The Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Employee Relations Specialist

Administration Office

The Institute for Medical Research, an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS) is looking for a full-time Employee Relations Specialist.

The Employee Relations Specialist will lead the cultivation of a positive workplace experience for IMR’s 200 managers and employees; and therefore, play an integral role in IMR achieving its vision. The Employee Relations Specialist will lead all employee relations activities, to include coaching, counseling, conflict resolution, corrective action, and employee transitions. The Employee Relations Specialist will guide and support managers and employees.

Location: This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date. This position is primarily in-person and candidates must be available to work Monday-Friday.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute IMR’s employee relations strategy in the areas of leadership development, performance management and culture
• Leverage expertise to enhance IMR’s culture by creating positive workplace experiences
• Develop strong and effective relationships with IMR managers and employees
• Counsel and guide managers in the development and communication of employee reviews and performance improvement plans
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with IMR’s employee relations policies, all applicable employment regulations and laws, and HR best practices
• Conduct employee relations training for managers, supervisors and team leads
• Conduct exit interviews, stay interviews and employee surveys
• Review and track the timely completion of employee performance reviews
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees
• Conduct investigations and propose recommendations to mitigate the organization’s risk in employment situations and concerns
• Guide positive employee relations efforts and opportunities for all IMR employees to connect.
• Play a key role in the implementation of online human resources software
• Advise the Director of Human Resources on trends, underlying risks, and recommendations
• Assist the HR Director in the completion of government, regulatory, and compliance reporting
• Support HR team members with new hire onboarding, open enrollment, HR projects and implementations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of human resources experience with at least three (3) years of those years in a capacity leading organizational-wide employee relations activity.
• PHR or SPHR certification, preferred
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business or related degree, or the equivalent education and experience.

Additional Requirements:

To be successful, the following knowledge, skills and abilities are needed:

• Federal, State and Local Employment Law
• Working Knowledge of ADA, FMLA, HIPPA, etc.
• High levels of Professional Integrity & Discretion
• Commitment to DEI & Belonging
• EEO Oversight & Compliance
• Performance Management Training
• Employee Engagement
• Performance Management
• Performance Improvement Plans
• Conflict Resolution
• Employee Investigations
• Effective Communication Skills
• Cross-functional Collaboration Skills
• Proficiency in HRIS, MS Office, Outlook, and Teams

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 25 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of the Employee Relations Specialist is under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Director.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Salary Range: $61,800 - $71,800 annually

Status:Exempt

Start Date:Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package if you work 25 hours or more which includes health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan if you work 20 or more hours. Both part-time and full-time employees get paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!