Human Resources and Employee Relations Manager

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

MISSION IMPACT: All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. Through direct support of designated Shared Services staff and management of the HR Business Partner team, the Employee Relations Manager contributes to our mission by cultivating a healthy work environment where staff are supported, engaged, and empowered, ensuring that the organization can effectively carry out its social services to the community.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Address and mediate workplace conflicts and employee concerns, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and procedures

● Partner with senior HR leadership to design, implement, and ensure compliance with employee relations policies, procedures, and practices that align with legal requirements and organizational values

● Promote a positive organizational culture by fostering open communication, addressing concerns, and implementing employee engagement strategies

● Conduct and oversee thorough investigations into workplace complaints (e.g., harassment, discrimination), documenting findings, and recommending appropriate actions.

● Provide training to HR staff, as well as managers and staff on conflict resolution, workplace behavior, and employee relations policies to promote a respectful and inclusive workplace

● Advise HR staff and managers on, and directly administer, performance management processes, including feedback, corrective action plans, and employee development, to ensure fair and consistent treatment of all employees

● Partner with senior HR leadership to administer the compensation plan, including training and advisement of HR staff, managers and employees

● Collaborate closely with HR management to enhance and support the implementation of effective talent acquisition strategies, employee benefits programs, and other key HR initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and the overall employee experience

Role(s): Role-specific expectations for this job are outlined as follows.

● Team Member. All LCSNW team members are responsible for upholding and encouraging LCSNW values: compassion, integrity, interdependence, inclusion and stewardship; communicating openly and effectively; building collaborative relationships in balance with working independently; and strictly adhering to confidentiality and HIPAA standards.

● Supervisor. This job is responsible for supervising employees and/or non-employees, such as interns or volunteers. This includes and is not limited to making employment decisions; setting and communicating clear goals in alignment with relevant objectives and required outcomes; and effectively managing individual and team performance.

● Leader. In support of creating and maintaining an Employer of Choice culture, active demonstration and encouragement of LCSNW leadership competencies is critical to this job.

REQUIREMENTS:

● 5 years of related experience, with at least 2 years in a managerial or leadership role; experience in not-for-profit social services and union environments is beneficial, though not required 

● Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Services, Psychology or related field; substantial relevant experience will be considered in place of degree

● Strong knowledge of labor laws, regulations and best practices related to employee relations, conflict resolution and workplace policies, with focus in WA and/or OR

● Experience providing expert guidance in addressing and resolving complex employee relations issues, conducting and overseeing investigations, while facilitating effective communication and collaboration with senior leadership to navigate sensitive matters and advise on decision-making processes

● Fluency in English and additional language(s) as outlined in the job posting, both spoken and written

● Intermediate mastery of business applications and productivity suites, including HRIS

● Demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation in navigating challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers.

● Thrives in a diverse and multicultural environment; works with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to enhance end-user experiences throughout the service lifecycle

● Demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving and advocating for diverse and marginalized populations

● Successfully completes tasks in a moderately noisy environment

● Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and through the use of technology, with long periods of stationary activity and minimal periods of increased physical activity including and not limited to sitting, standing and walking

● Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 25 pounds

● Travels between worksites occasionally, though travel may increase based on employee relations support needs

● Works in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, and faith-based settings such as churches

● Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements and other job-relevant clearances as required by the State or program 

The Perks:  We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance.  Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year.  Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year.  A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements.  Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.