Human Resources Specialist- Employee Relations

Goodwill-Central-Coast; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

13 days paid vacation

40 hours sick pay

Job summary

Goodwill Central Coast is seeking an experienced Human Resources Specialist – Employee Relations to join our HR team. The role partners with the Employee Relations Manager to support managers, ensure policy consistency, and foster a respectful workplace.

You will assist with investigations, maintain case documentation, prepare summaries, and guide supervisors on HR policies. The position emphasizes compliance, confidentiality, and positive employee engagement across locations.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of HR experience, preferably in employee relations or compliance.
• Strong understanding of California employment laws.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with employee relations investigations and case management.
• Review counseling statements for consistency with policy and employment law.
• Maintain accurate employee relations documentation and case files.
• Prepare investigation summaries, correspondence, and reports.
• Provide guidance to supervisors on HR policies and best practices.
• Collaborate on policy improvements and compliance initiatives.
• Support organizational projects that strengthen workplace culture and employee engagement.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

HR investigations

Policy guidance

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

Paycom

HRIS

Job description

Human Resources Specialist – Employee RelationsMake a Difference. Build Positive Workplace Relationships.Goodwill Central Coast is seeking an experienced Human Resources Specialist – Employee Relations to join our Human Resources team. If you're passionate about fostering a respectful workplace, conducting fair and objective investigations, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and helping leaders navigate complex employee relations issues, we'd love to hear from you.In this role, you'll partner closely with our Employee Relations Manager to support managers across our organization, helping ensure consistent application of company policies while promoting a positive employee experience.What You'll DoAssist with employee relations investigations and case management.Review counseling statements for consistency with company policy and employment law.Maintain accurate employee relations documentation and case files.Prepare investigation summaries, correspondence, and reports.Monitor case timelines and follow up to ensure timely resolution.Provide guidance to supervisors on HR policies and best practices.Collaborate on policy improvements and compliance initiatives.Support organizational projects that strengthen workplace culture and employee engagement.What We're Looking ForThree to five years of Human Resources experience, preferably in employee relations, investigations, or compliance.Working knowledge of California employment laws, including progressive discipline practices.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and sound judgment.Ability to handle highly confidential information with professionalism and discretion.Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).Experience with employee relations or case management software is a plus.Why Goodwill Central Coast?At Goodwill Central Coast, our mission goes beyond retail—we transform lives through the power of work. As part of our Human Resources team, you'll play a key role in supporting employees, strengthening leaders, and helping create a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace where people can thrive.If you're looking for a meaningful HR career where your work truly makes a difference, we'd love to meet you.Apply today and help build a stronger workplace for everyone.$27.00- $30.00 Per hour.Company sponsored medical, dental, vision and life insurance403 (b) with company match13 days paid vacation40 hours sick payQUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience preferred3 years of experience in Human Resources preferredBilingual, Spanish-speaking preferredWorking knowledge of multiple human resources disciplines, including compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, workers' compensation, and HRIS (Paycom)Knowledgeable of state and federal employment laws, including applicable wage and hour, and employment legal requirements.Experience within a large, complex organization is preferredProficient in MS Applications, HRIS Systems, Paycom, Risk Management SystemsWillingness to work on-site and to commute to different locations if neededJOB MODIFICATIONDepending on the specific modification and its duration, the physical aspects of the position may be modified. Please contact [e-mail] or call 831-423-8611