Regional HR Consultant

Extended-Care-LLC; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Extended-Care-LLC is seeking a Regional HR Consultant to deliver hands-on HR support across multiple Illinois facilities, with significant field travel. You will work closely with facility leaders and CHRO to manage employee relations, compliance, onboarding, and performance processes.

The role requires 4+ years of HR generalist experience and the ability to navigate union and non-union environments. A bachelor’s degree in HR or related field is required, with SHRM certification preferred.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, multi-site or regional support.
• Strong employee relations, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
• Travel regularly throughout Illinois region (50–75%).
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field; SHRM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on HR support at assigned facilities through regular on-site visits and remote support.
• Serve as primary HR resource for facility Directors, Coordinators/Generalists, and Administrators.
• Coach leaders on performance management, discipline, documentation, and terminations.
• Conduct or support workplace investigations under CHRO direction.
• Promote consistent application of policies and HR practices across facilities.
• Maintain accurate employee relations documentation and case files.

Skills

Employee relations

Conflict resolution

Problem solving

Travel willingness

HR policy enforcement

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Business or related field

SHRM-CP / PHR preferred

Tools

Paycor

Apploi

HRIS/ATS systems

Job description

Regional HR Consultant

Location: Illinois — Regional, Multi-Site Travel Required
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel: Approximately 50–75%, primarily by car; occasional overnight travel

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Regional HR Consultant to provide hands‑on human resources support across a group of skilled nursing, long‑term care, and specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities throughout Illinois.

This is a highly visible, field‑based HR role for an HR professional who enjoys working directly with leaders, solving employee relations challenges, strengthening compliance, and helping facility teams build effective HR practices.

The Regional HR Consultant will serve as a trusted HR resource to facility Human Resources Directors, Administrators, and operational leaders. The role will provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, investigations, compliance, onboarding and offboarding, training, and other HR matters.

The assigned portfolio may include both union‑represented and non‑union facilities, making strong employee relations skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate different workplace environments essential.

The Regional HR Consultant reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer and works closely with the Regional Vice President of Operations (VPO) and Regional Director of Operations (RDO) to identify trends, mitigate risk, and address escalated HR matters.

What You’ll Do

HR Operations & Facility Support

• Provide hands‑on HR support to assigned facilities through regular on‑site visits and remote support.

• Serve as a primary HR resource for facility HR Directors, HR Coordinators/Generalists, Administrators, and other leaders.

• Conduct regular facility visits to assess HR compliance, employee relations, and workplace culture.

• Support consistent and effective onboarding, orientation, and offboarding practices.

• Coach facility leaders on performance management, progressive discipline, documentation, and terminations.

• Conduct or support workplace investigations under the direction of the CHRO.

• Promote consistent application of company policies and HR practices across assigned facilities.

• Maintain accurate and timely employee relations documentation and case files.

• Identify HR trends, risks, and emerging issues and communicate them to regional and corporate leadership.

Employee Relations — Union & Non‑Union Environments

Non‑Union Facilities

• Help facility leaders foster positive employee relations through open communication, consistent leadership, and timely resolution of workplace concerns.

• Coach supervisors on maintaining a direct working relationship with employees.

• Monitor for early indicators of organizing activity and promptly communicate concerns to the VPO and CHRO.

• Apply NLRA requirements appropriately, including adherence to TIPS (no Threats, Interrogation, Promises, or Surveillance).

• Escalate potential organizing activity or labor‑related concerns rather than responding independently.

Union Facilities

• Support facility‑level administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

• Assist with Step 1 and Step 2 grievance intake, documentation, tracking, and response preparation.

• Escalate Step 3 grievances and arbitration matters to the VPO and CHRO.

• Monitor grievance timelines and contractual deadlines.

• Coach facility leaders on CBA provisions related to seniority, discipline, scheduling, wage scales, and other applicable terms.

• Maintain professional communication with union stewards and business agents.

• Identify and promptly elevate potential contract violations, unfair labor practice (ULP) concerns, or other labor‑related risks.

HR Compliance & Regulatory Support

• Monitor facility compliance with applicable federal and Illinois employment laws and healthcare regulations.

• Support compliance with IDPH regulations, CMS requirements, 42 CFR Part 483, the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, FMLA, ADA, IHRA, and Illinois wage and hour requirements.

• Audit personnel files, background checks, training records, and other HR documentation for compliance and survey readiness.

• Monitor completion of required training, including abuse prevention, infection control, and HIPAA‑related training.

• Support compliance with the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act and applicable IDPH health screening and immunization requirements.

• Provide guidance and support regarding FMLA, workers’ compensation, and ADA accommodation processes.

• Help facility leaders identify and address compliance gaps before they become larger operational or regulatory risks.

Training & Leadership Development

• Deliver or coordinate training for facility leaders and supervisors on interviewing, performance management, employee relations, and HR compliance.

• Mentor and support facility‑level HR Directors, Coordinators, and Generalists.

• Assist with implementation of HR initiatives, policies, programs, and best practices.

• Provide coaching and practical guidance to leaders at all levels.

Other Duties

• Perform other HR‑related duties and special projects as assigned.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, preferably including multi‑site, field‑based, or regional HR support.

• Strong employee relations, conflict resolution, and problem‑solving skills.

• Ability to work independently while effectively partnering with facility and regional leadership.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple facilities, priorities, and deadlines.

• Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout an assigned Illinois region, typically 50–75%.

• Proficiency with HRIS/ATS systems and Microsoft Office or comparable technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.

• Experience in skilled nursing, long‑term care, senior living, behavioral health, mental health rehabilitation, or healthcare.

• Experience supporting both union and non‑union workforces.

• Familiarity with grievance handling, collective bargaining agreements, and labor relations.

• Working knowledge of Illinois employment laws and long‑term care regulatory requirements.

• SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, or other HR certification preferred but not required.

• Experience with HR platforms such as Paycor, Apploi, or similar HRIS/ATS systems.

What Makes This Role a Great Opportunity

• "Make a direct impact across multiple healthcare facilities and communities."

• Partner closely with operational leaders and facility HR teams.

• Work in a diverse HR environment spanning employee relations, compliance, labor relations, and leadership development.

• Have the opportunity to identify problems, implement solutions, and drive consistent HR practices across multiple locations.

• "Join a collaborative HR team where your experience and judgment will have a meaningful impact."

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Regular regional travel throughout Illinois, primarily by car.

• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• Combination of on‑site facility work and remote/home-office work.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and maintaining a workplace that values professionalism, respect, inclusion, and collaboration.