Employee Relations Specialist

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary:

The Employee Relations Specialist plays a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment, promoting employee engagement, and managing employee relations within the Tohono O'odham Health Care facility. This position focuses on supporting human resources functions, resolving workplace conflicts, and facilitating communication between management and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance and support to employees and management on human resources policies, procedures, and practices.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries, concerns, and grievances, providing confidential and impartial assistance in resolving issues.
• Conduct investigations into employee complaints, allegations of misconduct, or policy violations, documenting findings and recommending appropriate actions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of employee relations programs, initiatives, and activities to enhance workplace culture, morale, and teamwork.
• Collaborate with HR staff to ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and tribal policies, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, and tribal preference requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate employee training and development programs, including orientation, diversity training, and conflict resolution workshops.
• Administer employee recognition programs, awards, and appreciation events to acknowledge staff contributions and achievements.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process, including job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination as needed.
• Maintain accurate employee records, documentation, and databases, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy regulations.
• Assist with HR administrative tasks, such as benefits enrollment, payroll processing, and employee data management, as needed.

MinimumQualifications:

• Minimum of three years of experience in human resources, employee relations, or related field, preferably in a healthcare or tribal organization.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Tribal Human Resources Professional {THRP) preferred. Professional certification in Human Resources {e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) preferred.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and procedures, including employment law, employee relations, and organizational development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with employees, managers, and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and objectivity in handling sensitive employee matters and information.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess complex employee relations issues, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Proficiency in conflict resolution techniques, negotiation strategies, and mediation skills to address workplace conflicts and disputes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in promoting a fair and respectful work environment for all employees.
• Knowledge of tribal culture, customs, and traditions to effectively work within the tribal community and understand tribal-specific HR needs and preferences.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems, payroll software, and other HR technology tools used for employee data management and reporting.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, work demands, and organizational needs in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Special Requirements & Acknowledgment:

Tohono O'odham Nation is an Indian Preference Employer. Employees are expected to know existing Tohono O'odham Nation policies and know to refer to those policies when necessary.

Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.

Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record. Position may require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years). If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.