As the Senior Employee (People) Relations Specialist, you will partner collaboratively with the HR Business Partner in support of their business unit(s). You will be responsible for facilitating and managing employee relations on behalf of the designated Group. You will lead investigations and address complaints, as well as mediate and resolve issues between employees in compliance with ICF policies and procedures. The Sr. People Relations Specialist provides guidance to employees and managers in both performance and discipline-based issues.  
 
This role will report to the Senior Manager, People Relations and will be a direct partner to the group’s HRBP, the group’s HR Generalist, and other corporate organizations such as the ICF legal team.  

The ideal candidate will be working during core business hours - eastern standard time. Preference to applicants local to our Headquarters in Reston, VA.
 
Key Responsibilities:  

Serves as a resource and liaison for employee relations matters demonstrating a knowledgeable and comprehensive approach. Inspire trust and confidence with employees and leaders with the HR partnership.  Conducts investigations using appropriate fact-finding methods to gather information and obtain pertinent facts of employee relation concerns.  Provides guidance and interpretation on policies, procedures, and best practices, to ensure the core principles of ICF are upheld through consistency, fairness and according to our vision and values.  Develops and maintains systemic and proactive approaches to conflict resolution between supervisors and employees.  Uses surveys, interviews, and other studies to conduct research regarding human resource policies and other employment issues. After analyzing the information, make recommendations on trends policy, program, or process changes.  Advises managers and supervisors in best employee relations practices and strategies for managing for both manager and employee concerns.  Proactively communicate elevated behavior incidents, patterns, and trends to HRBP leads.  Draft, proof and finalize documents ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy/legal requirements.  Partner up with the group’s HR Generalist to respond to questions from employees and management regarding ADA compliance and accommodation requests. Evaluates, researches, and administers employee requests for workplace accommodations. Facilitates and participates in the interactive process to identify and assess options for providing reasonable accommodations and access to eligible employees in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability laws.  Refer employees to performance management resources so that they may be successful in addressing performance gaps and/or working with their manager and others.  Facilitates employee relations meetings and manages employee issues, conflict resolution, performance concerns and corrective action.  Work in partnership with managers/leaders to help administer involuntary terminations.  Stays abreast of changes in regulations and laws that may impact ICF’s policy or processes.  Engage appropriate involvement of internal partners such as internal and external Legal Counsel, Risk Management, and Compliance to proactively ensure risk management and workplace safety.  Recommends implementation of team-building strategies to the HRBP.  Provide HR Business Partner and leaders reporting data that provides high level review of number of cases and type of cases on a quarterly and yearly basis. Analyze trends and assist in solving/development of action plans.  Promote ICF's Core Values through HR programs and practices, model personal integrity, drive the importance of ethics and compliance throughout the business, and address related issues in a timely and effective manner.  Performs other duties as assigned or deemed necessary.   

Basic Qualifications: 

3+ years of demonstrated success in human resources with experience that includes the following:  managing employee relations, facilitating investigations, and/or administering conflict management and resolution with senior level executives to include those in the C Suite. 3+ years of experience successfully support, coach, and influence internal clients to include with clients in varying geographic locations. 

Preferred Skills/Experience:  

Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, professional training, or work experience.  5+ years of demonstrated experience in Employee Relations, investigations, conflict management and supporting and coaching internal candidates to include senior level executives to include those in the C Suite. Experience in effective HR practices and disciplines, including data analytics, performance management, career development, compensation, HR technology and policy development.   Experience in HR project management and implementation, policy development and training delivery.  PHR/SPHR or SHRM CP or SCP certification.  Experience with implementing HRIS systems.  Strong efficiency with data analytics – compiling data, understanding the data, and telling the story via creating data visuals in tools such as Microsoft Office.   Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HRIS systems (Workday).  

Professional Skills:  

Sound business ethics and judgment, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information.  Outstanding interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.  Ability to apply detailed knowledge of organizational/company procedures to make independent decisions and serve as a credible resource.  Ability to work strategically with all levels of employees in a diverse, complex, multi-location organization.   Ability to influence and coach senior leaders to include those in the C suite.  Thorough understanding of state and federal laws with the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.  High-level of proficiency in problem solving skills/critical thinking --with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions.  Thorough understanding of how to facilitate internal investigations and dispute resolution.  Ability to remain tactful, measured, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.   Exceptional collaboration skills.  Verbal, presentation, and written communication skills at the level of proficiency required to be effective with senior leaders.  Ability to manage diverse assignments and deliverables for varying clients.  Team player with the ability to work in a high demand, fast-paced environment with diverse, geographically dispersed clients.  

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Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO & AA policy.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more here: Requesting an Accommodation for the ICF interview process.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights, the Pay Transparency Statement, or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

 

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At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. 

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. 

 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$76,848.00 - $130,642.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)