Regional Team Member Employee Relations Specialist, Central NJ Region

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

About the role

The Regional Team Member Relations Specialist reports to the Director of Team Member Relations and is responsible for partnering with designated Human Resources operations partners to oversee key employee relations and compliance initiatives aligned to the broader organizational strategy, and work as a trusted advisor providing support and guidance to leaders of all levels. This role serves as the Team Member Relations subject matter expert for their respective areas and partners with the HR Operations team on the execution, administration, and delivery of Team Member Relations services, including conducting investigations, corrective actions, conflict resolution, climate assessments, and monitoring compliance programs. The Specialist is also accountable for specific functional work products of the department and performs required tasks following established guidelines and procedures, maintaining appropriate documentation and records. This is a hybrid position based on business needs where physical site presence may be required. Position covers the Central Region including JFK, Carrier Clinic, Raritan Bay, and Old Bridge.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with HR Operations teams and in collaboration with Legal, conducts thorough investigations into team member concerns, including complex, high-risk, and highly sensitive investigations such as allegations of harassment, workplace violence, discrimination, retaliation, and employee misconduct; provides recommended actions based on findings.
• Monitors the progress and completion of all corrective actions and progressive discipline flowing from internal investigations, including updating the HR internal tracking tool.
• Manages, advises on, and conducts investigations involving team members both virtually and on-site.
• Serves as a consultative partner and resource to the HR Operations teams on complex employment situations such as terminations, reductions in force, progressive discipline, corrective actions, performance improvement plans, and accommodations.
• Conducts climate assessments and works with the Team Member Relations team to implement risk mitigation strategies in partnership with HR Operations.
• Partners with HR Operations to oversee the implementation of action plans stemming from investigation trends, compliance opportunities, engagement surveys, and climate assessments to enhance the overall team member experience.
• Provides support to the HR Operations team on Joint Commission, Department of Health, or other surveys as needed.
• Implements tools and templates as needed.
• Supports the implementation of Team Member Relations and compliance initiatives as assigned.
• Handles confidential and time-sensitive material.
• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent years of related HR experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant HR experience, including a minimum of 4 years of experience in employee relations and conducting complex investigations.
• Working knowledge of US Federal and State Employment laws including, but not limited to, Title VII, ADEA, and FLSA.
• Sound critical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiating skills, with the ability to apply those skills to a wide range of HR issues.
• Strong analytic skills and ability to present data to identify trends and offer strategic advice.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Able to appropriately adapt message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences.
• Objective, approachable, and able to interact effectively with all levels of employees both in person and virtually in a positive and respectful manner.
• Able to maintain the highest level of personal integrity and confidentiality.
• Adaptable and flexible, motivated to drive results in a fast-paced environment where change is constant; able to meet deadlines with a strong sense of urgency and adaptability.
• Proficient with MS Office or Google productivity tools.
• Able to develop processes and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to support rollout of a proactive team member and labor relations strategy focused on building leadership skills to promote team member engagement.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Labor/Employee Relations, or Business.
• Bilingual or multilingual verbal communication skills.
• HR Certification.

Pay

Minimum rate of $97,011.20 annually. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted rates may vary based on labor market data, experience, education, certifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, budget, and grant funding. Some positions may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions, as well as shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.

Benefits

In addition to compensation, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.