Employee Relations Specialist-HR512913

Institute for Community Living Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Community Living Inc. (ICL) in New York, NY seeks an Employee Relations Specialist to foster a fair, compliant, and mission-driven workplace.

You will support policies, provide guidance to managers, and champion a respectful, inclusive environment aligned with applicable laws and ICL values. The role emphasizes investigations, policy interpretation, and training delivery to enhance employee relations and organizational risk management.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–6 years of progressive experience in employee relations or labor relations.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is a plus.
• Demonstrated discretion and data integrity in handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Manage the intake, investigation, and resolution of employee relation matters including workplace concerns, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution and interpretation of organizational policies/contracts.
• Conduct timely, impartial investigations into workplace misconduct, policy violations, and compliance concerns.
• Prepare detailed, objective written investigative reports, findings, and proposed corrective action plans for AVP review and approval.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment laws including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, HIPPA, and organizational rights and responsibilities.
• Serve as a frontline operational resource on employment laws, HR compliance, and employee relation practices for managers and staff, escalating complex issues to leadership as appropriate
• Coach managers and deliver specialized trainings on topics including but not limited to performance management, progressive discipline, employment practices and respectful workplace.
• Maintain and audit employee relation records and documentation to ensure data integrity.
• Partner closely with direct supervisor, leadership, Legal, and Compliance/ QA to identify and mitigate employment and labor risks
• Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of employee relations policies, procedures, and workplace practices.
• Monitor, track, and drive the completion rates of employee performance evaluation processes and completion
• Collaborate on and assist with compliance/QA investigations, as needed.
• Manage the exit interview process, including conducting interviews, preparing analytical reports, and identifying trend data to support retention strategies.
• Process and respond to unemployment and Department of Labor claims efficiently and accurately.
• Perform all duties as assigned.

Skills

Employee relations

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Human Resources Department
125 Broad St
New York, NY 10004, USA

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a fair, compliant, and mission-driven workplace by fostering positive employee relations and ensuring consistent application of organizational policies and employment practices. This role serves as a trusted resource to employees and leaders, promoting a respectful, inclusive work environment while supporting alignment with applicable laws and ICL values.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manage the intake, investigation, and resolution of employee relation matters including workplace concerns, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution and interpretation of organizational policies/contracts.
• Conduct timely, impartial, and thorough investigations into workplace misconduct, policy violations, and compliance concerns.
• Prepare detailed, objective written investigative reports, findings, and proposed corrective action plans for AVP review and approval.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment laws including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, HIPPA, and organizational rights and responsibilities.
• Serve as a frontline operational resource on employment laws, HR compliance, and employee relation practices for managers and staff, escalating complex issues to leadership as appropriate
• Coach managers and deliver specialized trainings on topics including but not limited to performance management, progressive discipline, employment practices and respectful workplace.
• Maintain and audit employee relation records and documentation to ensure data integrity.
• Partner closely with direct supervisor, leadership, Legal, and Compliance/ QA to identify and mitigate employment and labor risks
• Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of employee relations policies, procedures, and workplace practices.
• Monitor, track, and drive the completion rates of employee performance evaluation processes and completion
• Collaborate on and assist with compliance/QA investigations, as needed.
• Manage the exit interview process, including conducting interviews, preparing analytical reports, and identifying trend data to support retention strategies.
• Process and respond to unemployment and Department of Labor claims efficiently and accurately.
• Perform all duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Commitment to the active promotion of ICL values, goals, and overall employee experience.
• Demonstrated discretion, confidentiality, and integrity when handling sensitive workplace matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills paired with excellent verbal and written communication.
• Practical problem-solving ability, resourcefulness, and the capacity to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment and labor laws
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to prioritize a high volume
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree required; bachelor's degree preferred. 3-6 years of progressive experience in employee relations or labor relations required, preferably within the not-for-profit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to multiple priorities efficiently while maintaining thoroughness and data integrity under general supervision.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.