Employee Relations Specialist

We're Looking for an experienced Employee Relations Specialist!

About the Company:
Security Benefit is a leader in the U.S. retirement market with more than $60 billion in assets under management. We offer opportunities to thrive, innovate, and make an impact. As part of our team, you'll play a key role in driving the future of the U.S. retirement industry. Security Benefit is a PLACE where we promise to help our customers To and Through Retirement®.

We're proud to have been recognized as one of the best in the business:

• Named to Ward's 50 list of top-performing life-health insurance companies
• Recognized on list of Ingram's Top 100 Private Companies in the Kansas City area in 2024

About the Role:
The Employee Relations Specialist is the operational foundation of the team - the first point of contact for routine employee and manager questions, the owner of HR transactions and compliance tracking, and the logistical backbone that keeps cases, programs, and processes running accurately and on time. Working closely with the Sr.Employee Relations Specialist and Manager, this role ensures a positive HR experience for employees navigating workplace processes and creates the capacity for the senior team members to focus on complex, high-impact work. It's a strong fit for someone with a few years of HR experience who is ready to go deeper and grow within a team-oriented function.

The Employee Relations Specialist position reports to the Manager, Employee Relations. This position can be based in our Topeka, KS home office or our Overland Park, KS location. Security Benefits provides a hybrid environment.


Employee Relations Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for routine employee and manager inquiries - resolving what is within scope and escalating complex or sensitive matters to the Sr. Specialist or Manager.
• Open and maintain case files, log case details, and ensure records are accurate and confidential.
• Support investigations by scheduling interviews, gathering documentation, and assisting with report formatting under the direction of the Sr. Specialist.
• Support managers through performance management and corrective action steps with guidance from the Sr. Specialist.
• Conduct exit interviews and offboarding conversations, ensuring a respectful experience and accurate documentation of feedback.

HR Transactions & Systems

• Process employee changes in the HRIS system - promotions, location changes, org updates, position changes, and involuntary separations.
• Monitor Manager Self-Service workflows and follow up on incomplete or overdue transactions.
• Administer severance processes - draft agreements from approved templates, coordinate delivery, track returned documents, and work with payroll on final pay instructions.

Compliance & Program Administration

• Own the non-employee worker (NEW) process - collect agreements and statements of work, enter workers into the HRIS, and track expirations; escalate compliance concerns promptly.
• Maintain immigration case files, track visa and work authorization statuses, and support I-9, E-Verify, and Public Access File compliance under direction of the Manager.
• Handle unemployment claims - review notices, gather documentation, and submit timely responses; escalate contested claims as appropriate.
• Support handbook and policy library maintenance, tracking review schedules and keeping documents current and accessible.

Performance Management Support

• Help managers navigate day-to-day performance management questions and connect them to appropriate resources and processes.
• Support administration of the performance review cycle - track completion, send reminders, and ensure documentation is accurately filed.
• Assist in preparing and monitoring Performance Improvement Plans, including documentation and timeline tracking.
• Connect employees and managers to career development and learning resources.

Survey, Data & Training Support

• Coordinate logistics for employee lifecycle surveys - draft communications, track completion, and maintain data accuracy to support the analysis work of the Sr. Specialist and Manager.
• Partner with the Analytics team by providing accurate case data and subject matter context; focus is on data accuracy rather than report generation.
• Support the execution of manager capability training and ER educational initiatives, including logistics for Skills Strategy coaching sessions.

What We're Looking For:

• 2-4 years of HR experience, with some background in employee relations or HR generalist work.
• Experience with an HRIS system required; Dayforce experience a plus.
• Working knowledge of employment law and HR compliance requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail - accurate records and consistent follow-through are essential in this role.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Clear communicator who can engage with employees and managers at all levels with care and professionalism.
• Genuine curiosity and eagerness to grow within the HR and workforce operations discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.

Why Choose Security Benefit?
When you join our team, you're not just getting a paycheck - you're getting a career path full of growth opportunities, plus a robust benefits package that puts your well-being first. Here's what you can expect as a full-time Security Benefit associate:

• Competitive salary and annual incentive bonuses to reward your contributions.
• 33 days of paid time off (including PTO, holidays, Volunteer Day, and days of significance).
• Paid parental leave after 90 days of service.
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match, plus Profit Sharing & Savings Plan.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Life Insurance to protect your loved ones.
• Educational assistance to support your career development.
• Associate assistance programs for your personal and professional well-being.

Ready to Make an Impact?
Apply today by visiting our career page to submit your resume. We're excited to meet you!

Security Benefit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.