Employee Relations Specialist

Location: New York City, NY

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Nonprofit / Human Services

We are seeking an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join a Human Resources team in New York City.

This role is ideal for an HR professional with hands-on experience in employee relations and workplace investigations who can independently manage sensitive workplace concerns, conduct objective fact-finding, and support managers and employees through complex employee relations matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct timely, thorough, and impartial workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment-related concerns.
• Develop investigation plans and conduct interviews with complainants, respondents, managers, supervisors, and witnesses.
• Review relevant documentation, communications, personnel records, performance records, attendance information, policies, and other evidence.
• Evaluate conflicting information, identify material inconsistencies, and document factual findings.
• Prepare clear, well-supported investigative reports and present findings to HR leadership.
• Support managers and leadership with performance, attendance, conduct, workplace conflict, and corrective-action matters.
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and employee relations concerns.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential investigation and employee relations records.
• Track assigned cases, deadlines, follow-up actions, and case status through resolution.
• Partner with HR leadership, Legal, Compliance, and outside counsel when appropriate.
• Identify recurring employee relations trends and recommend opportunities for manager guidance, training, or policy clarification.
• Assist with HR projects, audits, reporting, policy updates, training coordination, and other HR initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Employee/Labor Relations, Business, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least 2 years of relevant Employee Relations, HR investigations, workplace investigations, or related experience .
• Demonstrated experience handling employee complaints, workplace investigations, performance or conduct concerns, corrective action, workplace conflict, or manager guidance.
• Strong interviewing, fact-finding, documentation, case-management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain objective and neutral when handling sensitive, disputed, or emotionally charged workplace matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive employee relations matters and investigations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive personnel information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal workplace-investigation training or certification.
• Experience investigating allegations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to accommodate.
• Experience partnering with HR leadership, Legal, Compliance, or employment counsel.
• Experience supporting EEOC, NYSDHR, or NYCCHR matters.
• Experience with performance management and corrective action.
• Experience in nonprofit, social services, supportive housing, healthcare, unionized, or multi-site organizations.
• Working knowledge of federal, New York State, and New York City employment laws and regulations.

Benefits

Compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated workplace-investigation expertise.

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid time off, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Commuter benefits
• Paid Family Leave
• Short-Term Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit subsidy

If you have hands-on Employee Relations and workplace investigation experience and are interested in a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply.