Employee Relations & Engagement Specialist

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Three-Five (3-5) years of experience in employee relations, human resources, organizational development, or a related discipline.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing employee relations matters.
• Knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems.

• Experience working in nonprofit, arts, cultural, educational, or mission-driven organizations.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience facilitating training and employee development programs.
• Experience supporting employee engagement and culture initiatives.

• Approximately 60%+ of time is spent sitting while working at a desk.
• Ability to occasionally transport up to 25 lbs. of files, equipment or supplies. 
• Ability to access files, equipment, or supplies.

• This position requires extended time on the computer.

• Clearly communicate in person, by phone, and by video conference. 
• Communicate with others in conversational and written English. 

• Position operates in hybrid work setting comprised of the Barnes’ Philadelphia campus and remote work setting indicated by the employee at their documented home address.
• Position requires extended time on the computer.

Job Responsibilities:

Employee Relations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees seeking guidance on workplace concerns, policies, procedures, and employee relations matters.
• Partner with supervisors and managers to address performance, attendance, conduct, and workplace behavior issues.
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on employee relations best practices, conflict resolution, and performance management.
• Assist in resolving employee concerns through informal mediation and problem-solving techniques.
• Conduct and document workplace investigations related to policy violations, employee complaints, and workplace misconduct.
• Maintain confidential employee relations files and documentation in accordance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
• Monitor trends in employee relations matters and recommend proactive solutions to address recurring issues.
• Proven expertise in end-to-end investigation methodologies (interviewing, evidence gathering, summary writing) and a strong foundation in US employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEO, Title VII). 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, exercise high emotional intelligence, and handle sensitive, confidential information.

Performance Management and Progressive Discipline

• Administer and maintain the organization's progressive discipline process.
• Draft and review counseling memoranda, performance improvement plans, disciplinary notices, and related documentation.
• Partner with managers to ensure consistent and equitable application of policies and corrective action practices.
• Support performance management processes and help managers address performance concerns in a timely and constructive manner.

Training and Organizational Culture

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate training programs related to:
  • Respectful workplace expectations
  • Harassment prevention
  • Workplace conduct and professionalism
  • Conflict resolution
  • Performance management
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives
  • Employee relations and supervisory skills
• Support onboarding programs and employee orientation activities.
• Collaborate with Human Resources leadership to develop initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and workplace culture.
• Assist with employee recognition and engagement programs.

Safety and Compliance

• Actively participate as a member of the Barnes Foundation Safety Committee.
• Support workplace safety initiatives, employee wellness efforts, and compliance with applicable workplace safety regulations.
• Assist in coordinating safety training, incident reporting, and corrective action follow-up.
• Partner with managers to address workplace safety concerns and promote a culture of safety.

HR Operations and Special Projects

• Assist with policy development, implementation, communication, and interpretation.
• Support Human Resources initiatives related to employee engagement, retention, culture, and organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports related to employee relations activities and trends.
• Participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.
• Stay current on employment law developments and employee relations best practices.