Sr. Employee & Labor Relations Specialist (Sr. Employment Investigator)
The Senior Employee & Labor Relations Specialist (Sr. ER/LR Specialist) is a subject-matter resource who handles complex and sensitive employee and labor relations matters, conducts high-risk investigations, and provides advanced consultative support to leaders and HR colleagues. This role interprets collective bargaining agreements, supports grievance responses, negotiations, and helps identify systemic issues requiring policy or process enhancements.
The Sr. ER/LR Specialist serves as an escalation point for ER/LR Specialists, HRBPs and HR COEs, offering strategic guidance on complex performance issues, interpersonal dynamics, and corrective action. Through data analysis, trend identification, and proactive interventions, the Sr. Specialist helps strengthen organizational culture, reduce risk, and ensure labor and employment compliance across Children's National.
This role partners closely with organizational stakeholders including but not limited to, Legal, HR leadership, labor representatives, and operational leaders, requiring strong analytical skills, judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to influence decision-making.
The Sr. ER/LR Specialist may also be tasked with other duties as may be necessary to support team and organizational goals. Depending on experience and business needs, the Sr. ER/LR Specialist may focus on a variety of functional areas such as employment investigations, labor relations and/or general employee relations.
Minimum Education Bachelor's Degree in human resources or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for the educational requirement. (Required) Minimum Work Experience 5 years progressive employee/labor relations, employment investigations, or HR experience with significant exposure to complex ER cases and/or labor relations. (Required) Required Skills/Knowledge Deep knowledge of employment/labor law and best employment practices. Demonstrated ability to conduct high-risk or highly sensitive employment investigations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize complex information. Proven ability to influence leaders and provide strategic recommendations. Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills. Ability to handle ambiguity and navigate complex organizational dynamics. Proven proficiency with MS Office; HRIS, case management, and data analytics systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, HR Acuity, ServiceNow, Kronos etc.) Functional Accountabilities Employee Relations Consulting
- Advise leaders on complex performance issues, interpersonal conflict management, and sensitive workplace dynamics.
- Recommend corrective action strategies, ensuring consistency, fairness, and organizational compliance.
- Serve as a consultative resource to HR COEs, HRBPs and ER/LR Specialists on escalated employment concerns.
Employment Investigations
- Independently lead high-risk investigations involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace safety, or significant policy violations.
- Partner with Legal and HR leadership to determine investigation strategy, evidence requirements, and risk considerations.
- Prepare comprehensive investigation reports and present findings to leadership.
- Identify root causes and recommend broader interventions when appropriate.
Labor Relations
- Interpret collective bargaining agreements for complex or ambiguous scenarios.
- Lead or support multi-stage grievance investigations and prepare management responses.
- Assist in preparation for labor negotiations by gathering data, conducting research, and tracking proposals.
- Assist with negotiating union contracts according to strategy and organizational goals.
- Participate in labor-management meetings to foster constructive communication and resolve issues collaboratively.
Training, Prevention & Policy Development
- Develop and deliver training on labor contracts, conducting investigations, documentation, performance management, and best employment and labor practices.
- Recommend policy updates and process improvements based on trends and findings.
- Analyze ER/LR data to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities for preventative action.
- Promote awareness and appropriate use of Children’s National reporting channels and ER processes.