Employee Relations Specialist

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

WHO WE ARE
Polaris Pharmacy Services is an industry leader in both the Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care settings. Founded in 2015, we are locally and independently owned with pharmacies in multiple cities across the country. We are proud to offer competitive benefits and industry pay as well as the opportunity for career advancement to all our team members. Currently we are recruiting for an Employee Relations Specialist to join the Polaris team.

Job Summary:

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for serving as the primary point of contact for employees regarding workplace issues, grievances, and conflicts. Fosters a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with company policies and labor laws. This position requires a proactive and empathetic approach to handle employee relations issues, conduct investigations, and implement programs to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement. The Employee Relations Specialist builds relationships across the organization to foster and maintain a strong organizational culture, as well as continuously improve the employee experience. In partnership with the HR team, delivers value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business objectives of the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues and grievances. Conducts effective, thorough, impartial and objective investigations.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance with federal, state and local labor laws and company policies.
• Provides HR policy guidance and interpretation, as appropriate.
• Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Provides guidance and support to managers and employees on disciplinary actions and conflict resolution.
• Travels to other locations as needed to support HR functions and address employee relations matters.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze turnover data to identify trends and develop retention strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of employee relations cases, investigations, and resolutions.
• Must have ability to travel to other locations.
• Identifies training needs for teams and individuals.
• Provides support in other HR areas, including recruitment, onboarding and event planning.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, mediation, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience resolving complex employee relations issues.
• Proven experience handling workplace investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• In-depth knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) or ability to obtain certification preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience resolving complex employee relations issues.
• Proven experience handling workplace investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• In-depth knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and HR best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) or ability to obtain certification preferred.

HOLIDAY & PTO POLICY

• Paid holidays are provided annually, with 6 days offered each year, along with 5 sick days.
• Employees earn up to 10 PTO days each year, with rollover options and milestone bonuses.
• Employees have the option to cash out up to 10 PTO hours each quarter for added financial flexibility.

Please note, because we are a pharmacy, most of our locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and therefore schedules may change as determined by the needs of the business.

BENEFITS – for full-time employees

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401 (k) (available for Part Time & Full Time EEs)
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Competitive pay with annual performance reviews and merit-based raises
• Career growth potential
• Annual on-site voluntary Flu Vaccines
• Employee referral bonus program