Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist role at Children's Specialized ABA

Children’s Specialized ABA is designed to address the comprehensive needs of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By leveraging the expertise of the Children’s Specialized Hospital Autism Center of Excellence, the program aims to expand access to innovative and compassionate care, empowering children diagnosed with autism to thrive. Children’s Specialized ABA offers home-based, community-based, and center-based ABA therapy.

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a multi-state workforce within the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field by fostering a fair, respectful, and compliant workplace. This role addresses employee concerns, conducts workplace investigations, supports annual performance management processes, and advises leaders on employee relations matters across multiple jurisdictions. The Employee Relations Specialist partners closely with field leadership, HR, and legal counsel to mitigate risk, ensure consistent application of policies, and support high-quality clinical and operational outcomes.

• Receive, assess, and respond to employee concerns, complaints, and workplace issues in a timely and professional manner
• Work with employees and their managers to understand perspectives and guide them toward resolution of conflicts or workplace issues
• Conduct impartial workplace investigations related to employee relations matters, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and field-based concerns
• Investigate internal employee complaints and recommend solutions to management, the Director of Human Resources, and the VP of Human Resources, including consistent corrective action or termination, while weighing legal risk factors to the organization
• Interview employees and management, gather evidence, and maintain detailed and confidential documentation
• Document investigation findings, recommendations, and resolutions in accordance with company policy and employment law

• Interpret and apply company policies, employee handbooks, and state specific addendums across multiple states
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws applicable to multi-state employers
• Monitor state-specific requirements related to wage and hour, leave laws, training, and disciplinary practices
• May assist in the creation and refinement of company-wide HR policies and collaborate and consult on non-HR policies
• Partner with legal counsel and senior HR leadership on high-risk or complex employee relations matters, including those involving licensed clinicians and direct care staff

• Support and administer the annual performance management process for field-based and administrative employees across multiple states
• Manage and oversee annual performance reviews within the HRIS system and ensure timely and accurate completion
• Coach managers and clinical leaders on performance management best practices, including progressive performance management, performance improvement plans (PIPs), exit strategies, and involuntary separations
• Review performance documentation for consistency, fairness, and compliance across locations and job roles
• Provide guidance on corrective action tied to performance outcomes, including coordination with credentialing or licensure considerations where applicable

• Complete and manage leave of absence requests in compliance with federal, state, and local laws
• Administer the ADA interactive process, including intake, documentation review, and determination of reasonable accommodations
• Partner with managers, employees, and healthcare providers to assess accommodation needs and operational feasibility
• Ensure timely, consistent, and legally compliant accommodation determinations and ongoing monitoring
• Maintain confidential records related to leaves and ADA accommodations

• Maintain accurate, confidential employee relations case…