Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist – Winslow Indian Health Care Center

Under general supervision of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Employee Relations Specialist provides supervisory support and guidance in addressing personnel issues, provides counseling services to employees, coordinates the resolution of workplace conflict, and acts as the liaison for external entities regarding employment issues such as dismissals and background checks. The specialist ensures timely resolve of workplace conflict, reviews and revises WIHCC personnel policies on conduct, trains staff on appropriate personnel issue handling, and preserves WIHCC values by maintaining confidentiality and upholding the organization’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Acts as the primary point of contact with legal counsel and government/tribal agencies related to personnel matters.
• Represents WIHCC in personnel‑related matters such as grievances, hearings, claims, unemployment proceedings, and professional meetings.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, tribal, and local employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance, including the Navajo Preference in Employment Act and related proceedings.
• Supports consistent employee communication through meetings, suggestion programs, engagement surveys, focus groups, and one‑on‑one meetings.
• Advises and participates in strategic HR initiatives such as succession planning, staff training and development, and employee retention.
• Investigates employee complaints and workplace issues, ensures investigations are prompt, thorough, and impartial.
• Conducts interviews, gathers and analyzes evidence, and prepares comprehensive investigation reports with findings and recommendations.
• Facilitates conflict resolution and mediates disputes between employees or between employees and supervisors.
• Advises management on disciplinary actions and prepares related documentation, including corrective action and performance improvement plans.
• Prepares and issues disciplinary action memorandums, including EPIPs, written reprimands, and personnel actions such as administrative leave.
• Ensures consistent application of policies and employment laws across all departments.
• Works with teams that plan, communicate, and integrate strategic planning results throughout the organization, keeping executive management informed.
• Provides expert advice, coaching, and assistance to management on matters with legal implications.
• Works closely with legal counsel and Compliance Officer on complex or high‑risk employee relations matters.
• Interprets investigation findings and produces follow‑up plans for closure.
• Assembles and delivers ONLR and NNLC responses for labor relations charges and hearings.
• Prepares comprehensive reports highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations.
• Responds to recruitment inquiries regarding rehire eligibility and employee transfers, ensuring compliance.
• Develops, reviews, and updates policies, programs and procedures related to employee relations.
• Coordinates with the Background Specialist on background checks and employment eligibility.
• Issues appropriate disciplinary action in response to background‑related violations under the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Adjudicates background checks in a timely manner.
• Manages weekly employee relations update meetings with management and legal counsel.
• Maintains accurate, confidential records of all employee relations activities.
• Identifies areas for improvement in employee relations processes and implements enhancements.
• Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Maintains compliance with all HR requirements.
• Formulates training materials covering employee relations topics including HR policies, ONLR protocols, and NNLC processes.
• Conducts training sessions for supervisors on addressing personnel issues.
• Utilizes real‑life examples to illustrate best practices.
• Equips supervisors with the necessary skills to address concerns at the department level.
• Serves as primary coordinator for conflict resolution within the organization.
• Facilitates fair and impartial…