Director of Employee Relations

Job Description

Position Title: Employee Relations Director

Department: Administration

Supervised By: Executive Director

Location: Santee, Ca

Status: Exempt/Salary

Posted:


Closing Date: Until Filled

Hours: Vary depending on need

General Statement of Responsibilities:

The Employee Relations Director leads key human resources functions for Lantern Crest Senior Living and advises employees, department leaders, and executive leadership on employment matters. The role directs employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, payroll, benefits and leave administration, recruitment and onboarding, training, workplace safety, workers' compensation, and HR policy and compliance. The Director applies consistent practices across the employee lifecycle, supports a respectful and accountable workplace, and aligns HR operations with the needs of the community and its residents.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Advise leaders and employees on policies, conduct, performance, attendance, conflict resolution, and employment practices; coach supervisors on fair, timely, and well documented decisions.

1. Receive and investigate complaints and workplace concerns; document findings, recommend appropriate action, and monitor follow through and nonretaliation.

1. Guide corrective action, performance improvement plans, separations, and other sensitive personnel decisions in coordination with executive leadership.

1. Identify workplace trends, recommend improvements, and partner with leaders on employee engagement, communication, and retention.

1. Direct and process payroll, review time records and pay changes, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate records in accordance with applicable wage and hour requirements.

1. Oversee employee data, personnel files, HRIS records, reporting, and confidentiality controls; maintain reliable records for audits and business decisions.

1. Develop and improve HR procedures, workflows, and systems; provide leadership with relevant workforce and payroll information.

1. Administer benefits enrollment, changes, employee education, vendor coordination, and issue resolution, including health and retirement programs.

1. Coordinate protected and company leaves, disability related accommodations, and the interactive process with employees, leaders, benefit providers, and other appropriate partners.

1. Maintain accurate leave and benefits records and communicate requirements, eligibility, and next steps clearly to employees and supervisors.

1. Partner with leaders on staffing needs, job postings, candidate selection, offers, and hiring processes; oversee consistent and timely onboarding.

1. Coordinate orientation and required employee training; track completion and maintain training records.

1. Assess development needs and facilitate practical training for supervisors and employees, including policy, leadership, and compliance topics.

1. Oversee HR policy development, communication, and application; monitor changes in applicable employment requirements and recommend updates to leadership.

1. Coordinate workplace safety training and documentation, OSHA related recordkeeping and reporting, workplace injury response, and workers' compensation claims with appropriate partners.

1. Maintain required workplace notices and support employment related audits and regulatory requests.

1. Apply community policies and applicable senior living requirements, including employee screening, training, and recordkeeping obligations; collaborate with department leaders to support a safe environment for staff, residents, and guests.

1. Participate in leadership meetings, maintain professional and confidential working relationships, and perform other duties consistent with the role as assigned by the Executive Director.

1. Promotes collaboration and effective communication between the Business Office and other community departments.

1. Participate in daily stand-up and department meetings to communicate key issues, share updates, and maintain alignment with overall community goals.

1. Support community marketing efforts through interactions with tours, engaging prospects, and attending events.

1. Maintain current knowledge of senior living, assisted living, and dementia-specific care through ongoing education.

1. Work a flexible schedule as needed to support events, tours, and community outreach.

1. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

At least five years of progressive human resources experience required, including substantial responsibility for employee relations, investigations, and advising leaders; prior management or functional leadership experience Required.

Experience administering payroll, benefits, leaves, accommodations, HR records, and employee training; proficiency with ADP HRIS, payroll, timekeeping, and standard office applications required.

Working knowledge of California and federal employment requirements, wage and hour practices, workplace safety, and confidential personnel recordkeeping.

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR required.

Strong judgment, discretion, analytical ability, and written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage competing priorities and address sensitive matters with consistency and care.

Experience in senior living, health care, hospitality, or another regulated service environment preferred.

Must be able to meet all employment, background screening, training, and other requirements applicable to employees working in a California Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE).

Licenses/Certifications:

A valid driver's license required with application submission and must be maintained throughout employment.


Character:

Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Must be responsible and able to exercise good judgment, accept administrative supervision, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, including the ability to interact effectively and communicate with people in a professional and courteous manner. Must be highly confidential and work as a team with other staff. Applicants should be sensitive to clients' needs.

Skills:

Working knowledge of payroll and timekeeping processes. Ability to establish and maintain effective internal controls and organized documentation systems. Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement effective process improvements. Ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet established deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to supervise, coach, develop, and hold assigned employees accountable. Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to effectively use and learn payroll. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with community leadership, accounting, Human Resources, and other departments.


Physical and Personal Requirements:

Normal office environment. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs. repetitive hand movement; use and view PC. Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state. Travel as needed.

Compliance:

Each employee plays a key role in creating a compliance culture. Employees are expected to learn and comply with all Lantern Crest policies and procedures. One must have the ability to understand the implications and complexities of all compliance policies. Participation in all compliance training is mandatory and generally has a heightened awareness of policies and regulations that are specific to one's department and position. All Lantern Crest employees are expected to report violations or suspected violations of compliance policies or regulations.


Other:

Applicants must successfully pass a pre-screening tuberculin skin test or x-ray and a urine drug screen test. Candidates will be required to undergo a physical to ensure health is adequate to perform all duties of the position. Applicants must complete application and authorization form, both must be submitted to Human Resources prior to the close date indicated. Applicants will be required to undergo a background check consisting of fingerprinting and criminal records check with DOJ and FBI.

Benefits Available:

Medical /Dental/Vision

Retirement Savings Plan (401k)

Health Flexible Spending Accounts/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Life and Accident Insurance

Short Term Disability/Hospital Indemnity/Critical Illness


Paid Time Off


Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Employees and their Dependents