Employee Relations Partner

The Employee Relations Partner is instrumental in cultivating a positive and collaborative workplace culture by providing expert guidance and support on all employee relations matters. This role serves as a trusted advisor, proactive problem-solver and will be responsible for handling employee concerns, addressing workplace conflicts, and leading initiatives that strengthen workplace culture and employee engagement.

Essential Functions:

• Build, implement, and continuosly optimize the employee relations program. 
• Establish standardized processes, tools, and metrics for tracking, resolving, and analyzing employee relations cases. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees seeking guidance on workplace issues and disputes.
• Investigate and resolve employee complaints, grievances, and disciplinary matters in alignment with policy and employment law.
• Mediate conflicts between employees, managers, and teams to foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture in alignment with company values and behaviors. 
• Recommend and implement conflict resolution strategies to prevent recurring or systemic issues.
• Provide advice and expert support to leaders in managing complex employee relations matters and sensitive situations.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal clients, serving as a trusted advisor on HR, compliance, and workplace matters.
• Conduct thorough investigations by interviewing parties, collecting and evaluating evidence, and maintaining detailed documentation throughout the process.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation summaries and reports that outline findings, recommendations, and appropriate next steps.
• Partner with HR leadership to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant outcomes in all investigations.
• Collaborate with HR leadership to assess, develop, and update company policies and procedures related to employee relations and workplace conduct.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies across the organization.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Work closely with HR leadership to address potential legal exposure and to align HR practices with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programs for managers on employee relations best practices, investigations, compliance, and effective communication.
• Conduct organization-wide training and awareness campaigns on respectful workplace standards, reporting channels, and anti-harassment policies.
• Support the performance management process by coaching managers on feedback delivery, documentation, and progressive discipline.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field, required
• PHR, SHRM-CP, SPHR or SHRM-SCP, preferred
• 3+ years of experience in employee relations and/or advice and counsel.
• Strong knowledge of employee law and regulations
• Excellent investigative skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:  Caring for You, So You Can Care for Others   

• Medical, dental and vision
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Generous Paid Time Off plan & attendance incentives
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)

Stronger Together: Supporting Your Growth & Success  

• 401(k), including an employer match up to $2,500 annually
• Education Assistance up to $5,250 annually
• As Grafton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness

 If you have issues applying or have any questions about this position, please reach out to us at hr@grafton.org  

 Grafton is an equal employment opportunity employer and tobacco-free workplace.  

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