Employee Relations & Performance Specialist

AZA United (Arizona Autism United) is an established non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality direct services and supports to children and families in our community.  We're a Top Workplace winning organization for three years running that truly cares about people, offering a positive culture, award-winning leadership, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional career growth!  

🌟 We're Hiring: Employee Relations & Performance Specialist 🌟

Location: 90% remote + 10% in-office (Must reside in Arizona)
Starting Pay Range: $64k-$78k salary, DOE + Scheduled Raise Program
Average Schedule: M-F 9am-5pm

Are you passionate about creating a workplace where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to thrive? Do you have a knack for navigating complex employee relations issues with empathy, fairness, and strategic insight? Do you enjoy helping others and working on projects that promote a great workplace with a focus on rewards and engagement? If so, we want to meet you!

This might be a perfect fit for you if you:

• ... like the idea of coming into a NEW role with a growing organization and making it your own; 
• ... have advanced knowledge of internal HR frameworks, disciplinary protocols, and grievance handlings;
• ... have demonstrated superb critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• ... possess the ability to guide, train, and mentor others at all levels of the organization;
• ... have a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for people and culture;
• ... work well autonomously, with an intrinsic sense of accountability and personal responsibility; 
• ... are both personable and professional while having sound judgement in sensitive situations; and
• ... are looking for a place to stay and grow a career! 

🔍 About the Role:

As our Employee Relations & Performance Specialist, you’ll be a trusted advisor and advocate for both employees and leaders, reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources. You’ll play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture by managing employee relations matters, coaching leaders, and driving performance management initiatives.  

💼 What You’ll Do:

• Field and resolve grievances and complaints from employees, and conduct thorough, impartial investigations 

• Document investigation activities and findings, and recommend appropriate actions

• Hold scheduled monthly meetings with assigned supervisors and managers to discuss HR related issues and advise on handling performance issues, disciplinary actions, and terminations

• Assist the HR Employee Support staff with employee-related issues and actions that are specific to their partner departments and programs

• Assist in developing performance improvement plans (PIPs) and coaching strategies, and ensure successful completion of the plans, including attendance at the meetings as requested

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases

• Prepare reports and metrics related to employee relations trends and outcomes

• Assist in developing and delivering related trainings to both staff and management 

• Assist with AZA United's safety and risk management initiatives and training related to potential threat and/or harassment from potential candidates, current or past staff, etc.  

Talent Management  

• Review, revise and/or create a more robust performance management system for roll out in 2026, to include using the organization's new HRIS system Performance Management module
• Manage the administration of all items related to formal performance management 

• Assist with retention strategies and projects related to keeping employees through recognition, growth, and engagement 

• Help build and manage an HR training program for new supervisors containing relevant topics related to handling difficult employees, effective communication, legal compliance, performance management, etc.  

Legal Compliance, Policy and Procedure 

• Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures, including the Employee Handbook  

• Ensure compliance with labor laws and employment regulations 

• Create process and procedure documents for job related duties 

Other HR related Duties 

• Participate in HR audits, data reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives 

• Train and mentor other HR staff to ensure knowledge transfer and professional development 

• Demonstrate and reinforce behavior with teammates, families, and the community that is consistent with our organizational values: Grow with purpose.  Stay informed.  Be of service.  Bring people together. 

✅ What You Bring:

• G.E.D. or HS Diploma required; Bachelor's degree in related field OR equivalent experience in both HR and the behavioral health industry preferred; professional HR certification is a PLUS
• Minimum of 3 years of professional HR experience with at least 2 years of experience actively involved in all aspects of employee relations 
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and conflict resolution techniques
• Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office products, HRIS, etc.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, empathy, and professionalism
• Must be able to obtain an AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card, provide driver's license, proof of car insurance/registration, and other hiring requirements

✨ Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• A mission-driven, non-profit organization that values integrity, inclusion, and innovation
• A collaborative team that supports your growth and celebrates your wins
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and work-life balance
• Opportunities to shape the future of our award-winning workplace culture and make a real impact

Perks Include: 

• Competitive pay + Scheduled Raise Program with increases every January and July
• An excellent comprehensive health benefits package that includes health, dental and vision, employer contributions to your health savings account, company paid Short-Term/Long-Term Disability, and employer-paid basic life insurance
• A 401K plan with up to 4% match after one year of service
• Generous paid sick time and PTO, and 12 Paid Holidays
• Student Loan Forgiveness: As a non-profit organization, your employment (when consistently working at least 30 hours a week) meets requirements under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (for student loan forgiveness). For more information you can visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave

Join our fantastic team and help us keep the motor running behind the scenes, so we can help as many kids with autism as possible!  For more information about AZA United please visit our website at www.AZAunited.org or view our profile on Glassdoor.  We look forward to meeting you soon!

Autism knows no race, religion, gender, or identity.  We need and value diversity and inclusion in our workforce in order to fully support our families.  AZA welcomes applicants of any race, age, religion, gender, identity or any other aspect which makes you unique.
       

    
      
              

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