Employee Relations Specialist

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.