Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist

Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist

Salary: $86,000.00 annually

The Employee Relations and Engagement Specialist manage employee relations issues, leads investigations, and supports a positive, compliant workplace culture. The role strengthens engagement by building trust, enhancing the employee experience, and maintaining a visible HR presence across contract sites. The specialist partners with leadership, HR, and legal to address sensitive matters, identify trends, and recommend strategies that improve culture and reduce organizational risk.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Serve as the primary contact for employee relations and engagement issues, including complaints, concerns, and disciplinary matters.

2. Conduct 30-, 90-, and 6-month new-hire check-ins to assess engagement and address issues early.

3. Build trust and maintain visibility across contract sites to support a positive employee experience.

4. Lead timely, objective investigations into misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy violations.

5. Prepare investigation reports and corrective action recommendations aligned with policy and legal standards.

6. Advise managers on performance management, discipline, and consistent policy application.

7. Interpret and apply Company policies, procedures, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.

8. Support labor relations activities, including grievances and union-related matters.

9. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.

10. Maintain confidential case files and documentation per legal and retention requirements.

11. Partner with HR and legal on EEOC, NLRB, and other employment-related claims.

12. Assist in developing and updating employee relations and engagement policies and procedures.

13. Provide training on workplace behavior, complaint processes, conflict resolution, and engagement practices.

14. Analyze employee relations and engagement data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

15. Support contracts start-ups, transitions, and organizational changes with employee relations expertise.

16. Advise leadership on sensitive personnel issues, organizational risk, and employee morale.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in employee or labor relations or a similar HR role.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws
• Experience conducting investigations, supporting disciplinary actions, and managing employee relations cases.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with employees and management.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

* Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field.

* Two+ years in structured employee relations or HR compliance.

* Experience in government contracting or highly regulated environments.

* Background supporting investigations, grievances, or unionized workforces.

* Interest in developing expertise in employee relations, employment law, and organizational risk.

TRAVEL

Frequent travel is required to support contract locations, conduct employee check-ins, lead investigations, and maintain a visible HR presence. The role requires willingness to travel up to 60% of the time, including in-state and out-of-state trips based on operational needs.