Employee Relations Specialist

Position Summary

The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a trusted HR partner to leaders and employees across our pediatric healthcare organization. This role is responsible for fostering positive employee relations, ensuring consistent application of policies, and supporting a respectful, compliant, and high performing workplace. The Specialist manages employee concerns, conducts investigations, and coaches leaders on performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution, all while supporting our mission of providing exceptional care to children and families.  This is an exempt position.

While this is a primarily remote position, it would be ideal to be local to the practices in order to complete regular visits as needed.  The practices are located in the Northern VA, Maryland, and DC area.

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Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Case Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations concerns, including performance issues, workplace conflict, policy interpretation, and allegations of misconduct.
• Manage employee relations cases from intake through resolution, ensuring thorough documentation and timely follow up.
• Conduct fair, impartial, and confidential workplace investigations in alignment with organizational policies and employment laws.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to leadership based on investigation findings.

Leadership & Employee Support

• Coach leaders on performance management, corrective action, attendance management, and terminations to ensure consistency, fairness, and legal compliance.
• Partner with managers to address employee engagement, morale, and retention challenges.
• Support employees through difficult transitions, including leaves, accommodations, and workplace reintegration when appropriate.

Policy & Compliance

• Interpret, apply, and support enforcement of HR policies, procedures, and standards of behavior.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including those specific to healthcare settings (e.g., licensure, mandatory reporting, patient safety considerations).
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, and Clinical Leadership as needed on sensitive or high risk matters.

Training & Prevention

• Develop and deliver training for leaders and employees on employee relations topics such as respectful workplace, managing performance, and effective documentation.
• Identify trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to employee experience and organizational culture.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 + years of progressive experience in employee relations, human resources, or a related discipline.
• Experience in healthcare, pediatric, or highly regulated environments strongly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of employment laws and employee relations best practices.
• Proven experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee matters.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain objective, professional, and compassionate in emotionally charged situations.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong experience working in a collaborative environment, while being self-motivated
• Proven experience of being solutions focused and process oriented

Certifications (Preferred, but not required)

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM CP, or SHRM SCP.

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Core Competencies

• Discretion and confidentiality
• Judgment and decision making
• Emotional intelligence
• Collaboration and influence
• Cultural competence and empathy
• Commitment to mission driven care

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Work Environment & Values

This role operates in a pediatric healthcare setting dedicated to safety, compassion, inclusion, and excellence. The Employee Relations Specialist is expected to model organizational values and support a culture where caregivers and staff feel respected, heard, and supported so they can focus on delivering outstanding care to children and families.