What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Employee Relations Specialist position at Oregon Child Development Coalition?
Join Our Team!
Do you want to make a difference in your community by supporting a positive workplace culture and ensuring compliance with policies and employment laws? Are you passionate about fostering a productive, inclusive environment where both employees and the organization thrive? Join the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) as a Senior Employee Relations Specialist and play a critical role in advancing the mission of promoting the growth and development of children and families in Oregon.
OCDC is a nonprofit organization providing Head Start and comparable early childcare and education programs throughout the state of Oregon. Our mission is to promote the growth, well-being, and development of children and families in need. Our team includes educators, social workers, transportation staff, facilities personnel, and administrative professionals, all driven by the shared goal of making a difference.
Position Summary
- The Senior Employee Relations Specialist will play a pivotal role in fostering a positive organizational culture by providing expert guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace compliance with policies and laws. This position collaborates with leadership to align human resources strategies with OCDC’s mission, ensuring employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
Essential Functions
- Act as the trusted adviser to management and employees on employment laws, workplace policies, and best practices.
- Conduct thorough investigations into complaints, grievances, and potential violations of workplace policies or labor laws, ensuring fairness and objectivity.
- Provide guidance to managers on how to handle performance issues, including how to deliver constructive feedback, set expectations, and manage disciplinary actions.
- Ensure consistent application of company policies and practices, as well as Head Start Performance Standards related to employee behavior and performance management.
- Collaborate with the Senior Employee & Labor Relations Manager and legal counsel on legal matters and policy development.
- Update and communicate policies to reflect changes in laws and organizational needs.
- Support collective bargaining agreement management and participate in contract negotiations.
- Assist in resolving labor disputes through mediation and arbitration.
- Partner with HR colleagues to address organizational needs.
- Assist in managing the exit interview process and keeping information up to date
- Analyze exit interviews, and track employee relations trends to recommend improvements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree. Preferably in human resources, business administration, or related field.
- Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience.
(or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Technical and Organizational Skills:
- Knowledge of employment laws such as FMLA, ADA, and EEO.
- Skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and workplace investigations.
- Proficiency in HR systems and data analysis.
OCDC is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
