Employee Relations Specialist

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work haspurpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.Position Summary: 

The Employee Relations Specialist supports a positive workplace culture by providing guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and compliance with employment laws, regulations, HR best practices, and organizational policies. This role works with leaders, HR staff, and employees to address concerns, conduct workplace investigations, support the organization’s initiatives, and contribute to consistent practices that support OCDC’s mission, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Functions:

• Provide guidance to managers, HR staff, and employees on employment laws, workplace policies, and employee relations best practices.

• Conduct and document timely investigations into allegations, concerns, complaints, and potential policy violations.

• Coach managers through performance management and corrective action processes, including documentation, feedback conversations, expectations, and progressive discipline.

• Promote consistent application of organizational policies and practices, including Head Start Performance Standards related to employee conduct and performance management.

• Partner with the Sr. Manager of Employee Relations, HR leadership, and/or legal counsel as needed on higher-risk or complex matters (e.g., sensitive investigations, complex accommodations, litigation holds, or significant employee relations trends), policy development, and the implementation of guidance. 

• Write, update, and communicate policies and procedures ensuring they reflect changes in laws, regulations, best practices, and organizational needs.

• Support employee relations activities as assigned, including small to moderate sized projects, contract administration tasks, information gathering, and meeting preparation.

• Support resolution of workplace conflicts through coaching, facilitation, mediation, and arbitration.

• Maintain accurate records and data in HR systems; protect confidentiality and follow documentation standards.

• Support the exit interview process, analyze and report on themes and employee relations trends, and recommend practical improvements.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department and organizational priorities.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree. Preferably in human resources, business administration, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in employee relations, HR generalist work, workplace investigations, and/or labor relations.

(or equivalent combination of education and experience)

Certifications:

• Preferred: Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®) via the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

• Preferred: Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Technical & Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge of employment laws (e.g., FLSA. FMLA, ADA, EEO) and employee relations.

• Skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and workplace investigations.

• Experience in policy development and training.

• Proficiency in HR systems (Workday preferred) and data analysis.

• Aligns work with OCDC’s mission to support children and families.

• Builds strong relationships across teams.

• Effectively manages priorities in a dynamic environment with effective communication and collaboration.

• Maintains confidentiality and ethical standards.

• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.