Employee Relations Specialist

C

Covista

Employee Relations Specialist

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    Under the direction of Senior Management, Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing a caseload of sensitive and escalated matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as overseeing leave of absence (LOA) administration. The Specialist provides subject matter expertise to leaders and colleagues on these topics and regularly advises managers on how to address related issues. Additional responsibilities also include providing guidance on policy interpretation, performance management, conflict resolution, and conduct concerns. The role emphasizes proactive coaching and risk mitigation to support effective leadership. Under the guidance of senior team members, the Specialist may assist with investigations involving harassment, discrimination, and policy violations, contributing to resolution strategies and documentation. Success in this role requires sound judgment, discretion, a collaborative approach, and the ability to manage a high volume of sensitive matters with professionalism and efficiency.

    Responsibilities

    • Key contributor for resolution of ADA and Leave of Absence (LOA) matters through a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, exercising independent judgment while maintaining consistency in policy application and compliance with applicable laws.

    • Serves as a strategic liaison between management, colleagues, the Coaching Resource Center (CRC), and askHR teams, independently assessing and guiding resolution strategies for complex ADA and LOA cases.

    • Manages a high-volume portfolio of ADA, FMLA, and LOA cases, ensuring timely and compliant resolution; applies discretion in identifying cases requiring escalation and engages senior leadership as appropriate.

    • Provides consultative support on performance management matters, advising leaders on differentiating between performance, behavioral, and conduct-related issues and determining appropriate next steps.

    • Advises managers on managing time, attendance, and leave-related issues; drafts or reviews disciplinary actions, development plans, and performance evaluations to ensure alignment with organizational standards and employment law.

    • Coaches leaders on delivering constructive feedback and performance-based communications that promote accountability and engagement.

    • Serves as a trusted advisor supporting senior leaders with investigations related to workplace concerns, including allegations of harassment or discrimination, and develops recommendations for fair and legally sound resolutions under the guidance of senior HR leadership.

    • Collaborates with leadership to identify skill gaps and recommend targeted training and development opportunities through the Covista online learning portal.

    • Provides high-level customer service and professional guidance to leaders and colleagues, ensuring timely responses and effective issue resolution while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

    • Ensures thorough and accurate documentation of case activity and outcomes within the case management system to support data integrity and compliance reporting.

    • Utilizes conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate sensitive issues, facilitate dialogue, and mediate colleague complaints to a positive resolution.

    • Exercises discretion in assessing risk, escalating complex or high-impact issues to the Practice Leader for review and consultation. Exercises discretion in assessing risk, escalating complex or high-impact issues to the Practice Leader for review and consultation.

    • Educates managers and colleagues on the intent and practical application of employment laws, organizational policies, and best practices to mitigate risk and promote a compliant, inclusive workplace culture.

    • Performs other duties as assigned

    • Complies with all policies and standards

  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor's Degree Required and Master's Degree Preferred.
    • PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP Preferred.
    • Employment law coursework or training Preferred.
    • 4+ years of experience in HR with exposure to a wide range of employee relations issues with one to two years of experience specifically managing ADA, FMLA and LOA administration Required.
    • Experience with claims and disputes such as EEO, FMLA and ADA Required.
    • Excellent communications, training, interpersonal skills and influencing skills.
    • Strong facilitation, mediation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
    • Good business acumen and writing skills.
    • Skill in analyzing human resource and management problems and devising effective solutions.

    Additional Information

    _In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $50,000.00 - $82,000.00. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. The position qualifies for the below benefits.

    Covista offers a robust suite of benefits including:_

    • Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
    • 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
    • Participation in Covista’s Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
    • _12 Paid Holidays

    For more information related to our benefits please visit:
    https://careers.covista.com/benefits_

    Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation