Human Resources Business Partner, HR West

Overview

Human Resources Business Partner

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Covenant Health Overview:

Covenant Health is the region's top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area's fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area's largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes "Best Employer" seven times.

Position Summary:

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to business leaders, aligning people strategies with organizational goals. This role champions a culture rooted in the organization's values, fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. The HRBP drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, and operational excellence across all people processes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to understand operational needs and provide practical HR guidance, serving as a primary HR contact for assigned support groups under the direction of the HR Director.
• Support the execution of HR strategies established by the HR Director, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities, consistent practices, and effective implementation.
• Provide guidance to leaders on employee relations matters, including performance management, corrective action, and workplace concerns; escalate complex issues to HR Director as appropriate.
• Conduct and support investigations, documentation, and follow-up actions in alignment with policy, legal requirements, and organizational expectations.
• Assist in workforce planning activities by monitoring staffing needs, identifying trends, and supporting leaders in implementing workforce solutions.
• Support talent management processes including performance management, employee development, and succession planning in partnership with HR leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and regulatory requirements, supporting audit readiness and documentation for Joint Commission, CMS, and other agencies; Provide support for compliance-related activities including audits, unemployment claims, accommodations, and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence (e.g., Talent Acquisition, Compensation, HRIS, Benefits) to deliver coordinated HR services and ensure alignment with enterprise processes and standards.
• Coordinate and support HR programs and processes such as onboarding, employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and training sessions.
• Promote a positive employee experience by reinforcing organizational culture, supporting engagement efforts, and coaching leaders on best practices.
• Ensures effective execution of HR processes by coordinating with HR Centers of Excellence and providing supplemental operational support as needed, while helping transition transactional work toward centralized and employee self-service delivery channels.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

Bachelor degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or related field; or equivalent experience and HR certification considered.

Minimum Experience:

3-5 years progressive HR experience, preferably in a healthcare or matrixed environment. Experience supporting employee relations, performance management, and HR program execution. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and provide practical HR guidance to leaders. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Foundational understanding of HR compliance, policies, and employment practices

Licensure Requirement:

None