCDC, employee wellbeing is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities. OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellbeing, and work–life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs
• Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Optional benefits including pet insurance
  

Other

• Successful enrollment in Oregon’s Central Background Registry (CBR) through the OR Dept. of Early Learning and Care.
• Ability to pass a sponsored physical examination and communicable disease assessment.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity
OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.