Employee Relations Manager

Description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services, including preschool and school programs, day programs and residential services, community connections, and employment services, are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people - of every background, identity, and ability - to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

Abilities First, Inc. is seeking an Employee Relations Manager to support strategies that contribute to organizational success, including improving performance, and enhancing the experiences of the people we serve. The Employee Relations Manager is responsible for communicating with staff regarding workplace concerns, conducting investigations where warranted, and supporting program administrators with employee relations. This position will advise on policies, regulations, federal and state laws, union interactions, and disciplinary matters. This position will support agency staff with any questions or concerns with a customer-oriented approach.

Responsibilities:

• Will act as the primary point of contact with staff regarding any workplace concerns they may have, performing intake of any reports and returning to program for follow-up or performing investigation.
• Conducts complete investigations related to allegations that fall under Human Resources, such as discrimination and sexual harassment.
• Informs management of HR investigation outcome, assists them with disciplinary measures as needed.
• Advises administrators on disciplinary measures as needed related to employee performance deficiencies and misconduct, facilitating routine progressive discipline independently.
• Manages the Employee Relations tracker, ensuring all ER issues are addressed appropriately and timely. Utilizes tracker data to identify trends and opportunities for training to improve employee performance.
• Submits Corrective Action Plan follow up to Quality Assurance after incident closure.
• Conducts exit interviews, compiles data, reporting outcomes and recommendations to the Director in support of performance improvement and organizational success
• Assist in training management staff on various policies and procedures, i.e., leaves of absence, disciplinary actions, etc.
• Develop and deliver in-service training or workshops on HR related topics.
• Assist with developing and maintaining performance management tools including performance evaluations within the HRIS.
• Attend departmental meetings as requested to familiarize staff with various policies and procedures.
• Act as the HR representative to various department staff/liaison committee meetings to facilitate effective interpersonal communication among employees and management.
• Maintains working relationship with union officers and adheres to terms of labor contract, ensuring compliance with departments by implementing policies concerning wages, hours and working conditions. Advises management on contract to assist with compliance.
• Assist with coordinating employee development and employee engagement efforts across the agency.
• Assist the Director of HR with Unemployment Insurance Benefit Claim responses and attend UI hearings where appropriate.
• Represents Abilities First, Inc. in a positive and professional manner.
• Performs appropriate job-related activities as required by the immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Ensures that all communication is handled appropriately and confidentially.
• May provide backup coverage to other human resource personnel as circumstances warrant.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Adheres to the agency Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior which requires all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers, and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith, and respect for others and the law.

Schedule: Full Time, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week Salary: $ 75,000 - $81,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits

• Time to Recharge - Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered, and Employee Assistance Program available 24/7
• Plan for The Future – Retirement savings plan options, employer-paid life insurance, and access to Free Will
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and career development training opportunities
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Make a Difference and Be Recognized! – We celebrate our team through staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.
• And More!

NOTE: The salary range represents the expected range of compensation for this position, exclusive of fringe benefits or other job-specific stipends where applicable. The actual starting salary for the successful candidate will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Not all candidates will qualify for the maximum range.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management and five (5) years’ experience working in human resources. A combination of education and experience may be deemed acceptable by Director.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations is required.
• Experience working in a union environment preferred.
• PHR / SHRM-CP preferred.
• Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Requires excellent analytical, organizational and computer skills, with the ability to work with strict confidentiality
• Valid NYS driver’s license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier required; reliable transportation and ability to travel to sites in both Dutchess and Orange Counties required.

Abilities First provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.