Employee Relations/Training Development Specialist

Position Title: Employee Relations/Training Development Specialist - Human Resources

We are seeking a confident, approachable person who is comfortable engaging in candid, respectful conversations with individuals at all levels of the organization to help connect our people strategy to organizational outcomes. Through collaboration, unbiased decision-making, and customized and impactful employee and leadership development, you will help sustain the best possible workforce to support our initiatives today and into the future.

Reports to: Director - Human Resources

Category: Exempt, Full-Time

Location: Hybrid; must be able to travel to locations as needed

Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00 - 5:00; including flexing for some evening and weekend hours as needed - must be able to schedule meetings with employees on variable work days, shifts, and site locations.

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a Person-First Organization that promotes transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to perform their job duties in a manner consistent with our core values. These include the following: Excellence and Innovation, Finding Ways to Say "Yes," Caring at the Core, Agents of Change, Support, Empowerment and Development, Building Relationships, Integrity, and Accountability.

Summary:

The Employee Relations/Training Development Specialist plays a key role in fostering a positive, productive workplace culture by supporting fair and consistent employee relations practices and driving staff development initiatives. This position serves as a trusted resource for employees and management, guiding employee relations, conflict resolution, performance management and improvement, and policy interpretation. In addition to managing employee relations cases, the Specialist designs, coordinates, and delivers engaging training and professional development programs that enhance employee skills, leadership capacity, and organizational effectiveness. This role partners closely with HR colleagues and leadership to promote a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous learning across the organization.

Essential Position Requirements and Competencies

Employee Relations & Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for employees seeking guidance or resolution on workplace issues, concerns, or conflicts.
• Conduct confidential investigations into employee complaints and grievances, ensuring timely, fair, and thorough outcomes.
• Applies sound judgment, neutrality, and problem-solving skills to resolve workplace issues constructively and collaboratively
• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and employees on performance, conduct, policy interpretation, and disciplinary action.
• Partner with leadership to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace aligned with organizational values and mission.

Policy, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and nonprofit workplace regulations.
• Support the development, communication, and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Maintains strict discretion in handling employee and organizational information.
• Assist in reviewing and updating employee handbooks, procedures, and internal communications related to HR and workplace standards.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Collaborate with HR leadership to develop and implement initiatives that promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
• Gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, and exit interviews to identify areas for organizational improvement.
• Coordinate staff development sessions and wellness initiatives to enhance morale and team cohesion.

Training, Performance & Development

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of staff training and professional development programs to enhance employee skills, performance, and career growth.
• Assess organizational training needs through collaboration with supervisors and leadership to identify skill gaps and development priorities.
• Coordinate internal and external training opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and certifications, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Track participation, evaluate training effectiveness, and recommend improvements to support continuous learning and professional advancement
• Support supervisors in managing performance issues constructively and consistently.
• Partner on employee development plans and performance improvement strategies.
• Customizes and oversees the performance evaluation and management program, aligning it with development initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field; equivalent, relevant long-term experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• 7-9 years of progressive experience in employee relations, human resources, mediation, or a closely related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience is strongly preferred, including advising, coaching, or influencing leaders.
• Experience in training development, career development, or leadership development preferred.
• Certification in Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Workplace Investigation, or a related discipline is a plus.
• Experience in conducting workplace investigations preferred
• Experience in a mission-based or social services environment, particularly with programs serving unhoused populations or veterans, is strongly preferred.
• Must have or be able to obtain a First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on skills testing module. Friendship Place will provide First Aid/CPR/AED training.
• Valid driver's license with proof of insurance required.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong intra- and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly in both verbal and written form; skilled in respectful colleague and supervisor interactions, as well as accurate, professional, and timely documentation
• Strong understanding of HR best practices and employment law.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and build trust at all levels of the organization.
• Compassionate and trauma-informed approach to employee interactions.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Able to demonstrate professionalism across all levels of the organization at work and at any organization-sponsored event
• Excellent time management, detail-oriented, organized, capable of maintaining confidentiality, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Must be able to demonstrate active listening, emotional awareness, and the ability to adapt their communication style to different individuals and situations and to navigate difficult conversations with confidence, objectivity, and empathy
• Strong commitment to the organization's mission, vision, and values

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid, remote; required to travel to sites to meet with employees. The position requires split time between an office setting and traveling to office sites via car or public transportation.
• Employees must be able to sit for extended periods while performing repetitive tasks and maintaining positions. The employee must be able to operate a motorized vehicle. Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25 lbs.)
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required.

Background checks: The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check, CFSA, NSO, Employment and Education Verification, personal and professional references, and a Department of Motor Vehicles clearance.

Other Details:

Application Deadline: This job is open until filled or until the hiring manager determines they can no longer accept applications.

Compensation: The starting pay range is $80,000-$85,000. The starting annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate's starting pay is determined based on meeting the basic position requirements and current completed education, credentials, and work experience. Please note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.

Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees).

COVID-19: All Friendship Place employees, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with the agency's COVID-19 protocols and applicable law and guidance. This includes but is not limited to, wearing masks in congregated settings, washing their hands or using hand sanitizer often, monitoring their daily health, and staying home if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (or if they are otherwise prohibited from reporting to work by health provider pursuant to CDC, state and local guidance). Since the public health and legal landscapes regarding this policy are subject to frequent changes, Friendship Place reserves the right to amend or cancel this policy at any time at its sole discretion, consistent with applicable law, consistent with CDC guidelines and the DC Department of Health.

Interview Process: Phone screening, panel-style interview, investigative writing sample, and final interview.

Website: www.friendshipplace.org

Equal Opportunity Statement: We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Friendship Place is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in its employment, services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact human resources at humanresources@friendshipplace.org

How to Apply: Interested applicants should apply via the organizational website. All of our current career openings can be found by visiting www.friendshipplace.org

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