Position Title: Employee Relations Specialist
Type: Contract (3 months)
Department: Employment Practices
Location: Remote or Hybrid - Jacksonville or North Carolina

 

Position Overview
The Employee Relations Advisor (Contract) provides expert guidance and hands?on support for a wide range of employee relations (ER) matters, including complex workplace issues, internal investigations, and policy interpretation. This role partners closely with HR and Legal teams to ensure consistent and compliant handling of cases while promoting a fair, equitable, and productive work environment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong investigative skills, exceptional judgment, and the ability to influence leaders at all levels. Experience managing cases through ServiceNow is required.

Key Responsibilities
Employee Relations & Investigations

• Conduct thorough and timely investigations into employee concerns, including allegations of policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other misconduct.
• Develop investigation plans, interview employees and witnesses, gather and analyze evidence, and maintain accurate and complete documentation.
• Prepare clear, detailed, and objective written investigation reports, summarizing findings and recommending appropriate outcomes.
• Partner with Legal to ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies, practices, and employment laws.
• Advise leaders, HR partners, and stakeholders on recommended actions, resolution strategies, and risk mitigation.
• Manage investigations and case workflows using ServiceNow, ensuring accurate tracking and timely progression of cases.

Advisory & Coaching

• Act as a subject matter expert on employee relations best practices, policies, and workplace strategies.
• Provide coaching and guidance to employees, leaders, and HR partners on effective employee relations management and conflict resolution.
• Support leaders in addressing sensitive or complex workplace behaviors, performance issues, and policy interpretation.
• Develop and deliver training programs and materials to build leader capability in maintaining a fair and compliant workplace.

Analytics & Reporting

• Maintain case tracking systems and ensure the accuracy and integrity of ER data.
• Identify and analyze trends in employee relations issues and recommend proactive solutions to support a healthy work environment.
• Prepare updates, dashboards, and insights on ER metrics, patterns, and risk areas.

Qualifications
Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience conducting employee relations investigations in a corporate or field?based environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including Title VII, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, ADEA, and harassment/retaliation statutes.
• Experience handling a high volume of investigations, including sensitive and complex cases.
• Experience using ServiceNow for case management.
• Strong proficiency with the Microsoft suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams.
• Exceptional writing and documentation skills, especially in drafting reports, summaries, and compliant case narratives.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence and advise leaders at all levels, including executives.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive or controversial issues with professionalism.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage time effectively, and work independently.
• Strong skills in negotiation, facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution.

Preferred

• Experience coaching leaders and HR partners in ER practices and strategies.
• Experience designing or delivering training related to employee relations topics.
• Prior HR experience in a fast?paced, highly matrixed environment.

Key Competencies

• Relationship Building & Influence
• Investigative Rigor & Objectivity
• Judgment & Decision-Making
• Communication Excellence (written & verbal)
• Confidentiality & Discretion
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation
• Analytical & Critical Thinking
• Collaboration & Partnership
• Change Agility

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Contact information

Amber Kemp