The Employee Relations Specialist manages and resolves employee relations issues through investigations, mediation, and collaboration with Human Resources Business Partners and legal counsel. The incumbent will provide guidance on policies and employment law, support termination processes, represent the organization in unemployment hearings, and recommend updates to Human Resources practices and procedures. Additionally, this position assists with disciplinary documentation and partners with Learning & Development to support training initiatives.

1. Manage, document, and resolve employee relations matters by initiating fact finding and by conducting thorough, objective, and fair investigations as needed.
2. Provide recommendations and assist departments to ensure well-drafted disciplinary documentation. Collaborate with department leadership, Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs), and/or legal counsel as needed.
3. Prepare required documentation and plan, coordinate, and represent the Institute during termination meetings.
4. Prepare documentation and Kennedy Krieger witnesses in anticipation of unemployment hearings. Represent the Institute during unemployment hearings as needed.
5. Interpret and advise supervisors and employees on the application of policies, procedures, and employment law.
6. Lead workplace mediation between employees with a focus on resolving disputes swiftly and amicably.
7. Monitor federal, state, and local employment laws and propose revisions/updates to existing practices, policies, standard operating procedures, and the Employee Handbook.
8. Collaborate with the Human Resources Learning and Development team to support and drive employee training and development initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is preferred.
• Certification in mediation strategies is preferred.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum two years of Human Resources experience is required, preferably in employee relations and conflict resolution.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and supporting disciplinary and performance management processes is preferred.
• Experience in a healthcare, academic, or research setting is preferred.