Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist Primary Areas of Responsibility: Employee Relations • FMLA Administration • ADA Accommodations • Performance Management • Workplace Investigations Position Summary The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a trusted People Operations resource for employees and managers, providing guidance and support across employee relations, leave and accommodation administration, performance management, and workplace investigations. The role helps ensure employee matters are handled consistently, confidentially, and in accordance with company policies and applicable employment laws. Key Responsibilities Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations questions, concerns, and workplace issues. Administer FMLA, including eligibility, required documentation, medical certifications, designation, intermittent leave tracking, and return-to-work coordination. Facilitate and document the ADA interactive process, partnering with employees and managers to evaluate and implement reasonable workplace accommodation. Coach managers on employee performance concerns, documentation, attendance, corrective action, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). Conduct and document workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace conduct, and other employee relations matters. Review disciplinary and corrective-action documentation for consistency and appropriate application of company policies. Partner with managers on sensitive employee situations where performance, attendance, FMLA, ADA, or other protected leave considerations overlap. Support involuntary termination decisions by reviewing documentation and identifying potential employee relations or compliance concerns. Maintain confidential employee relations, investigation, leave, accommodation, and performance-management records. Monitor employee relations trends and identify opportunities for manager training, policy clarification, and process improvements. Maintain knowledge of applicable federal and state employment laws and evolving employee relations practices. Knowledge Strong working knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including eligibility, notice and designation requirements, certification, and intermittent leave administration. Thorough understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the interactive process, and reasonable accommodation standards. Knowledge of federal and multi-state employment laws, including Title VII, ADEA, FLSA, and state-specific leave and paid family/medical leave programs. Understanding of how FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and short-term disability can intersect and affect leave and return-to-work decisions. Knowledge of workplace investigation best practices, including interview techniques, evidence gathering, documentation, and impartial findings. Familiarity with performance management practices, progressive discipline, corrective action, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). Understanding of anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and anti-retaliation principles and policies. Knowledge of HR recordkeeping, confidentiality, and medical-information privacy requirements. Familiarity with HRIS and leave-management systems (e.g., ADP). Skills Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential, and emotionally charged situations. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear documentation, investigation summaries, and employee notices. Ability to coach and influence managers, providing practical, compliant guidance on employee matters. Active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution skills that build trust with employees and leaders. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess facts objectively and reach well-supported conclusions. High attention to detail and accuracy in tracking leave, deadlines, and case documentation. Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple cases and priorities at once. Ability to remain neutral, fair, and consistent in applying policies across the organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ADP HRIS. If you need an accommodation, please reach out to the People Operations Dept.