Employee Relations Specialist

Position Summary:

Under general supervision of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Employee Relations Specialist provides supervisory support and guidance in addressing personnel issues, provide counseling services to employees, coordinate the resolution of workplace conflict and is the liaison for external entities when addressing employment issues such as dismissals, and performing employee background checks. Oversees the timely resolution of workplace conflict and conduct concerns, reviewing, and revising WIHCC, Inc.

personnel policies on workplace conduct. Trains staff on properly addressing personnel issues. Protects WIHCC’s values by keeping information confidential and upholds the principles of WIHCC’s Vision, Mission, and Values.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

Acts as the primary point of contact with legal counsel and government/tribal agencies related to personnel matters. Represent WIHCC in a variety of 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.

Maintains current knowledge of legal requirements and governing reporting regulations including but not limited to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act requirements, Navajo Nation Labor Commission proceedings, Arizona Department of Economic Security, and other entities typically associated with employee relations functions, including unemployment hearings.

Supports time and consistent employee communication and feedback 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, including misconduct, harassment, and policy violations; ensures investigations are prompt, thorough, and impartial.

Conducts interviews, gathers and analyzes evidence, and prepares detailed comprehensive investigation reports with findings and recommendations.

Facilitates conflict resolution and mediates disputes between employees or between employees and supervisors.

Advises management on appropriate disciplinary actions and prepares related documentation, including corrective action and performance improvement plans.

Prepares and issues disciplinary action memorandums, as required, including Employee Performance Improvement Plans (EPIPs), written reprimands, and personnel actions such as placement on administrative leave.

Ensures consistent application of organizational policies, procedures, and employment laws across all departments.

Works with teams that plan, communicate, and integrates results of strategic planning throughout the organization.

Keeps executive management team informed on all activities, significant problems and issues.

Provides expert advice, coaching and assistance to management, and other matters which may have legal implications.

Works closely with the legal counsel and Compliance Officer on complex or high-risk employee relations matters of Winslow Indian Health Care Center, Inc., as necessary.

Interprets findings of investigations and producing a follow-up plan for closure

Assembles and delivers ONLR and NNLC responses, including supporting exhibits, for labor relations charges and Labor Commission hearings.

Prepares comprehensive reports as needed, highlighting key findings, trends, and recommendations for improvement.

Responds to recruitment team…