Employee Relations and Workers Compensation Specialist (Foster City)

Job Description

Job Description

About MidPen 

At MidPen, we build communities that change lives. Since 1970, we have been committed to our mission: to provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony, and mutual respect.

We develop affordable housing, provide professional property management for all our communities, and coordinate robust onsite support programs that help residents thrive. We are active in 12 Northern California counties and have earned recognition as one of the nation's leading non-profit developers and stewards of affordable housing. Our current portfolio of more than 142 properties is home to 22,800 working families, seniors, and people with special needs. We take pride in delivering affordable housing solutions, and we invite you to join us on a journey toward social, economic, and racial equity.

Location:  Foster City

Employee Relations & Workers' Compensation Specialist  

The Employee Relations & Workers' Compensation Specialist provides administrative, operational, and compliance support for employee relations, workers' compensation, workplace safety, performance management, and regulatory reporting activities. This role supports case management, investigations, claims administration, compliance reporting, and documentation while maintaining strict confidentiality. The Specialist partners with the People Team, managers, employees, and external agencies to ensure timely resolution of workplace issues, accurate reporting, and compliance with organizational policies and applicable laws. 

This is a hybrid position, based on current MidPen policy of working Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the Foster City Office. Monday and Friday, option to work from home or the office. When working from home, requires a reliable internet connection.

Responsibilities:   

Employee Relations Administration  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations inquiries and concerns. 
• Receive, document, track, and support resolution of employee relations matters, including workplace conflicts, policy violations, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims. 
• Conduct and support workplace investigations under the direction of the Employee Relations Business Partner, including preparing investigation documentation, interview summaries, case reports, and related records. 
• Maintain confidential employee relations files and monitor case progress to ensure timely follow-up and resolution. 

Workers' Compensation Coordination  

• Administer workers' compensation claims and ensure timely reporting to third-party administrators and insurance partners. 
• Collect, maintain, and track claim documentation, incident reports, medical certifications, and return-to-work information. 
• Serve as liaison among employees, managers, medical providers, insurance carriers, and external partners. 
• Monitor claim activity, provide status updates, and support settlement documentation. 
• Maintain workers' compensation records, reporting metrics, and compliance documentation. 

Safety & Risk Management Support  

• Support workplace safety programs by partnering with leaders and employees to promote a safe, respectful, and compliant work environment. 
• Assist with investigating, documenting, and resolving workplace injuries, safety incidents, near misses, and workers' compensation claims. 
• Coordinate post-incident response activities, including investigations, corrective actions, and return-to-work planning. 
• Partner with Safety, People Team, and operational leaders to identify hazards, analyze trends, and implement preventive measures. 
• Maintain safety records and support compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulations. 
• Support workplace violence prevention, threat assessment, crisis response, and critical incident follow-up activities. 

Performance Management Support  

• Partner with People Business Partners and department leaders to track performance management activities, including maintaining documentation for corrective actions, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and employee coaching. 
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of performance management documentation and provide guidance to managers on performance management processes and documentation requirements. 
• Prepare related reports and metrics. 

Compliance and Audit Support  

• Support internal and external audits by preparing reports, maintaining audit-ready records, and ensuring timely completion of documentation and regulatory requirements. 
• Assist with annual Risk Score compliance testing and other compliance initiatives. 
• Coordinate OSHA reporting, maintain injury and illness logs, and assist with required regulatory filings. 

Reporting & Data Management  

• Maintain employee relations, workers' compensation, safety, and compliance databases. 
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. 
• Track and analyze trends related to employee relations cases, workers' compensation claims, unemployment claims, safety incidents, and compliance activities. 
• Ensure data accuracy and address discrepancies promptly. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications   

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience; Bachelor's degree preferred. 
• 2 to 4 years of experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Workers' Compensation, Risk Management, or related area. 
• Experience supporting employee relations investigations, workers' compensation claims administration, OSHA reporting, unemployment claims, and compliance or audit activities preferred. 
• Knowledge of California employment laws and regulations preferred. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and confidentiality skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems. 
• HR certification (aPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent) preferred. 

Travel  

• Minimal to occasional travel required for investigations, hearings, and site visits. 

Pay Range

$77,600 - $87,300 Annual Salary -  Pay based on applicable experience and qualification  

Benefits and Compensation (see here for full details)

• Health Insurance 
• Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Investment
• Employee Education Reimbursement Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• FSA for Childcare, Medical, and Commuter Benefits
• EAP Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Company Holidays
• Wellness Days

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MidPen Housing Corp. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please notify your recruiter. Consistent with its obligations under the law, MidPen Housing Corp. will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.