Employee Relations Specialist

Employee Relations Specialist – People Operations

Who We Are:

Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. is a rapidly growing development, construction, and property management organization dedicated to the creation of quality affordable housing to benefit those who need it most. We are an employee-owned, passion-driven group that changes each community of which we are a part. We manage over 16,000 housing units in 18 states, proudly serving seniors, veterans, and other economically challenged groups. We seek ambitious, talented individuals who want to grow with a rapidly expanding company whose success is not only measured in dollars and cents, but in lives changed. With a development portfolio of $1.5 billion, Woda Cooper consistently ranks among the top affordable housing developers and owners in the country by Affordable Housing Finance.

Position Summary:

The Employee Relations Specialist provides day-to-day support for employee relations processes and initiatives across the organization. Working under the direction of the Employee Relations Manager, this role assists with employee concerns, corrective action administration, workplace investigations, policy interpretation, documentation management, and unemployment claims administration.

This position is ideal for an HR professional with one to three years of experience who is looking to expand their employee relations knowledge and develop their career within a collaborative, team-oriented environment. The Employee Relations Specialist partners closely with managers, employees, and members of the People Operations team to help promote a positive employee experience while ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies and practices.

Who You'll Report To:

You will be reporting to the Employee Relations Manager.

What You'll Own:

Employee Relations Support

Respond to routine employee and manager questions regarding company policies, procedures, workplace expectations, and employee relations matters.

Escalate complex employee concerns and sensitive workplace issues to the Employee Relations Manager as appropriate.

Partner with the Employee Relations Manager to provide guidance and support related to employee relations matters.

Track employee relations matter and follow up on action items to ensure timely resolution.

Maintain accurate, confidential employee relations records and documentation.

Support initiatives that promote positive employee engagement and workplace culture.

Performance Management Support

Assist managers with preparation and administration of performance-related documentation.

Support the development of corrective actions, coaching documentation, and performance improvement plans.

Track performance management action items and maintain related documentation.

Help ensure consistent application of performance management practices across the organization.

Workplace Investigations

Assist with employee relations reviews and workplace investigations under the direction of the Employee Relations Manager, including coordinate meetings, gather documentation, collect employee statements, and organize investigation materials, maintain investigation files and documentation in accordance with company practices, prepare summaries, timelines, and supporting documentation for leadership review.

Compliance and Unemployment Claims Administration

Assist with unemployment claims administration, including preparation of documentation and responses to agency requests, monitor claim activity and maintain claim records, support audits, compliance requests, and employment-related documentation needs.

Assist in gathering and organizing employee files and records as needed.

Training and Operational Support

Assist in the development of manager resources, employee relations guides, job aids, and training materials.

Participate in the delivery of employee relations and workplace conduct training initiatives.

Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Who You Are:

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

One to three years of experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Talent Management, or a related HR discipline required.

Experience supporting employee relations activities, workplace investigations, performance management processes, or policy administration preferred.

SHRM-CP, PHR, or progress toward professional certification is a plus but not required.

What You'll Bring:

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.

Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.

Basic knowledge of employment law principles and Human Resources best practices.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related business applications.

Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.

What You’ll Get:

We offer competitive wages and annual bonus opportunities. Benefits include:

Medical, Dental and Vision

Short Term Disability and Life Insurance

401k with Company Match

100% Employee-Owned Company with the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Cell Phone Discount

12 Days Paid Time Off

8 Paid Holidays & 2 Floating Holidays!

Fitness Reimbursement

Professional Development Reimbursement

Employment is contingent on education verification, references, background check, and drug screening.