Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist

Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist Salary: $86,000.00 annually

The Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist manage employee relations issues, leads investigations, and supports a positive, compliant workplace culture. The role strengthens engagement by building trust, enhancing the employee experience, and maintaining a visible HR presence across contract sites. The specialist partners with leadership, HR, and legal to address sensitive matters, identify trends, and recommend strategies that improve culture and reduce organizational risk.

• 1. Serve as the primary contact for employee relations and engagement issues, including complaints, concerns, and disciplinary matters.
• 2. Conduct 30-, 90-, and 6-month new-hire check-ins to assess engagement and address issues early.
• 3. Build trust and maintain visibility across contract sites to support a positive employee experience.
• 4. Lead timely, objective investigations into misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations.
• 5. Prepare investigation reports and corrective action recommendations aligned with policy and legal standards.
• 6. Advise managers on performance management, discipline, and consistent policy application.
• 7. Interpret and apply Company policies, procedures, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• 8. Support labor relations activities, including grievances and union-related matters.
• 9. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• 10. Maintain confidential case files and documentation per legal and retention requirements.
• 11. Partner with HR and legal on EEOC, NLRB, and other employment-related claims.
• 12. Assist in developing and updating employee relations and engagement policies and procedures.
• 13. Provide training on workplace behavior, complaint processes, conflict resolution, and engagement practices.
• 14. Analyze employee relations and engagement data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• 15. Support contracts start-ups, transitions, and organizational changes with employee relations expertise.
• 16. Advise leadership on sensitive personnel issues, organizational risk, and employee morale.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in employee or labor relations or a similar HR role.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws
• Experience conducting investigations, supporting disciplinary actions, and managing employee relations cases.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with employees and management.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

• Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Two+ years in structured employee relations or HR compliance.
• Experience in government contracting or highly regulated environments.
• Background supporting investigations, grievances, or unionized work forces.
• Interest in developing expertise in employee relations, employment law, and organizational risk.

Frequent travel is required to support contract locations, conduct employee check-ins, lead investigations, and maintain a visible HR presence. The role requires willingness to travel up to 60% of the time, including in-state and out-of-state trips based on operational needs.