Employee Engagement & Retention Specialist at MerrimackHealth – Lawrence, Massachusetts

At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range is $34.30 to $51.45 hourly, excluding fringe benefits and potential bonuses.

Your final base salary will be determined based on your education, experience, licensure, and internal equity considerations. Offers are typically made below the top of the range to support future salary growth.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager, Talent Management & Organizational Development, the Employee Engagement & Retention Specialist plays a key role in strengthening workplace culture and supporting a positive employee experience across Merrimack Health. This role is responsible for coordinating a wide range of engagement, retention, and onboarding initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional partners. The position supports Workforce Planning initiatives by supporting contingent staffing and productivity management. Through effective coordination, data‑driven practices, and strong cross‑functional partnerships, the Specialist ensures consistent execution of HR programs and foster an engaged and high‑performing workforce.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a resource to leaders and staff on engagement practices, culture‑building strategies, communication approaches, and employee‑centered best practices.
• Partners with cross‑functional teams to align engagement, recognition, retention, and organizational development initiatives.
• Supports HR Business Partners in employee engagement, retention and onboarding initiatives and programs.
• Coordinates employee satisfaction and experience‑gathering activities, including surveys, listening sessions, stay interviews, and exit interviews, to collect meaningful insights on the employee experience in partnership with the HR Business Partners.
• Supports new team members throughout their first 90 days, ensuring consistent follow‑up, resources, and onboarding support to position them for long‑term success.
• Supports employee recognition programs and initiatives that promote workplace culture, satisfaction, and retention.
• Supports the Talent Acquisition team by providing recruitment support, onboarding coordination, communication, and follow‑up as needed.
• Coordinates orientation logistics, materials, and schedules to support a consistent and high‑quality onboarding experience.
• Partners with HR Business Partners and departmental leaders to coordinate engagement‑related activities such as focus groups, listening sessions, and post‑survey action planning.
• Works in collaboration with cross-functional teams to facilitate travelers and agency staffing, coordinating onboarding and communication to ensure seamless integration and alignment with departmental and organizational expectations.
• Collaborates with leaders and Finance to prepare PCRC materials, compile follow‑up items and summarize productivity data in advance of review.
• Provides general administrative support to the Human Resources department.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES:

ENVIRONMENT OF CARE (SAFETY)

1. All new employees are required to attend New Employee Orientation, to include the safety topic, and must complete the annual Safety Training.
2. Uses all equipment in a safe manner.
3. Identifies and reports all safety hazards throughout the Hospital.
4. Reports injuries and accidents and/or errors to patients and visitors in a timely manner.
5. Completes and forwards an Incident Report when indicated using the Hospital’s reporting system.
6. Responds to fires and/or fire drills using the appropriate procedure.
7. Follows the Tobacco Free Environment Policy.
8. Manages waste and hazardous materials in the proper manner.
9. Uses the Safety Data Sheets when needed.
10. Performs appropriately in actual or simulated Internal Emergency Preparedness episodes.
11. Performs appropriately in actual or simulated External Emergency Preparedness episodes.
12. Uses proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.

QUALITY/PATIENT SAFETY/PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

1. Strives to exceed Quality and Safety benchmarks quarterly and annually, as established from the Annual Operating Plan (AOP).
2. Abides by service, quality, safety and productivity standards.
3. Supports the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Safety Culture Survey and the Implementation of Improvements, as indicated in the AOP. Develops action plans as required.
4. Identifies problems/issues/risks and formulates effective solutions to mitigate them. Uses Hospital notification system for reporting such problems/issues/risks.
5. Participates in Performance Improvement activities such as Root Cause Analysis or Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) when appropriate and required.
6. Implements solutions borne out of a Root Cause Analysis or HFMEA when appropriate.
7. Leverages the Lean methodology to document and continually improve processes when applicable.

SECURITY

1. Assumes responsibility for a clean and safe work environment.
2. Wears one’s Identification Badge at all times while at work.
3. Adheres to policies relating to computer security.

PATIENTS RIGHTS, CONFIDENTIALITY & ETHICS

1. Maintains patients’ rights, privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of the job, including those relating to diagnosis and patient records.
2. Promotes and employs ethical actions at all times with patient’s families and others.
3. Adheres to the policies and procedures of the Corporate Compliance Program.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

1. Performs as a team member utilizing the LGH values of quality, service, integrity and compassion.
2. Demonstrates excellent customer service by conducting daily activities, communications and interactions in a cooperative, positive and professional manner as dictated by the Hospital’s Service Excellence 7 Standards of Behavior.

COMPETENCY & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Identifies and communicates learning, competency and personal development needs to the supervisor.
2. Actively identifies and participates in educational activities that meet one’s educational needs, as approved by the supervisor.
3. Uses newly found knowledge and skills in one’s role.

AGE RELATED COMMUNICATION & SAFETY

1. Communicates in a manner appropriate and respectful to the comprehension level of the patient and/or family.
2. Maintains a safe environment specific to the age group served.

INFECTION CONTROL

1. Follows standard of universal precautions and use of appropriate personal protection equipment.
2. Works to reduce the risk of health care acquired infections through compliance with current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) hand hygiene guidelines.
3. Standard Precautions area utilized during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials, when necessary.
4. Is knowledgeable of and demonstrates compliance with all National Patient Safety Goals in preventing healthcare acquired infections.
5. Adheres to infection control and safety policies.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

1. Maintains the responsibility for punctuality and attendance to ensure optimal operation of the department.
2. Meets Hospital attendance policy as defined in the Hospital policy manual.
3. When an unscheduled absence from work is necessary, the department is notified according to department policy.
4. Submits requests for Paid Time Off, days off, etc. in accordance with department policy.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Associate degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience in-lieu of degree.
• Two to three years of progressive HR experience working in a fast paced, dynamic, office setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Proven ability to develop strong, trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated collaborator with excellent communication and follow-through.

Preferred:

• Experience working with Application Tracking Systems (ATS) and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).

• Working knowledge of HR labor laws and regulations