[Hiring] Associate Relations Specialist @Bon Secours Mercy Health

Role Description

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.

• 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.
• Communicate with and influence manager regarding enforcement and consistent application of company policies & procedures.
• Investigates low/medium level risk issues by establishing investigation plan, assembling all relevant facts, interviewing subject and/or case critical witnesses, reviewing similar cases.
• 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 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.

Qualifications

• 4 year/ Bachelors Degree (Required)
• Specialty/Major Education: Human Resources or equivalent accepted; Business; Industrial Psychology
• PHR Certification
• Minimum of 2 years of Human Resources experience.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 2 years of HR experience that involved investigating, researching, and resolving manager and associate issues (Preferred).

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurances, mental health resources and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support.
• Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.