Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist

The Woods Services Human Resources Employee Relations Specialist role is onsite in New Jersey and focuses on fostering positive employee relations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting investigations across affiliates.

Responsibilities

• Maintains ongoing communication with staff and leadership at designated affiliates and designs processes to cultivate positive employee relations.
• Provides guidance and systems to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Supports all facets of the employee relations function.
• Conducts workplace investigations into issues such as harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, and policy violations.
• Produces succinct findings summaries with recommendations aligned to company policies.
• Helps lead or support investigations into diverse workplace concerns and reviews recommendations in light of policies and precedent.
• Provides consultation and support to employees on job related issues or personal matters affecting work performance.
• Directs employees to appropriate resources for additional assistance.
• Collaborates with affiliate leadership, HR business partners, and Woods System of Care HR leaders to foster strong relationships, communication, and teamwork to boost retention.
• Supports delivery of counseling and training to managers and supervisors on Affiliate and Woods System of Care policies.
• Manages unemployment processes, including state paperwork, hearing participation, and cost allocation preparation.
• Ensures timely submission of terminations from New Jersey affiliates and mandated separation data to NJDOL via the Employer Access portal; prepares and uploads documentation when contesting unemployment claims due to misconduct or other disqualifiers.
• Assists in managing and monitoring the internal grievance system.
• Identifies training needs for staff and leadership on policies, EEO compliance, and diversity initiatives.
• Delivers employee training and orientations as required.
• Ensures adherence to EEOC regulations.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• At least two years of HR experience, with a background in employee relations and/or conducting workplace investigations required. Experience with unemployment processes in PA or NJ is preferred.
• Professional HR certifications (for example SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent) are a plus.

Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Employer Access portal

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• On-site medical center
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Continuing education programs
• Tuition assistance program
• Career growth opportunities

Salary

Starting at $65,000 per year, depending on experience and education.