Employee Relations Specialist

Kawerak Position Description
Recruitment Length: Two weeks, closes Tuesday, July 21, 2026

JOB TITLE:                                        Employee Relations Specialist
DEPARTMENT:                                 Human Resources
DIVISION:                                         Administration
LOCATION:                                       Nome, Alaska – On-site
POSITION STATUS:                         Regular, Full-Time
EXEMPT STATUS:                            Non-Exempt
PAY SCALE GRADE:                        13-14-15 ($41.54 – $54.20)
REPORTS TO:                                   Vice President of Human Resources
AKBCU: No                                       ICPA: No

BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as Kawerak’s primary resource for employee relations, supervisor coaching, workplace investigations, performance management support, employee engagement initiatives, and organizational culture improvement. This position partners with employees, supervisors, and leadership to promote a productive, respectful, and legally compliant work environment while supporting employee retention, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

Employee Relations & Workplace Support

1. Serve as a resource to employees and supervisors regarding workplace concerns, employee complaints, and personnel matters. Assist with informal resolution strategies and recommend appropriate next steps.
2. Provide guidance and coaching to supervisors regarding employee performance, employee relations, corrective action, performance improvement plans, conflict resolution, documentation, leadership practices, and personnel management to promote consistent, fair, and legally compliant employment practices.
3. Monitor employee relations trends, review personnel actions for consistency, identify organizational risks, and recommend proactive strategies to improve employee engagement, retention, supervisory effectiveness, and workplace culture.
4. Maintain employee relations case files, documentation, and metrics, including turnover, investigations, disciplinary actions, exit interview trends, and other workforce indicators. Prepare reports and recommendations for Human Resources leadership.
5. Facilitate discussions between employees and supervisors to resolve workplace conflicts and restore productive working relationships when appropriate.

Investigations & Compliance

1. Conduct or assist with workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, workplace misconduct, and other personnel matters. Conduct interviews, gather evidence, prepare findings, and provide recommendations.
2. Provide policy interpretation and guidance regarding personnel policies, procedures, and employment practices.
   Maintain confidential employee relations records and documentation in accordance with organizational requirements and applicable laws

Employee Engagement, Wellness & Retention

1. Conduct exit interviews, analyze trends, and recommend strategies to improve employee retention and engagement.
2. Develop, coordinate, and support employee engagement, recognition, wellness, and retention initiatives designed to strengthen workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
3. Serve as staff support for employee recognition programs, including award administration, committee coordination, eligibility verification, and recordkeeping.
4. Utilize surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other assessment tools to evaluate organizational culture and employee engagement, and develop recommendations for improvement.

Training & Organizational Development

1. Develop and deliver training related to employee relations, workplace expectations, performance management, investigations, communication, conflict resolution, and other Human Resources topics.
2. Collaborate with Human Resources staff to support workforce development, leadership development, organizational improvement initiatives, and other special projects as assigned.

Human Resources Operations Support

1. Cross-train across Human Resources functions and provide operational support and backup coverage during employee absences, peak workloads, and special projects.
2. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree (AA) in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. Comparable work experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification preferred.
• Familiarity with federal and state employment laws and regulations preferred.

Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support trainings, meetings, investigations, conferences, and other Human Resources initiatives.
Ability to occasionally attend evening meetings and work outside normal business hours as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Human Resources principles and practices, including employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, and applicable employment laws.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, interviewing, conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and prepare clear, accurate reports and documentation.
• Proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office applications and other business software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, leadership, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and remain impartial when handling sensitive personnel matters.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing workloads, and communicate policies and recommendations effectively.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting while using a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Frequently communicate effectively in person, by telephone, email, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to read printed materials and computer screens and accurately prepare and review documents.
• Ability to travel, including occasional travel to rural Alaska communities using various modes of transportation, as required.

Native Preference in accordance with Public Law 93-638 Approved (7/6/2026)

PAY RANGE AND SLOTTING:

13: AA or 2 years experience

14: AA +2 years experience or 4 years experience

15: AA +4 years experience or 6 years experience

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Kawerak, Inc. reserves the right to revise this job description or assign additional duties and responsibilities as organizational needs require. If you believe you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, you are encouraged to notify your supervisor or Human Resources so that Kawerak may engage in the interactive process in accordance with applicable law.

Kawerak, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that receives funding through an annual funding agreement, as well as federal, state, tribal, local, and other grant and contract sources to support its operations and workforce. While Kawerak has a long history of stable funding, continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and the ongoing operational needs of the organization.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description and understand the essential functions, qualifications, and expectations of this position. I understand that this job description does not constitute a contract of employment, either expressed or implied, and that it may be revised by Kawerak, Inc. as organizational needs require.