EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE

At Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, every position plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to deliver high-value banking and lending services that strengthen the financial well-being of our members and community. Each team member is expected to embody our core values of Service, Sustainability, Efficiency, Trust, Stewardship, and Growth, contributing to our vision of empowering lifelong achievement through better banking. While specific responsibilities vary by role, every position carries universal expectations aligned with its level of responsibility and authority across the organization.

As the HR Employee Relations Officer at Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, you are responsible for delivering excellent service while maintaining personal accountability in your actions and behaviors. By prioritizing team member satisfaction and operational efficiency, you directly contribute to the organizations mission of strengthening financial well-being for our members and community. You are entrusted to uphold our values in every interaction, ensuring trust, accuracy, and a focus on service excellence.

Reporting directly to the Director Human Resources, the HR Employee Relations Officer is responsible for fostering a positive and productive workplace by supporting employees and leadership throughout the employment lifecycle. This includes ensuring new employees are set up for success through a comprehensive onboarding and orientation process, ongoing training and development for leadership, managing employee relations matters, and ensuring compliance is maintained with labor laws and company policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Onboarding & New Hire Success

• Lead new hire orientation to ensure a smooth transition into the organization; obtain applicable federal, state, and regulatory forms required; reviews and explains HR policies and procedures to new hires answering questions and providing guidance

• Coordinate and collaborate with various departments to create an engaging orientation program; regularly reassess and recommend changes to improve new hire onboarding

• Support and guide department leaders to ensure new employees are set up for success, including transitioning them into role-specific training

Employee Relations & Guidance

• Act as a trusted advisor to employees and leadership, addressing workplace concerns, and promoting a positive work environment

• Serve as a resource for policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and performance management; provide expert guidance and support to leaders regarding employee relation strategies and best practices

• Influence and coach managers to drive higher engagement and performance

• Develop, analyze, and report employee relations-related data to identify trends and opportunities; provide recommendations for continuous improvement and proactive approaches

Investigations & Disciplinary Review

• Conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations into employee complaints or issues; clearly summarize findings and provide actionable recommendations for resolution

• Evaluate disciplinary actions before delivery; revise or recommend changes based on established practices, internal policies, and legal standards to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance

• Responsible for timely and accurate documentation of all investigations, disciplinary actions, and employee interactions

Operational Support

• Provide support related to employee surveys; champion initiatives to aid employee engagement and encourage ongoing continuous improvement activities

• Effectively manage multiple tasks at a time and proactively address challenges; manage workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Performs filing and other administrative tasks as needed

• Provide backup support to other HR functions

Expectations of all Sandia Area employees

• Commitment to upholding the organizations mission, vision, and values at the highest level.

• Represents the credit union in a professional manner at all times

• Maintains a thorough understanding and adherence to credit union regulations, compliance, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

• Meets deadlines as assigned and directed.

• Maintains a positive and caring atmosphere for members and employees consistent with the credit unions mission and philosophy.

• Maintains the security and confidentiality of pertinent information and records.

• Willing to undergo a background and credit check as required by regulations

• Understands and agrees to abide by the policies and procedures established by Sandia Area Federal Credit Union and federal and state legal and regulatory guidelines, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as applicable to this position.

• Perform additional duties as assigned or directed by leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience interpreting policies, guidelines, and employment/labor laws, applying consistent application across various situations

• Ability to exercise emotional intelligence in order to build and maintain positive working relationships and navigate difficult situations

• Passionate about teamwork and having a positive influence on others

• Proven ability to coach, influence, and advise managers and employees at all levels

• Ability to work independently on multiple projects, demonstrating attention to detail in a fast-paced environment

• Effectively set priorities, maintain organization, and meet deadlines

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as HRIS systems, and other web apps

• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma required.

• A Bachelors degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

  • Directly related experience, in addition to minimum required experience, may be considered as a substitution

• Minimum of 5 years HR related experience with at least 2 years directly related employee relations experience

• SHRM or HRCI certification preferred.

*** Please submit an employment application to www.sandia.org/careers ***

Sandia Area Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SAFCU provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.