The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for promoting and fostering a positive employer-employee relationship and work environment by partnering with leaders and working directly with employees to resolve issues and provide guidance on employee policies and practices.  The Employee Relations Specialist will build strong partnerships with leaders to advise and consult on managing disciplinary matters, including performance management, while ensuring fair treatment and compliance with company policies and employment laws.  The Employee Relations Specialist conducts investigations and resolves employee complaints, grievances, and conflicts. The Employee Relations Specialist works collaboratively across the PR team to develop and implement policies, practices and strategies, upholding organizational values and helping to foster a culture of inclusivity that supports the overall mission of LifeCenter Northwest.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performance Management

• Provides guidance to leaders on LifeCenter’s Continuous Performance Management (CBP) philosophy and model.
• Manages and trains leadership on tools, practices and the escalation process associated with performance management.
• Leads the performance management process and discussions with leadership and collaborates with the PR Generalist to support leader delivery of Performance Improvement Plans and documentation.
• Provides consultative support to leaders including coaching on how to deliver feedback and best practices.
• Partners closely with managers through the Performance Improvement Plan process, to resolution, ensuring timely follow-up and proactive management of the process.

Employee Relations

• In collaboration with the PR Generalist, fields employee complaints and grievances, and provides support for employees with concerns; follows up as necessary.
• Provides consultative support to leaders including coaching, conflict resolution support and best practices.
• Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues and conflicts.
• Conducts thorough and objective investigations when needed.
• In collaboration with PR Director serves as lead to obtain external support when necessary.
• Manages the employee end of employment and exit interview processes.
• Tracks trends and feedback and identifies areas where dissatisfaction/attrition could cause organizational risk.
• Provides real-time insight to leadership, PRO team, and PR Director as applicable to collaborate to address concerns.

General Responsibilities

• Build trusted and consultative relationships with leaders, cross-functional partners, staff at all levels and PR team members.
• Identify leadership development and coaching opportunities and partner with PR and Learning & Development team to develop approaches as applicable.
• Participate in the development, enhancements and roll out of people related programs, processes, and policies in alignment with business goals and objectives.
• Partners with the PRO Team to review compliance with federal and applicable state regulations, monitors Donation Service Area (DSA) regulatory agencies for updates impactful to the organization.
• Partner closely with PRO team to create, deliver and implement process improvements, policies, procedures, and various other PRO initiatives. May take the lead on projects and initiatives as needed.
• Maintains a scalable and functional process for documentation and recordkeeping surrounding performance management and employee relations.
• Partners with the PRO team to respond to state Unemployment Insurance claims.

Supervision

• This position has no formal supervisory responsibility. The position serves as an advisor and consultant for the organization and coach and mentor for other positions in the department. 

Other Responsibilities:

• Participates in, and may lead, employee committees and events.
• Performs other related duties as required by the needs of the company and the leadership team.
• Complies with applicable laws, regulations, and LifeCenter policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• In depth knowledge of state and federal employment laws and regulations.
• Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Expert knowledge in practices related to employee conduct, performance and conflict resolution.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple cases and prioritize work effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills to analyze complex employee relations issues and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent relationship building, communication and interpersonal skills, i.e., diplomacy, consideration, sensitivity, confidentiality, and the ability to collaborate with employees at all levels.
• Proven expertise in building and maintaining business partnerships through collaboration and consulting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with professionalism.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, constantly changing and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Strong working skills in Outlook, Word, Excel, MS Project, Power Point, and other comparable software programs.
• Experience working with an HRIS/PRIS system

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee in this position must uphold the core values of LifeCenter; these include:

• Integrity: We are trustworthy, reliable, respectful, and accountable.
• Collaboration: We work in partnership with others, seeking to understand and be understood, and finding common ground and shared goals to build upon together.
• Courage: We take personal responsibility and face challenges head-on.
• Service: Through professionalism and dedication, we honor our commitment to serve others and our obligation to be good stewards of the gift of life.

Physical Activities/Requirements

• The individual must have the ability to communicate clearly using the English language to accurately convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the phone. 
• Travel requirements out of the general work area are infrequent.
• This position requires the ability to effectively operate phones, computers, and other office equiBPent.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include reviewing material on and off screen.
• Generally, working conditions do not require exposure to hazardous materials nor extremes in health and safety hazards. Work is normally performed in an office or hospital setting, as well as other business environments.
• The employee is required to move up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.

ANTICIPATED WEEKLY TIME COMMITMENT

• The duties of this position will typically require 37 hours per week. Because of the nature of this position, the incumbent may need to work outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, sometimes without advance notice.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & JOB REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of demonstrated work experience as an Employee Relations Manager/Specialist, HR Business Partner or similar role.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field.
• Relevant work experience can be considered and substituted for academic requirements.
• PHR/SPHR designation, SPRM-CP or equivalent preferred
• Progressive experience with
  • managing employee complaints and conducting thorough and impartial investigations,
  • performance management process and discussions, and
  • providing advice and consult to leaders and employees regarding employment policies and practices.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer. 

LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance. Employees have the option of enrolling in the following supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage and pet insurance. Employees enrolled in our 403(b) program will receive an employer match of up to 7% after one year, employees are auto enrolled at 3% and may change their enrollment at any time. LifeCenter encourages all employees to find balance and well-being and provides all employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provides a quarterly Wellness Reimbursement. Employees enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year and earn 119 hours of PTO annually (to start) as well as Health Time Off hours that is earned 1 hour per 30 worked, paid living donor leave, two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service, and three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service is complete. A comprehensive review of benefits can be found at https://lcnw.org/about/employment-opportunities/.

The pay range for this role is provided above. Where a candidate’s compensation falls within this range is based on several bona fide factors such as experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. LifeCenter Northwest is committed to providing its employees equitable and competitive compensation.

LifeCenter Northwest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.