(Remote position must reside in the following locations: Va, DC, MD, PA, Delaware, North Carolina, Tennessee)

The Employee Relations Associate (ERA) is a highly confidential and specialized position within the Human Resources department. The Employee Relations Associate is responsible for conducting detailed investigations, documenting findings and resolving field team member issues. The ERAs provide coaching and counseling to members of management based on the findings of their investigations regarding team member issues. The ERA communicates with the Employee Relations Manager to ensure consistent applications of company policies across the nation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a hands-on business partner providing employee relations support to store and business leadership while providing great internal customer support.

• Leads detailed, factual investigations into alleged violations of the company's policies and procedures and maintains detailed documentation of investigations and findings.

• Provides recommendations for appropriate actions based on investigation findings. Escalates sensitive or critical issues as needed.

• Ensures timely and thorough case management. • In conjunction with the ODP teams, ERAs will counsel managers concerning employee investigation results, including advising on employee coaching, performance improvement plans, corrective actions, and terminations, and minimizing the risk of adverse results.

• Recommends plans of action to address identified skill gaps or other areas in client base that require attention. This can include internal projects, reviewing Employee Relations cases, disciplinary action reports, or other data sources to identify trends by level, geography, or issue.

• Provides recommendations and actions to resolve wide-spread employee relations or compliance issues.• Provides managers and employees with interpretation and guidance of HR policies, and legal and compliance matters to ensure fair and consistent application across the company. Counsels and advises on the administration of specific employment laws including federal and state labor laws, and consults with Legal, as necessary.
• Assist Legal department with any fact finding or information gathering for litigations, unemployment hearings and any other needs.
• Designs and executes activities designed to enrich morale and employee commitment with assistance from the Leadership team. Support leadership to recognize and demonstrate appreciation to employees consistently. • Other duties and projects as assigned by management.

Education/Experience: • BS Degree in related field or equivalent education/experience. • 2+ years of experience in Human Resources • 1+ years of focused Employee Relations Specialist experience • General knowledge of employment law