Employee Relations & Engagement Specialist in Houston, Texas at DePelchin Children’s Center

Position: Employee Relations & Engagement Specialist
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Sr. Director, Human Resources
Company: DePelchin Family Services
Location: Houston, TX

Position Description:
The Employee Relations & Engagement Specialist supports a positive employee experience by assisting with employee relations activities, workplace investigations, employee engagement initiatives, and recognition programs across the organization. This role partners with employees, supervisors and Human Resources to address workplace concerns, promote effective communication, support performance management processes, and contribute to employee engagement and retention efforts. The Specialist helps ensure the consistent application of organizational policies and employment practices while fostering a workplace culture built on respect, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration. This position maintains confidentiality, exercises sound judgment, and supports compliance with organizational policies and applicable employment laws.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead employee relations matters and serve as a trusted resource for employees and supervisors regarding workplace concerns, policy interpretation, and employment practices.
• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, workplace misconduct, and other employee relations issues.
• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on performance management, corrective action, attendance issues, conflict resolution, and employee development.
• Collaborate with Dr. Director of HR to develop and maintain scalable employee relations processes, investigation protocols, tracking systems, and reporting practices to support increased case volume and organizational growth.
• Ensure consistent application and administration of organizational policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Identify employee relations trends and recommend solutions to address workplace concerns and enhance employee experience.
• Lead the administration of employee engagement surveys, analyze results, and support the development and implementation of action plans.
• Coordinate and manage employee recognition, tuition reimbursement, wellness, and engagement programs that support organizational culture and employee retention.
• Plan and support employee events, activities, and initiatives designed to foster engagement, collaboration, and a positive workplace environment.
• Partner with managers and leadership to support employee retention efforts and promote a culture of accountability, respect, and inclusion.
• Support onboarding and employee integration activities to enhance the overall employee experience.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee relations records, investigation files, and documentation.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and organizational policies.
• Prepare reports and analyze workforce metrics related to employee relations, engagement, and employee satisfaction.
• Collaborate with HR leadership on complex employee relations matters and organizational initiatives.
• Participate in HR projects and special initiatives that support departmental and organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree. Related experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement.
• Three (3) years’ experience in Human Resources managing employee relations programs and workplace investigations.
• Experience leading employee engagement, culture, or organizational development initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, education, social services, or multi-site organizations a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of employee relations principles, employment law, and workplace investigations.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and consultation skills.
• Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive matters.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to drive organizational changes.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, employee engagement platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Office-based
• Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Travel: Occasional (Must have reliable personal transportation, valid Texas Driver License, and current Auto Insurance)

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.