Employee Relations Specialist in Clifton, New Jersey at Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery

Position Summary

Provides administrative and operational support for employee relations, compliance, and leave administration activities. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate employee records, coordinating workplace investigations, administering leaves of absence, responding to unemployment claims, and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable employment laws. Serves as a trusted resource for employees and managers while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions. Must be proficient in English and Spanish.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Assist with employee relations investigations, including scheduling interviews, gathering documentation, preparing investigation files, and maintaining confidential records.
• Document employee conversations, coaching sessions, disciplinary actions, and investigation outcomes.
• Track employee relations cases and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
• Coordinate witness interviews and maintain investigation timelines.
• Assist with preparing written communications related to corrective actions, policy violations, and employee concerns.
• Support HR leadership in resolving workplace issues while maintaining confidentiality.

Employee Records Administration

• Maintain accurate and complete employee personnel files in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Process employee status changes including promotions, transfers, compensation changes, and terminations.
• Ensure all required employment documentation is completed and properly filed.
• Maintain electronic HRIS records and audit files for accuracy and completeness.
• Respond to requests for employment verification and personnel records.

Leave Administration

• Coordinate administration of all employee leaves, including FMLA, NJFLA, paid family leave, military leave, ADA accommodations, personal leaves, and other applicable leave programs.
• Communicate leave rights and responsibilities to employees and managers.
• Track leave balances, certifications, return-to-work dates, and required documentation.
• Coordinate with payroll, benefits, and third-party administrators to ensure accurate leave processing.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and company leave policies.

Unemployment Claims Administration

• Respond to unemployment insurance claims and requests for separation information.
• Gather supporting documentation and coordinate with managers regarding claim details.

Compliance & HR Administration

• Assist with policy administration and employee acknowledgments.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing HR documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Assist with HR reporting, metrics, and compliance tracking.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to employees and managers regarding HR policies and procedures.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding activities as needed.
• Support special HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience

• 2–4 years of Human Resources experience, preferably in employee relations, leave administration, or HR operations.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience administering FMLA, ADA, and state leave programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and applicable state leave laws.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with managers and HR team members.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout manufacturing and office environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to travel occasionally between company locations, as needed.

Success Measures

• Employee records are maintained accurately and are audit-ready.
• Investigations are documented thoroughly and completed in a timely manner.
• Leave requests are administered accurately and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Unemployment claims are submitted accurately and within required deadlines.
• Managers and employees receive responsive, professional HR support.
• Confidential information is handled appropriately at all times.