The Associate Relations Specialist will provide comprehensive Human Resources support to the enterprise while fostering and maintaining a positive associate relations environment. This person will collaborate closely with associates and leaders to address disability accommodation requests, leave of absence matters, return-to-work processes and other associate relations concerns, ensuring compliance and consistent support throughout these interactions.
Primary Responsibilities:
Case Management: Independently provide advice and guidance to leaders on disciplinary issues, ensuring consistency and compliance with company policies and practice. Collaborate with the Loss Prevention team and leaders on cases, providing recommendations and guidance on Loss Prevention cases regarding associate accountability and appropriate actions. Support Associate Relations Center of Excellence on other associate relations matters, as assigned. Escalate complex or sensitive matters to the Senior Manager, Associate Relations, Managers, Associate Relations, Director, Associate Relations and HR Shared Services or the VP, Human Resources for further review, guidance and resolution as needed. Leave of Absence Cases: Provide support to leader and Human Resources support partners in addressing leave of absence issues, including: FMLA, non-FMLA medical leave, personal leave, state-specific leaves, and military leave. Assist with return-to-work matters by evaluating return-to-work restrictions and requests for leave extensions. A strong understanding, or the ability to quickly learn state-specific leave laws (e.g., California) is essential to effectively provide recommendations for resolution and next steps. Serve as a liaison between third-party leave administrators and leaders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Partner directly with Risk Management, as needed, for coordination of Workers Comp and Leave of Absence considerations. Identify concerns or issues related to reporting or processes, investigate root causes, and provide actionable recommendations for resolution. Accommodations Cases: Provide guidance and support to associates and leaders related to requests for accommodations and navigating the Company’s interactive ADA process. This includes leading or directing the interactive process, ensuring compliance, and maintaining detailed documentation throughout the process. Use critical judgement to analyze requests for reasonable accommodations in order to determine eligibility and feasibility in relation to associate needs and impact to the business. Initiate exploration of alternative solutions as necessary to support optimal resolution of the request. Partnership with Legal: Critically assess the need to collaborate with the Employment Law team, as warranted, on issues related to accommodations, leave of absence, Loss Prevention, misconduct, EEOC, DOL, and various legal claims, ensuring alignment with company policies and compliance requirements. Represent the Company, as requested, in mediations, depositions, and other legal proceedings, ensuring proper handling and resolution of legal matters.
Education and Experience:
Level of Formal: Education: High School diploma or equivalent education preferred Area of Study: Human Resources, Business Administration, or related fields. Minimum Years of Experience: 3 Type of Experience: Possess general Human Resources experience or specialized expertise in areas such as leave administration and disability accommodations, ensuring effective management of related processes and compliance with applicable laws and policies. Special Certifications: PHR or SPHR preferred, but not required Technical Competencies & Information Systems: Excellent computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Microsoft 365 application experience preferred but not required. Skills & Abilities: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent analytical, organizational, time management, multi-tasking and follow up skills. Ability to influence others, support change initiatives and work independently as well as in a team environment. Able to independently initiate and perform unbiased, objective critical analysis or assessments and problem solving in order to generate a suitable recommended course of action. Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy Able to effectively engage with varying level of the organization as well as external vendors and service providers. Ability to maintain discretion and work with sensitive/confidential subject matters, as required. Language Skills: Must be able to read, write, and understand English. Personal Attributes & Other/Preferred: Strong customer service orientation Self-Starter Analytical Able to succeed in an ambiguous environment
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About The ODP Corporation: The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies Office Depot, LLC; ODP Business Solutions, LLC; and Veyer, LLC, The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified. Other duties may be assigned.
Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunity to move and grow within our organization! You will be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions. For immediate consideration for this exciting position, please click the Apply Now button.
How to Apply: Click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the submit button.
Application Deadline: The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.