Temporary Employee Relations Specialist

YMCA of Greater Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership to YMCA of Greater Seattle

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Retirement with employer contributions

Mental health resources

Paid time off (PTO)

Discounts on YMCA programs

Full-time staff benefits

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Seattle is seeking a Temporary Employee Relations Specialist (Investigations) to ensure fair treatment of employees under the Sr. HR Director of Employee Relations. The role focuses on investigations of misconduct, discrimination, and retaliation, with liaison duties between staff and management.

The position is full-time, exempt, through November 15, 2026, with typical hours 8:30–5:30, Monday–Friday, some evenings/weekends, and potential offsite rotation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, HR, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of employee relations experience.
• Current knowledge of Title VII, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, unemployment and labor relations.
• Excellent negotiation and confidentiality with sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple issues daily and maintain organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into workplace misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
• Write clear investigative summaries, reports and termination proposals.
• Consult with Legal to ensure proper procedures and outcomes.
• Provide guidance to managers on performance and conduct management per policy.
• Maintain investigation tracker and reporting systems.
• Provide conflict resolution support and restorative justice approaches.
• Other duties as assigned; accommodate disabilities as needed.

Skills

Investigation skills

Employee relations

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, HR, or equivalent experience

PHR/SHRM-CP certification (preferred)

Tools

HRIS software

Job description

Our Commitment to Equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Overview

Our Commitment to Equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Sr. HR Director of Employee Relations, the Temporary Employee Relations Specialist (Investigations) ensures the fair and respectful treatment of employees, consistent with YGS’ commitment to equity and values. The ER Specialist will work on assigned HR investigations relating to allegations of serious misconduct. The Specialist consults on performance related topics, and other corrective actions, in accordance with policy and procedures and will function as a liaison between staff employees and management.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, exempt temporary position expected to last through November 15, 2026. The hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with some flexibility. Some evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Rotation at offsite camp facilities required as needed.

What You Will Get From Working At The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Retirement with generous employer contributions
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp and outdoor leadership programs. 25% for part-time staff, 50% for full-time staff.
• Some benefits only available to full-time staff, regular staff.

Compensation: $45/hr

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Conducts thorough, accurate and prompt investigations into various topics not limited to complaints of workplace misconduct, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Writes clear and concise investigative summary, reports and termination proposals.
• Consults with Legal to ensure application of appropriate investigation procedures and outcomes.
• Provides guidance and support to managers regarding performance and conduct management, promotes thoughtful and consistent corrective action practices that adhere to YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS) Employee Handbook and YGS values and mission.
• Monitors and maintains internal investigation tracker and complaint tracking system.
• Monitors and maintains various employee and organizational data systems, relating to for example performance reviews and corrective action, and prepare timely reports as directed.
• In consultation with General Counsel and other agencies when needed, provides accurate legal and handbook information to staff across the association
• Provide conflict resolution support tailored to each unique conflict scenario, including mediation, conversation facilitation and application of restorative and transformative justice principals.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of employee relations experience
• Current working knowledge of employment law and regulations including Title VII, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, unemployment, and labor relations.
• Excellent negotiation and relational skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and make decisions in an equitable and consistent manner.
• Ability to manage and resolve numerous issues on a variety of topics daily.
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Must be comfortable working with Microsoft Office suite.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Education And Experience

• PHR/SHRM-CP certification or evidence of acquiring certification a plus
• Experience with HRIS software preferred.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc).
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Key Skills And Abilities

• High degree of initiative; must be able to work independently and be a self-starter as well as a strong team player
• Emotional intelligence and the ability to quickly access and compose oneself in stressful or tense situations is a must.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Very strong organization skills are essential as well as highly established analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leveraging lean methodologies and tools is required.
• Customer focused and dedicated to exceeding the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and manage highly confidential information
• Sense of urgency and business orientation combined with customer service skills
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills to create, measure, and scale program metrics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Critical Evaluation.
• Ethical Practice
• Communication
• Relationship Management

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you:

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.
• Are very adaptable.
• Have high ownership and strong work ethic.
• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.
• Truly enjoy being of service to people.
• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.
• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

Our Values

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check in accordance with Washington's Fair Chance Act.