Employee Relations Representative

Summary The Employee Relations Representative provides day-to-day HR support to employees and partners with the Employee Relations Manager/Supervisor in the administration of HR programs, policies, and processes. This position serves as an initial point of contact for routine employee questions and is responsible for supporting and administering activities related to onboarding, employee records, HRIS, time and attendance, benefits, leaves of absence, performance reviews, employee engagement, Workers’ Compensation, and other HR programs and initiatives. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.        Employee Support & HR Interface * Serve as an initial HR contact for employees regarding routine questions related to policies, benefits, PTO, timekeeping, payroll, attendance, and other HR programs. * Respond to employee inquiries regarding benefits enrollment, qualifying life events, employee status changes, and HR programs. * Assist employees with UKG access, navigation, password resets, time-off balances, and other routine HCM questions. * Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling employee and HR information. Onboarding, Offboarding & Employee Changes * Prepare required documentation for new hires and terminating employees. * Coordinate new-hire HR and benefits orientation, including enrollment requirements and deadlines. * Follow up with new employees to ensure timely completion of benefit elections. * Process and maintain employee changes in UKG, including new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, compensation changes, benefit changes, and other status changes. * Issue new and replacement identification/security badges and maintain badge supplies. Benefits & Leave Administration * Provide employees with information and guidance regarding benefit programs, including insurance plans and the 401(k). * Support leave-of-absence administration by providing required information, tracking documentation and deadlines, maintaining records, and coordinating with the Employee Relations Manager/Supervisor and communication with employees. * Review and reconcile benefit invoices, resolve discrepancies, process adjustments, and conduct periodic audits to ensure alignment with enrollment records. Employee Relations & Performance Management * Support the Employee Relations Manager/Supervisor with employee relations matters, including initial information gathering, documentation, meeting coordination, and recordkeeping. * Escalate complex, sensitive, or higher-risk employee matters appropriately. * Assist with preparation and administration of corrective counseling and related documentation. * Administer the non-exempt performance review process, including review schedules, manager notifications, status-change documentation, completion tracking, and overdue follow-up. HRIS, Records & Reporting * Enter, review, approve, and maintain accurate employee information within the HCM system. * Prepare and maintain monthly HR reports, including headcount, employee data, time and attendance, and recurring workforce metrics. * Review HR information for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and support HR audits, recordkeeping, and compliance activities. Recruiting & Internal Opportunities * Administer the Job Opportunity Program, including preparing and posting internal opportunities, coordinating communications, and scheduling informational meetings. * Partner with Talent Acquisition to support recruiting and hiring activities, including interview coordination, pre-employment activities, internal postings and related recruiting initiatives. Workers' Compensation, Safety & Employee Programs * Support Workers' Compensation administration, including reporting new claims, updating claims, maintaining documentation, and coordinating with the Employee Relations Manager/Supervisor. * Administer the Safety Shoe Program. * Coordinate employee safety glasses. Employee Engagement & Events * Coordinate Company-sponsored employee recognition and support arrangements, including flowers for bereavement, illness, births, and other appropriate occasions. * Plan and coordinate employee engagement activities and Company-sponsored events, including the annual Company Picnic and Benefits Fair. * Coordinate event logistics, vendors, scheduling, employee communications, and related administrative activities. Other Responsibilities * Perform other HR-related duties and projects as assigned.   Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   Education and/or Experience     * Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of Human Resources experience required. * Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. * Experience supporting HR functions such as time and attendance, benefits administration, onboarding, employee records, HRIS, and HR programs highly preferred. * Experience working with HRIS and timekeeping systems; UKG experience preferred. * Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and Human Resources practices. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. * Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive employee and Company information. * Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines. * Strong written and verbal communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. * Ability to work independently within assigned areas of responsibility while effectively collaborating with Human Resources, Payroll, Talent Acquisition, managers, and other departments. * Professional Human Resources certification, such as PHR or SHRM-CP, preferred. Salary: $31 - $39 per hour