HR Specialist

About the role

The Employee Relations Specialist is a member of a Center of Expertise (COE) at RWJBarnabas Health, the largest academic healthcare system in New Jersey. This role provides support and guidance across the System to Human Resource Business Partners, Directors, and CHROs in addressing violations of System policies, performance management challenges, workplace disputes, compliance complaints, EEO issues, and ADA guidance.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a neutral party, conducting timely internal investigations; writing clear, concise, accurate written reports of findings and proposed remedial actions.
• Coaches and collaborates with site Human Resources in identifying and mitigating employment risks and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, fairness, and equity.
• Supports the accurate recording, analysis, and reporting of data and increasing the understanding of employees and leaders through training sessions and educational materials.
• Operates in the gray as well as exhibits superior attention to detail, communication, creativity, critical thinking, empathy, facilitation, mediation, objectivity, and organizational skills.
• Works flexibly to support hybrid work arrangements with travel throughout most of New Jersey.
• Delivers expertise, consultation, guidance, and coaching to HR Business Partners and Managers throughout the health care system on best practices, laws, policies, and regulations.
• Traits cases/complaints according to risk/urgency, conducts timely, thoughtful, thorough investigations, and prepares investigatory reports; findings/recommendations.
• Enters data in the System’s case management software, HR Acuity, in accordance with policy.
• Prepares and provides periodic, and ad hoc, reports, as required.
• Identifies workplace trends and collaborates with the affiliated Human Resources Department to address.
• Partners with senior leadership and/or internal or external employment counsel as required.
• Maintains confidentiality throughout the process and in handling documentation.
• Delivers presentations, conducts workshops, and prepares educational materials to increase the understanding of employees and stakeholders.
• Participates on designated System committee/work groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Three to five years general Human Resources experience.
• At least three years directly managing complex employee relations issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of Federal and State employment laws, including ADA/ADAAA, ADEA, Civil Rights Act of 1964 & 1991, Equal Pay Act, FMLA, GINA, NJCEPA, NJFLA, and NJLAD.
• Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and related privacy laws and regulations.
• Proven proficiency in Employee Relations/Human Resources software, such as HR Acuity, PeopleSoft.
• Proven proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word.
• Experience in conducting complex, internal investigations and writing investigatory reports.
• Experience in preparing educational materials and delivering high-quality, effective presentations to large and small audiences.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence; ability to set effective boundaries.
• Strong communication skills, ability to interact and relate to individuals of diverse disabilities and backgrounds.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skills

• Neutral party for internal investigations.
• Ability to coach and collaborate with site HR.
• Proficiency in HR software and tools.
• Expertise in writing investigative reports.
• Ability to prepare and deliver educational materials.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Emotional intelligence and boundary-setting abilities.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Benefits and Perks

• Paid Time Off including Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time.
• Retirement Plans.
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance.
• Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Disability and Life Insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance).
• Community and Volunteer Opportunities.
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon.

Pay

The pay range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey is $91,472.00 - $129,204.00 per year.

Schedule

This role is available on a full-time basis with a day shift schedule.