Employee Relations Spec I - (REF8673Z)

Multifamily Property Management

POSITION SUMMARY

This role manages a high-volume caseload of employee relations matters and collaborates closely with all levels of Operational Leadership to provide strategic guidance and support on complex workplace issues. These issues may include, but are not limited to, attendance management, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and investigations into employee concerns. The Employee Relations Specialist I will serve as a trusted advisor, guiding managers and employees on HR policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure a fair and consistent approach to employee relations matters.

Pay: $70,000 - $78,000 / Year

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Caseload Management: This involves accurately assessing the urgency and severity of each employee relations issue to ensure timely and appropriate response. Employee Relations Specialists I closely monitor the entire lifecycle of each case, including intake, investigation, resolution, and closure, ensuring timely resolution and documenting all interactions and outcomes. 

• Employee Support: Offer guidance and support for employees and operational leadership, on workplace issues, company policies, and best practices to promote a positive and compliant work environment.

• Corrective Action/Performance Management: Advise management on appropriate disciplinary action, including may travel to attend training classes, business meetings, conduct site inspections, or to perform other business functions as required by this position.

• Basic Investigations: Conduct basic investigations related to employee complaints, such as minor policy violations or workplace disputes. Gather information, interview relevant parties, and document findings clearly. 

• Policy Interpretation and Compliance:  Provide guidance on interpreting company policies and ensuring compliance with applicable labor laws and regulations in employee relations cases (i.e. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), wage and hour, harassment, Americans with Disabilities (ADA), discrimination, colleague disputes, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), etc.). 

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain strict confidentiality and accurate records of all employee relations cases, investigations, and outcomes.

• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the HR team, other business units, and operational leadership to support strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and ensuring ongoing compliance with all relevant employment laws and regulations

Physical Demands: 

• Must be able to view computer screens, mobile devices, and other electronic equipment for extended periods of time where visual strain may result
• Must be able to operate computer keyboard and/or mouse for extended periods of time where finger, hand, and wrist strain may result
• Must be able to work proficiently and effectively under time constraints and deadlines where stress may result
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or maneuver weights of up to ten (10) pounds independently and twenty-five (25) pounds with assistance (excluding personal luggage transported during travel, if applicable)
• May travel to attend training classes, business meetings, conduct site inspections, or to perform other business functions as required by this position.

Working Conditions:

• Will work primarily in an office environment and/or telecommute from a remote home office location.
• Working environment may include but is not limited to reporting to properties (site inspections), remote/alternative training locations (conferences, hotels, air travel), etc.

Minimum Requirements:

• 1-3 years of experience in Employee Relations or a related HR role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field or the relevant experience required.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR/PHR) is a plus.
• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g.,UKG/Ultipro) preferred.
• Intermediate proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• The position is telecommuting approved. Employees must have the ability and set-up to work from home, have a dedicated space to efficiently and ergonomically perform job duties, and must be able to abide by FPI's Telecommuting policies.

Skills Required:

• Communication Skills: Must be proficient in speaking English and also have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and professionally to various stakeholders. Must possess note-taking and proofreading skills; the ability to write clearly and concisely with proper regard to spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Ability to assist in addressing basic workplace conflicts by gathering information, facilitating communication, and escalating issues as needed for resolution.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Analyzing and evaluating information and ideas objectively. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied to caseload management, including the ability to identify and address potential risks and challenges.
• Employee Relations Expertise:  Ability to manage routine cases, assist in investigations, and provide support on policy compliance and conflict resolution under supervision.
• Employment Law Knowledge:  Solid understanding of employment laws, regulations, and best practices related to employee relations.
• Ethics: Strong ethical principles and a commitment to fairness and equity.
• Interpersonal & Emotional Intelligence Skills: Ability to build strong relationships through effective communication, empathy, and active listening while recognizing and managing emotions to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.
•  Investigations: Ability to conduct basic employee relations cases, such as attendance issues, minor policy violations, and interpersonal conflicts, by gathering relevant information, documenting findings, and providing support for resolution under established guidelines. Applies sound judgement in identifying cases requiring escalation to management when they involve complex issues, legal risks, or require higher-level decision-making beyond their scope of expertise.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills: Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and leverage organizational strategies to allocate time and resources efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate completion of responsibilities.
• Teamwork: Ability to encourage collaboration as part of a team and contribute to a positive work environment.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Embracing and exemplifying our HEART core values and incorporating them into every task performed and every interaction with clients, supervisors, team members, colleagues, residents, vendors, etc.
• Positive influencing, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.

Why look at FPI for your next career step? We are one of the largest third-party 100% fee-managed Property Management companies in the nation, an industry leader in both the Conventional and Affordable Housing spaces, managing over 850 communities (~150,000 units) across the country, and employing ~3,500 team members. We offer comprehensive compensation and benefits packages (employee-only employer-paid plan available), ongoing training, and plenty of opportunities to grow your career. Come join Team FPI!

EEO/EVerify Statements

FPI Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. FPI Management participates in the E-Verify program.