Employee Relations Specialist (46635)

Dilkon Medical Center | Winslow Indian Health Care Career Page; Winslow (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Winslow Indian Health Care Center in Winslow, AZ seeks an Employee Relations Specialist to support management on personnel issues, investigations, and compliance with federal, tribal, and state laws.

The role requires strong communication, impartial inquiry skills, and ability to coordinate with legal counsel, background checks, and policy development. Preference for Navajo language skills and SHRM certification is noted, with a focus on fair and compliant employment practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• 3–5 years in employee relations with investigations and disciplinary actions.
• SHRM-CP/SCP or similar certification preferred (required for higher levels).
• Bilingual English and Navajo preferred.
• Valid drivers license and background check compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervisory support on personnel issues and counseling.
• Coordinate resolution of workplace conflicts.
• Liaise with legal counsel and tribal agencies on employment matters.
• Prepare investigation reports and disciplinary documentation.
• Maintain confidential records of employee relations activities.

Skills

Employee relations

Investigations

Conflict resolution

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business Admin

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview and Location

Employee Relations Specialist – Winslow Indian Health Care Center, Winslow, AZ 86047

Under the general supervision of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Employee Relations Specialist provides supervisory support and guidance in addressing personnel issues, offers counseling services, coordinates the resolution of workplace conflict, and serves as the liaison for external entities when addressing employment matters such as dismissals and employee background checks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Act as the primary point of contact with legal counsel and government/tribal agencies related to personnel matters, representing WIHCC in grievances, hearings, claims, unemployment proceedings, and professional meetings.
• Keep current knowledge of federal, state, tribal, and local employment laws and regulations, including the Navajo Preference in Employment Act and related reporting requirements.
• Support employee communication and feedback through meetings, suggestion programs, engagement surveys, focus groups, and one‑on‑one meetings.
• Advise and participate in strategic HR initiatives such as succession planning, staff training, development, and employee retention.
• Investigate employee complaints and workplace issues, including misconduct, harassment, and policy violations; conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial inquiries.
• Conduct interviews, gather and analyze evidence, and prepare detailed investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediate disputes between employees or between employees and supervisors.
• Advise management on appropriate disciplinary actions and prepare related documentation, including corrective action and performance improvement plans.
• Prepare and issue disciplinary action memorandums, EPIPs, written reprimands, and other personnel actions such as placement on administrative leave.
• Ensure consistent application of organizational policies, procedures, and employment laws across all departments.
• Work with teams that plan, communicate, and integrate results of strategic planning throughout the organization.
• Keep executive management informed on all activities, significant problems, and issues.
• Provide expert advice, coaching, and assistance to management on matters with legal implications.
• Collaborate with legal counsel and the Compliance Officer on complex or high‑risk employee relations matters.
• Interpret investigation findings and produce follow‑up plans for closure.
• Assemble and deliver ONLR and NNLC responses, including supporting exhibits, for labor relations charges and hearings.
• Prepare comprehensive reports highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations for improvement.
• Respond to recruitment team inquiries regarding rehire eligibility and employee transfers, ensuring candidates are in good standing with Employee Relations.
• Develop, review, and update policies, programs, and procedures related to employee relations.
• Coordinate with the Background Specialist to review background check findings and determine employment eligibility and suitability.
• Adjudge background checks in a timely manner and recommend appropriate disciplinary action when applicable.
• Manage and facilitate weekly employee relations update meetings with management and legal counsel.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all employee relations activities.
• Identify areas for improvement in employee relations processes and implement enhancements.
• Maintain cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Adhere to all Human Resources requirements, WIHCC Personnel Policies and Procedures, departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Employee Relations, including handling complex workplace issues, investigations, conflict resolution, and advising management on corrective actions.
• Professional certification such as SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, or a comparable nationally recognized HR certification preferred (required for higher levels).
• Bilingual skills in English and Navajo language preferred.
• Valid unrestricted and insurable driver’s license.
• Successful background investigation; compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of business and management principles, strategic planning, leadership techniques, and training methodologies.
• Strong work ethics and basic confidentiality principles.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Dependable attendance and job performance.
• Ability to accept and learn from feedback.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for investigation reports and disciplinary documentation.
• Analytical skills to assess complex personnel issues and make recommendations.
• Customer service orientation and positive interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, perform under pressure, and remain self‑confident.
• Team player with flexibility and adaptability to changing organizational needs.

Physical Demands

The essential functions require walking, sitting, using hands and fingers, handling objects, reaching, and communicating effectively. Frequently required to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; may occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting or outdoor environment with moderate noise levels. There is potential exposure to physical risks such as blood‑borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, or dangerous equipment. Schedules may include evening, weekend, overnight, extended hours, or irregular shifts. Travel between sites may be required.

EEO Statement

As required by P.L. 93‑638, absolute preference will be given to qualified Navajo applicants. If there is no qualified Navajo applicant, preference will be given to qualified American Indian applicants.