Employee Relations Partner chez Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MA

About the Department

The Employee Relations Partner will provide counsel on a wide variety of employee relations topics, including guidance regarding Human Resources (HR) polices, procedures and practices.

Position Duties

• Advise and consult with Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs), managers, and leadership on various work-related challenges, including workplace conflicts, performance management, employee complaints, workforce assessments, job descriptions, and reorganizations.
• Responsible for conducting and overseeing confidential non-labor investigations into allegations of misconduct or violations of policy. Develops investigation plan, gathers relevant facts, interviews witnesses, documents investigation and recommends course of action to leadership, and assists with the implementation of corrective actions and/or disciplinary procedures as appropriate.
• Manage EthicsPoint cases submitted and participate in the Authority’s EthicPsoint working group that reviews cases on a weekly basis.
• Partner with or refers cases to the Legal Department and/or ODCR for investigations related to discrimination, harassment, and/or hostile work environment.
• Support retention efforts by obtaining information specific to conducting exit interviews as well as identifying areas of action.
• Provide Human Resources (HR) guidance and direction to managers, using data and analytics, to support workplace culture, assist in employee engagement efforts, and help to improve overall retention.
• Develop and evaluates overall employee relations trends/themes across authority to understand and address root causes.
• Advise management and staff on HR policy interpretation and ensures consistent application and enforcement of Authority policies. Participates in the policy working groups and assists in drafting HR policy changes that adhere with applicable, state, federal, and employment laws.
• Works closely with the leave team on ADA matters and ensuring compliance with ADA request for reasonable accommodations.
• Assist the Legal Department with the preparation of responses to complaints filed with the MCAD, EEOC or other relevant agencies and attends and/or testifies at hearings as necessary.
• Support and help facilitate the annual employee survey, including participation in working groups and trainings.  
• Provide support on the annual performance management process for the Authority. 
• Cultivate positive and professional relationships with department personnel to facilitate harmonious employee relations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of information to include, but not limited to, conversations, documents, files, complaints, and investigations.
• Performs all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
• Six (6) years in Employee Relations and/or Human Resources Business Partner role
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR compliance experience
• Experience in a fast-paced team environment with strong attention to detail 
• Strong awareness of state and federal employment regulations 
• Resourceful, analytical, and problem-solving aptitude 
• Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness
• Demonstrated experience responding to clients with a customer service attitude.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new technical systems as needed.

Other Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement. 
• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement. 
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience. 
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master’s Degree in HR, Business Administration or related field a plus
• PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP or other HR certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with HRIS systems
• Additional HR training or experience