HR Generalist/ Employee Relations Specialist

Job Code:  13-1071

Salary:  $20.45 – $36.05

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Permanent

Department: Human Resources

Location:  Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron

Reports To: Assistant Human Resources Director

Telecommute: Limited

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: No

Background: PL 101-630

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Assistant Human Resources Director, the HR Generalist/Employee Relations Specialist provides professional Human Resources support to employees, supervisors, managers, directors, and Tribal leadership. This position serves as the primary resources for employee relations matters by promoting positive working relationships, ensuring consistent applications of personnel policies, facilitating conflict resolution, providing guidance on workplace investigation matters, supporting performance management, and ensuring compliance with Tribal policies. The position provides general Human Resources support throughout the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee development, and separation of employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

Employee Relations: 

• Serve as the primary Human Resources for the employee relations matters.
• Promote positive employee relations through coaching, guidance, education, and problem-solving
• Interpret and consistently apply Tribal personnel policies and procedures
• Review all disciplinary actions for consistency, fairness, and policy compliance
• Advise supervisors regarding progressive discipline and corrective action.
• Monitor disciplinary timelines and follow up with supervisors regarding required actions.
• Attend meetings as a neutral Human Resources representative when appropriate.
• Foster respectful working relationships throughout the organization.
• Conduct or coordinate workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee relations matters.
• Interview employees, supervisors, and witnesses while maintaining confidentiality.
• Prepare investigative summaries, findings, and recommendations.
• Educate employees regarding complaint, grievance, appeal, and investigation procedures.
• Mediate workplace conflicts and facilitate resolution whenever appropriate.
• Partner with management to resolve workplace concerns while minimizing organizational risk.
• Maintain complete documentation of investigations and related actions.

Workplace Investigations and Conflict Resolution:

Performance Management

• Administer the Tribe’s employee performance evaluation program.
• Monitor completion of probationary and annual performance evaluations.
• Assist supervisors in establishing performance expectations and measurable goals.
• Collaborate with managers to address performance deficiencies through Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
• Assist managers in addressing behavioral concerns through Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and progressive discipline.
• Coach supervisors on effective performance documentation and employee coaching techniques.
• Ensure consistency and fairness in performance management practices across departments.

Employee Engagement & Organizational Development

• Monitor employee morale, workplace climate, and engagement trends.
• Recommend initiatives that improve employee satisfaction, retention, and organizational culture.
• Develop and coordinate new employee orientation programs and continuously improve onboarding processes.
• Coordinate employee recognition and engagement initiatives.
• Conduct exit interviews, analyze trends, and recommend organizational improvements based on findings.
• Serve as an advocate for respectful communication and positive workplace culture.

Training and Professional Development 

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate Human Resources training programs for employees and supervisors.
• Conduct training related to harassment prevention, workplace conduct, performance management, investigations, documentation, conflict resolution, and other employment-related topics.
• Coordinate annual mandatory compliance training.
• Develop Human Resources educational materials and supervisor resource guides.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and recommend improvements.

Policy Administration & Compliance:

• Assist in the development, implementation, communication, and revision of Human Resources policies, procedures, and employee handbook provisions.
• Recommend policy improvements based on employment trends, organizational needs, and legal developments.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal policies and applicable federal, state, and employment laws.
• Collaborate with internal and external legal counsel when necessary.
• Assist with Human Resources audits and compliance reviews.

Employment Compliance

• Monitor and manage unemployment insurance claims and related activities.
• Coordinate unemployment hearings and prepare supporting documentation.
• Train supervisors on documentation practices to minimize unemployment liability.
• Monitor unemployment trends and recommend strategies to reduce organizational risk.
• Assist departments in maintaining compliance with employment regulations affecting Tribal operations.

Records Management and Reporting

• Maintain confidential employee relations files, complaint records, investigation files, and disciplinary documentation.
• Develop and administer employee complaint, appeal, and grievance tracking systems.
• Prepare reports and presentations regarding employee relations trends, investigations, grievances, and organizational metrics.
• Analyze employee relations data and recommend proactive organizational improvements.
• Track Human Resources metrics and monitor compliance deadlines.

HR Generalist:

• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner when dealing with all individuals when acting in your official capacity, both on and off property.
• Provide guidance to employees and management regarding Human Resources policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Assist in the day-to-day operations of Human Resources, to include recruitment, onboarding, orientation, personnel actions, and employee offboarding.
• Administer pre-employment and post-offer requirements including drug testing, background investigations, and breathalyzer when required.
• Coordinate with Programs to ensure compliance with the Davis Bacon Wage Act, when required.
• Protect confidential information and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associates Degree in a related field and 3 years Human Resources experience, OR Equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Consideration will be given to an equivalent, relevant combination of education/experience in the Human Resource, employee relations or benefits field. Senior Professional in Human Resource (SPHR) and/or Tribal Human Resource Professional (THRP) Certification is an asset. Upon hire, must work toward and obtain both, or equivalent certifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES: 

Knowledge

• Human Resources principles and practices
• Employee relations and conflict resolution
• Workplace investigations
• Performance management
• Personnel policies and procedures
• Records management and confidentiality

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Mediation and conflict resolution
• Investigation and interviewing techniques
• Coaching and counseling
• Policy interpretation
• Report writing and documentation
• Presentation and public speaking
• Organization and project coordination
• Microsoft Office and Human Resources information systems

Abilities

• Exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Build collaborative relationships with employees and leadership.
• Remain calm and objective during emotionally charged situations.
• Analyze complex workplace issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Influence positive organizational change through collaboration and education.