Employee Relations Specialist , HR

About Us:

The Arc of Essex County is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their families. With programs spanning Essex County and a central office in Livingston, NJ, we’re committed to creating inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

Why Join Us?

At The Arc of Essex County, you’ll be part of a team that is guided by our core values of excellence, commitment, respect, collaboration, and generosity. We offer competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact every day.

About the Role:

We’re looking for a strategic, empathetic, and forward-thinking Employee Relations Professional to champion a culture of trust, growth, and shared success. This is a pivotal leadership role that blends employee advocacy with performance development, helping shape the future of our workforce.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Human Resources, you’ll partner across departments to ensure our workplace culture and HR practices embody our commitment to inclusion, respect, and purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of employee relations strategies to foster a productive and respectful workplace.
• Manage the organization’s Performance Management (PM) system, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
• Drive initiatives that enhance employee performance and program effectiveness.
• Analyze performance data to inform leadership development and career advancement strategies.
• Research, design, and implement training programs that address organizational priorities.
• Facilitate supervisory and management training to build leadership capacity across the agency.
• Track and analyze claim outcomes and identify trends to mitigate future risk and improve compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison for DSP positions covered by an agreement between the agency and CWA, primarily managing grievance processes and ensuring timely, accurate reporting.
• Manage, respond to, and facilitate strategies with the goal to resolve employee concerns.
• Conduct and manage employee-focused investigations with discretion and fairness.
• Oversee the progressive discipline system, ensuring timely and consistent application.
• Administer the termination process in alignment with agency policies and practices.
• Administer and respond to unemployment insurance claims in a timely and accurate manner.
• Represent the company during unemployment hearings or liaise with legal counsel as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of management-level experience.
• Must meet one of the following:

o 5+ years of HR experience

o 1+ year of HR experience plus 3 years in an exempt-level role at The Arc (administrative, operational, or supervisory)

• Experience in labor relations and collective bargaining is preferred.
• HR certifications preferred (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR).

Skills & Attributes:

• Passion for mission-driven work and inclusive workplace culture
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and follow-through
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,000.00 - $76,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person