Employee Relations Specialist

Friendship Place • Washington, DC

2d • $38 - $41 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing and supporting a wide range of employee relations matters to promote a respectful, compliant, and productive workplace. This role provides guidance to supervisors and staff on workplace policies, performance management, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes. The Employee Relations Specialist conducts workplace investigations, addresses employee concerns, and assists in resolving conflicts while ensuring consistent application of organizational policies and practices. This position serves as a trusted resource to management and staff by providing guidance on employee relations best practices, facilitating constructive communication, and supporting a positive workplace culture aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field; equivalent specific long-term experience may be considered.
• Experience working in a supervisory, HR, or employee relations role is required.
• Candidates must have at least 3 – 5 years of direct, hands-on employee relations experience, including the handling of investigations, performance management, corrective action, and employee conflict resolution.
• Experience in making employment-related decisions aligned with policy and compliance standards is required.
• 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.
• 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 apply sound judgment in complex situations and serve as a neutral and credible resource during workplace issues.
• Able to balance employee advocacy with organizational compliance.
• 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 have the ability to professionally adapt their communication style to different individuals and situations that may be emotionally charged.
• Strong commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and values
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Conflict Resolution, Mediation, or Workplace Investigations is a plus.
• Experience in a mission-based or social services environment, particularly with programs serving unhoused populations or veterans, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 engagement sessions and wellness initiatives to enhance morale and team cohesion.

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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level