Primary Function/General Purpose of Position:
The Associate Relations Specialist provides timely advice and consultation to support consistent resolution of manager, associate, and labor issues in non-union and unionized settings. This includes providing clear policy interpretation, contract interpretation and administration, performance management guidance, aiding in associate disciplinary actions and investigations where necessary. The Associate Relations Specialist will assist associates with any employment concerns, providing quality customer service by resolving inquiries, questions, and cases in a consistent, accurate and timely manner.
Essential Job Functions:
Assist managers with diagnosing and resolving issues through proper questioning and risk assessment. Applies HR knowledge, including policy/procedure of the Company, relevant contract, and applicable law, to provide consultation that reduces the risk of the Company and builds a positive work environment for the associates.
Educate managers on low/medium level risk issues by providing consultation and coaching regarding policy interpretation, collective bargaining agreement interpretation and administration, associate behavior, and performance management
Maintain a current working knowledge of legal guidelines and Ministry policies and practices in order to provide accurate guidance in response to inquiries, including by researching confidential company records, online knowledge articles and all Ministry policies and procedures and their application.
Communicate with and influence manager regarding enforcement and consistent application of company policies & procedures, navigation of challenging situations through effective conflict resolution techniques
Investigates low/medium level risk issues by establishing investigation plan, assembling all relevant facts, interviewing subject and/or case critical witnesses, reviewing similar cases, using knowledge, judgment, and experience to determine appropriate course of action. Partners with Advice & Counsel Center of Excellence and other cross-functional partners, when necessary.
Collaborate with multiple stakeholders with differing points of view while maintaining confidentiality of complex and highly sensitive subject matter.
Handle complex and emotionally charged issues with composure by addressing the situation objectively fact based and remaining unbiased.
Effectively utilize computer systems to capture the facts, research prior like issues and resolutions; and pull data for risk assessments and trends.
Initiate the process or reviewing process for an employee concern pertaining to a leader (Manager).
Partner with the Leave of Absence team to gather pertinent information and ensure compliance met for accommodations and leaves of absences.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Required Minimum Education: 4 year/ Bachelors Degree
Field of Study: Human Resources or similar field of study
Preferred Education: Graduate Degree (Masters)
Field of Study: Human Resources; Business; Industrial Psychology
Licensure/Certification Preferred: PHR
Minimum Years and Type of Experience: 2 years of Human Resources experience
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Excellent customer service, communications, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent listening skills and ability to probe based upon responses provided.
Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize and present information in a clear and concise way.
Ability to build rapport and communicate challenging information effectively.
Skilled at interviewing employees, witnesses, and supervisors to gather relevant case information, preparing detailed documentation and maintaining files in preparation for potential future claims.
Reasoning ability that includes strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills required.
Ability to maintain highly confidential information.
Regular, dependable attendance and punctuality.
Knowledge of Federal and State Employment Law.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
2 years of HR experience that involved investigating, researching, and resolving manager and associate issues.
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com