Compliance Specialist

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the organization's HR policies, practices, and recordkeeping comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. This role monitors regulatory changes, conducts audits, and supports investigations, while also serving as a resource for employee relations matters, providing guidance to employees and managers on policy interpretation and workplace concerns. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Monitors and interprets federal, state, and local employment law changes, and assesses their impact on company policies and practices. 2. Conducts regular audits of HR records, personnel files, and processes to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 3. Maintains and updates the employee handbook and HR policies to reflect current laws and best practices. 4. Serves as a point of contact for employees and managers on employee relations matters, providing guidance on policy interpretation and workplace concerns. 5. Supports and, where appropriate, leads investigations into employee complaints, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations. 6. Assists managers with performance management and disciplinary documentation to ensure consistency and compliance. 7. Coordinates required compliance training, including harassment prevention, and tracks completion. 8. Manages compliance-related reporting requirements, such as EEO-1, OSHA logs, and affirmative action documentation. 9. Tracks and responds to unemployment claims, agency charges, and government inquiries in partnership with legal counsel as needed. 10. Maintains I-9 compliance and oversees related recordkeeping and audit processes. 11. Partners with HR leadership to identify and mitigate compliance risks across the employee lifecycle. 12. Prepares compliance and employee relations reports and metrics to support HR decision-making. 13. Performs other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Employment law and regulatory requirements, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, and applicable state and local statutes. Investigation procedures and best practices for handling employee complaints and workplace concerns. HR recordkeeping requirements and HRIS systems. Skill in: Conducting objective, thorough workplace investigations and documenting findings. Building trust and rapport with employees at all levels of the organization. Identifying compliance gaps and recommending practical, risk-appropriate solutions. Ability to: Interpret and apply complex employment laws and internal policies consistently and fairly. Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive matters. Communicate effectively and diplomatically, in both written and verbal formats, with employees and management. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 2+ years of professional experience in HR compliance, employee relations, or related field required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems required; experience conducting workplace investigations preferred. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr