Employee Relations Manager

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Job Type

Full-time

Description
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 and residential habilitation, 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.

Position Summary
The Employee Relations Manager will 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.

Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week

Pay Range:
$74,000 - $80,000 commensurate with education and experience

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.
• Submits Corrective Action Plan follow up to Quality Assurance after incident closure.
• Reviews exit interview data of departing staff with Director of HR, assessing data collected to utilize in supporting program teams and make recommendations to programs and supervisors.
• 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.

Perks & Benefits

• Time to Recharge – Vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time off
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan For The Future – Retirement saving plan options
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day

Requirements
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Required
Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

• Have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Perform work on a computer continuously and regularly throughout each workday.
• Have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, bend, pivot and grasp with both hands in order to properly and safely handle files and equipment.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate, compliant documentation.

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 acceptable by Director.
• Experience conducting 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.