Employee Relations Specialist

SUMMARY

This position strengthens engagement by providing support to all aspects of the Team Member Relations function. Under the guidance of the Manager or a Senior Specialist, researches, resolves, and responds to a variety of employment-related matters. Maintains departmental database and reports on trends. Maintains all employment-related issues and information in a timely and confidential manner. >20,000 Team Members.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Provides guidance, consultation and direction to business leaders and Team Members on the interpretation and execution of Jo-Ann policies and procedures to ensure organizational consistency and legal compliance. Develops collaborative relations with functional partners. Surfaces issues impacting Team Members and proactively offer solutions that will have a positive impact on employee engagement and retention.
• Coaches and counsels business leaders and Team Members on communication, development, performance management and corrective action, as appropriate. Responds to a variety of HR questions, properly utilizing other HR and business partners when needed to provided answers for timely and effective manner. Conducts appropriate level review or investigation for all internal and external complaints raised. Manages the investigation process in an honest, empathetic and respectful manner, interviewing involved parties and witnesses and working with Senior Specialist or Manager, along with business partners to come to a timely and appropriate resolution. Escalate issues that may create risk to the organization. Documents matters, maintains departmental database and ensures all Team Member files are complete.
• Identifies/analyzes Team Member Relations issues/trends and recommends appropriate actions to address and resolve those issues/trends. Diagnoses root cause to improve the overall organizational health of Jo-Ann through people.
• Researches legal requirements as needed. Gathers supporting information to respond to legal matters. Participates in legal process involving matters of which Specialist has firsthand knowledge. Ensures compliance of all federal, state and local employment laws. Facilitates employment law and team member relations training programs. Participates in unemployment hearings.
• Collaborates and partners with fellow Team Member Relations Specialists to stay informed of trends company-wide and promote consistency in advice and decision making. Stays up to date on relevant employee relations changes and trends in the nation that may have an impact on how we recommend employee actions.
• Assists in training new Specialists. Participates in special HR projects as assigned.
• Partners with Workers' Compensation and Absence Management teams on accommodation and special leave requests.
• Appropriately reflects the behaviors of a Friendly Clever Ally – recognize, teach, coach, measure and share

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong problem-solving and investigative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work with, support, counsel and engage with all levels within the organization.
• Excellent critical thinking skills; ability to work with little supervision
• Working knowledge of MS Office application
• Familiarity with HRIS systems (Workday or similar)
• Familiarity with a broad range of HR and employment laws including unemployment, FMLA, ADA, and DOL regulations
• Highly collaborative and organized
• Strong work ethic and willingness to be a team player
• Able to react to shifting deadlines and priorities
• Basic project management skills
• Involvement with professional organizations, such as the Society of Human Resource Management or Employee and Labor Relations organizations
• Enjoy researching complex, esoteric and/or multi-faceted topics
• Drive for continuous improvement, active partner in change management initiatives and appetite for change

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Very occasional travel may be required to complete investigations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Education: 4 Year Bachelor Degree in HR or related field.
• Preferred Education: Graduate Degree Industry designation or advanced degree a plus (S/PHR, MBA, etc.)
• Minimum Experience: 3-5 Experience in HR.
• Preferred Experience: Substantive knowledge of employment laws. Multi-unit, multi-state retail experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hudson, OH 44236: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000