Employee Relations Specialist (Bilingual Required)

Employee Relations Specialist

This is a hybrid position based out of our corporate office in downtown Indianapolis, so preferred candidates will need to live within commuting distance. Bilingual fluency in both Spanish and English is required since this position will provide (virtual) support for our management teams and employees in Puerto Rico. The general salary range for this position is $52-$62K and includes full benefits.

The Employee Relations Specialist provides business and human resources consulting and evaluation within each division at Goodwill Legacy Group. The Employee Relations Specialist provides guidance and recommendations regarding the resolution of associate relations matters including performance improvement, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, investigations, compliance, and sensitive employment decisions. The Specialist formulates partnerships with directors, managers, and supervisors to ensure the culture of Goodwill and its mission is fulfilled through the assessment, identification, development, and implementation of HR programs that assist management in providing an effective environment for employees to work to their highest potential and meet the business goals of the department.

Example Duties and Activities

• Advises and consults with leaders and associates on a broad range of employee relations issues including coaching, conflict resolution, internal investigations, disciplinary action, terminations, and other highly confidential matters. Performs as a trusted advisor and builds partnerships at all management levels.
• Thoroughly documents employee relations cases obtains statements from all parties involved including witnesses, documents conversations via email and/or phone, and provides risk analysis in a timely, high-quality manner.
• Tailors and delivers communications in an effective way that aligns with stakeholders as well as mitigates risk to the organization.
• Provides support for legal proceedings applicable to HR (EEO, DOL, etc.).
• Supports talent and performance management initiatives.
• Drives career-pathing and succession planning exercise support.
• Provides onboarding support to ensure new employees are on-boarded effectively. Provides offboarding support to ensure employees have a positive off-boarding experience (exit interviews).
• Provides employee leave guidance and accommodation interactive process.
• Coordinates and communicates with leadership HR current and change initiatives (organizational, divisional, team-based).
• Ensures the consistent and effective application of HR Policies, practices, and programs and compliance with FMLA/ADA, Title VII, and other federal and state employment laws.
• Maintains a working knowledge of industry trends and federal and state employment legislation.
• Manages unemployment claims (UI): ensures leaders are trained to respond and attend hearings as well as communicates UI data and trends to upper management.
• Utilizes employee relations data to proactively identify trends, opportunities, challenges, and solutions to help drive operational and organizational excellence.
• Builds strong partnerships and collaborates with the broader HR team.
• Assists with other HR initiatives such as facilitation of HR workshops and sponsored events.

Required Competencies

• Degree and Credential Requirements - NONE! We value candidates who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them contribute. We believe in continuous learning and professional development.
• Bilingual Fluency - Is able to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish.
• Strategic Human Resources Expertise - Works as a strategic partner to comprehend divisional/departmental business challenges and re-frame those challenges through the lens of human resource strategies while effectively navigating through a change organization and positively affecting the bottom line. Focuses touches on turnover, employee relations, hourly staffing, training, and development. Has applied knowledge of legality, compliance, and all technical details of the human resources field. Knowledge of unemployment processes and experience attending hearings is a plus.
• Communication Skills - Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend stakeholders' needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Teamwork - Works well with others and makes valued contributions in a team setting in order to achieve the required goals and outcomes. Contributes to creating a positive work environment that promotes productivity, mentoring, teamwork, and partnership.
• Technical Knowledge - Has proficient knowledge of G Suite, MS Office, ATS, HRIS, LMS, and databases.
• Autonomy - Takes initiative without waiting to be directed, exhibits a willingness to take on additional tasks, and completes them as requested and until the job is done. Takes ownership of mistakes and learns from them rather than makes excuses.
• Manages Ambiguity - Comfortable with uncertainty, able to make good decisions based on incomplete information, and able to adapt to changing circumstances. Stays focused and productive even in situations where there is no clear path forward. Thinks creatively and identifies alternative solutions to problems.
• Organizational Aptitude - Manages multiple tasks effectively by prioritizing responsibilities and meeting deadlines. Is highly detail-oriented, focused, and has a proactive approach to work. Excellent time management, planning, scheduling, and coordination skills. Is able to work in a highly structured environment and quickly adapts to changes in priorities or deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude. Possesses strong problem-solving skills and effectively navigates complex situations to ensure that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Continuous Learning - Stays current on trends related to the local, state, and national employment laws/markets and industry trends. Has a thirst for knowledge and applies it appropriately. Driven to find answers through research and collaboration.

Other Requirements

• Background Screening - All candidates must pass a pre-employment background check. Must have a valid driver's license, up-to-date auto insurance, and a good driving record.
• Travel - is willing to conduct local travel within the territory of Goodwill Legacy Group as needed for investigations and managerial support.

Benefits: Full-time employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sabbatical and parental leaves
• Life, dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement planning options with generous company % match
• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Goodwill Legacy Group is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled employer