Employee Relations Manager

Overview

We are seeking an Employee Relations Manager / Specialist , bilingual in English / Spanish, who has experience in behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment settings. This role is based in our El Cajon, CA office and requires full-time onsite work (5 days a week at this time). Travel to provide support to clinics and recovery centers up to 20% of the time. First round for consideration deadline: Applications due Friday, 9/5/2025.

Position Overview

This role is pivotal in fostering a positive, respectful, and compliant workplace across McAlister Institute. We are seeking a well-versed employee relations professional who understands the pivotal role employee relations has in driving success — swiftly addressing concerns, proactively anticipating and removing barriers, valuing clear and consistent feedback, utilizing data to inform and drive decisions, leveraging technology so we can focus on the human matters while improving efficiencies, and having a mindset for continuous improvement while understanding the limitations of hustle culture and burnout.

Help us continue our priority of making McAlister Institute the best place to work and receive care.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex and high-volume employee relations matters, including performance management, misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and workplace conflict.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations, including documentation, witness interviews, and findings reports.
• Provide expert consultation and coaching to managers and employees on employee relations, performance concerns, disciplinary action, and policy interpretation.
• Monitor trends and recurring issues to proactively address systemic concerns.
• In collaboration with Director of HR, partner with outside legal counsel as needed to manage risk and ensure compliance with labor and employment laws.
• Assist in developing, updating, and communicating HR policies and procedures to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and city employment laws, as well as contractually mandated employment requirements.
• Deliver training and education to leaders on best practices in employee relations, progressive discipline, and documentation.
• Ensure all documentation related to employee relations is accurate, timely, and appropriately filed.
• Engage employees and managers in a culturally responsive manner; provide ER support in both English and Spanish as needed.
• Collaborate with HR and program leadership on organizational initiatives that impact workforce culture and engagement.
• Participate in special projects, audits, and HR process improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR) preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible employee relations or HR generalist experience, with demonstrated expertise managing complex, high-volume cases.
• Experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or social services environment highly preferred.
• Experience supporting a multilingual workforce and working directly with frontline employees.
• Experience with HRIS and other Employee Relations tracking softwares/platforms. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid and unrestricted California driver’s license with a good driving record and personal auto insurance.
• Fluency in both spoken and written Spanish and English required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices.
• Ability to remain neutral, objective, and tactful during sensitive situations.
• Skilled in conducting investigations, preparing summaries, and advising on next steps.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with HRIS, case management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• High degree of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and discretion.
• Proficiency in working with both managers and employees to resolve conflicts and improve workplace dynamics.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screenings, including education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a TB test. We abide by County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services requirements.
• Will perform work in an indoor, office-based environment.
• The position is based in our offices and clinics; hybrid work may be possible in the future, but onsite work is prioritized for efficacy.
• Occasional evening or weekend work depending on case urgency.
• Frequent interaction with employees and occasional interaction with clients in behavioral health treatment environments.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to facilities across San Diego county, as needed. Ability to travel by car up to 20% of the time and work after hours if required by travel schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, and any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

What’s In It for You

• Health Benefits available the first of the month following 30 days.
• Eligible to contribute to 403(b) at first paycheck. Employer match up to 6%.
• 13 Paid Holidays off in addition to 10 days of annual vacation.
• Loan Forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources

Industries

• Mental Health Care