Employee Relations Specialist

At Novogradac, we value individuals who bring unique perspectives and bold ideas. If you’re eager to contribute to an inclusive, innovative environment where your personal and professional growth is encouraged and supported, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us.

The Employee Relations Specialist manages a variety of responsibilities within the employee relations function of the human resources department, including handling a variety of complex employee relations and performance management cases, managing the process for leave of absence and accommodations, and helping facilitate the semi‑annual performance check‑in process. This position may also flex into other functional areas of HR in order to provide assistance and/or back‑up support.

The Employee Relations Specialist reports to the Employee Relations Manager.

The firm has one available position in either Atlanta,GA, Austin,TX, Dover,OH, Long Beach,CA, or Portland,OR.

• Research and resolve a variety of complex employee relations and performance management issues/concerns for designated positions, with direction from the Employee Relations Manager and oversight from the Assistant Director of Human Resources. Recommend course of action from coaching to formal discipline to termination decisions.
• Draft performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions and other types of communication/documentation for employee relations cases.
• Conduct intake of employee concerns received by email, phone or via the company’s case management system.
• Coach leaders on effective communication techniques for employee issues.
• Assist in the facilitation of the semi‑annual performance feedback Check‑In process for designated office(s) or client groups, including assisting with system set‑up, supporting leaders in developing content/message, as well as conducting HR review and approval of feedback.
• Responsible for administering the company’s Leave of Absence (LOA) program, including providing required paperwork, tracking requests/approvals/return‑to‑work, case management, and maintaining confidential LOA files.
• Responsible for managing requests for employee accommodations (ADA), including facilitating the interactive process between employee and manager as well as reviewing supporting documentation and identifying/recommending appropriate accommodations, as necessary.
• Conduct exit interviews; assist in monthly tracking of turnover data.
• May assist with internal investigations in response to concerns or complaints and recommend appropriate actions.
• Act as witness or note‑taker, when needed, for employee relations cases being managed by the Employee Relations Manager or Assistant Director of HR.
• Assist in developing and presenting management development training courses.
• Provide back‑up support to the HR department for coverage or other special projects as needed.

• Display strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather information, conduct analyses, present findings, and create solutions. Must have superior skills in writing/documentation, assessing employee relations situations, take a coaching/collaborative approach, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the ability to analyze and interpret complex HR policies and law and translate them clearly to staff at all levels of the organization.
• Complete work accurately with strong attention to details.
• Ability to develop rapport with a variety of personalities, maintain a calm and professional demeanor during stressful situations, and effectively defuse escalated personnel situations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize a fast‑paced and varied workload, effectively manage a variety of concurrent and shifting priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive work‑related information.
• Strong computer skills, including solid skill in the Microsoft Office suite (prefer advanced skill in Excel) and familiarity with a variety of HR software programs (Paychex Flex and Workday, preferred)
• Able to work evenings and weekends based on position needs.

Bachelor’s degree in…