Employee Relations Consultant

Job Description

This role is responsible for management of client‑aligned relationships, responding to employee concerns, workplace policies, procedures, compliance with all company and external requirements, oversight of all employee leave management programs, contributing to productivity, motivation, and morale, while instilling and maintaining our Lifetime Way Culture and Values. The incumbent will define and implement proactive employee relations strategies and initiatives, lead investigations, and help create action plans as required to bring situations to resolution.

• Acts as a consultative partner to client‑aligned team(s) to ensure effective alignment of employee relations partnership with strategic organizational objectives. Collaborates with Human Resources Business Partners and other HR leaders/business partners to drive a Lifetime Way Culture, strategic goals, and performance management based on a shared set of values and company mission.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for day‑to‑day talent and performance management guidance to all levels of staff (coaching, counseling, human capital development, disciplinary actions up to and including terminations) to assess and minimize legal risk with effective follow through and resolution. Serves as trusted advisor to leadership, providing sound business guidance around employee relations issues.
• Manages and resolves employee relations issues. Conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations including partnership with Ethics & Compliance on ethic complaints related to the Code of Conduct and other state and regulatory agencies.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day‑to‑day management of employees, reducing legal risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Partners with the Legal department as needed/required. Ensures compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements. Proactively mitigates current and future legal risk through continuous assessment.
• Responsible for responding to any legal claims and subpoenas. Gathers documentation in coordination with legal. Assists with preparation and attendance at hearings or court appearances.
• Develops, interprets, recommends, and effectively communicates HR practices, policies, procedures and initiatives and makes best practice change recommendations for business alignment purposes.
• Conducts ongoing training for compliance, development, and policy implementation to ensure leaders are aware of employee and employer leave rights and responsibilities.
• Creates, manages and monitors all retention initiatives including tracking data, providing recommendations/solutions, and pivoting as needed to drive low turnover and employee engagement. Conducts exit interviews and provides monthly reporting to identify trends and areas of concern.
• Partners with HR Team and organization on various compliance audits including FLSA, compensation and systems data integrity.
• Manages all aspects of employee leave management programs, NYS Disability & Supplemental Disability, NYS Paid Family Leave, Family Leave Act, Workers Compensation, NYS Paid Sick Leave, Americans With Disability Act, and ergonomics. Advises managers and employees on the interaction of leave laws with paid time off. Collaborates closely with Payroll team to ensure leave payments are properly tracked and paid.
• Manages random drug and alcohol testing with external vendor and employment action because of policy infractions.
• Consistently demonstrates high standards of integrity by supporting the Lifetime Healthcare Companies’ mission and values, adhering to the Corporate Code of Conduct, and leading to the Lifetime Way values and beliefs.
• Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance is expected and required.
• Performs other functions as assigned by management.

• Responsible for responding to concerns, including complex investigations, pertaining to workplace policies, procedures, and compliance with all Company and external requirements to mitigate Company‑wide risk and contribute to productivity,…