Employee Relations Specialist, CA,WA,OR

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end investigations into complex employee relations matters including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy violations, and workplace misconduct, with a particular focus on California, Oregon, and Washington regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain timely, thorough, and legally defensible case documentation across all stages of the investigation lifecycle.
• Manage an active caseload with accuracy and urgency, providing consistent updates to HR leadership and operational stakeholders.
• Partner with legal counsel as appropriate on high-risk or litigation-adjacent matters.

West Coast Employment Law Compliance

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert for California (FEHA, CFRA, CCPA, PAGA, local ordinances), Oregon (OFLA, statewide pay equity, predictive scheduling), and Washington (WFLA, L&I, anti-discrimination statutes) employment requirements.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes across CA, OR, and WA; proactively assess operational impact and recommend policy or process updates.
• Ensure restaurant operations in these states maintain compliance with separation practices and wage-and-hour requirements.
• Advise various Operational Leaders on state-specific obligations and best practices.

Policy, Training & Proactive ER Support

• The development, communication, and consistent application of HR policies across West Coast markets.
• Support separation processes, including structured documentation review and participation in unemployment claims as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with HR, Operations, and Legal teams to ensure aligned, compliant, and timely resolution of employee matters.
• Contribute to ER data reporting and continuous improvement of investigation and case management processes.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of progressive experience in employee relations, HR, or a related field, ideally within a multi-unit, multi-state environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of California, Oregon, and/or Washington employment law; ability to apply regulatory requirements to real-world ER scenarios.
• Proven experience independently conducting workplace investigations and producing written investigation summaries or findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex or sensitive information clearly and professionally.
• High degree of discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with confidence.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple active cases simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with ADP and/or ER case management systems preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred given our team member demographics.
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification.
• Prior experience in the restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry.
• Familiarity with EEOC charge response processes and interaction with outside employment counsel.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; company-paid life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; paid vacation and paid holidays; and a company-matching 401(k) program.