Employee & Labor Relations Specialist

Summary

Cascadia Healthcare is a skilled nursing industry organization committed to serving residents, employees, and communities across multiple states. The Employee & Labor Relations Specialist provides expert guidance on employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and employment law compliance. The role partners with leaders, HR, operations teams, and union representatives across multiple facilities and requires up to 50% travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, policy violations, misconduct allegations, harassment concerns, and other employee relations matters
• Partner with facility leadership to resolve employee concerns and workplace conflicts
• Support labor relations activities, including grievance administration, contract interpretation, and labor agreement compliance
• Coach managers on employee relations issues, performance management, corrective action, and best practices
• Monitor workplace trends and identify opportunities to improve employee engagement, morale, and retention
• Educate leaders and employees on company policies, procedures, and employment law requirements
• Travel regularly to facilities to provide on-site support, conduct investigations, and build strong working relationships
• Investigate employee concerns, complaints, and allegations in a fair, objective, and timely manner
• Conduct interviews with employees, supervisors, and witnesses to gather facts and assess situations
• Analyze workplace issues and recommend practical, compliant solutions
• Support conflict resolution efforts and facilitate productive conversations between employees and management
• Monitor employee relations trends and proactively identify opportunities to improve workplace culture, engagement, and retention
• Maintain accurate documentation, investigation files, and employee relations records
• Assist leaders in interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreements
• Advise management regarding labor relations practices, grievance responses, and contract compliance
• Investigate, document, and support the resolution of employee grievances
• Prepare reports and summaries regarding labor relations activities, trends, and outcomes
• Support labor negotiations, mediation efforts, and arbitration preparation as needed
• Monitor compliance with labor agreements, the National Labor Relations Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and applicable federal and state regulations
• Conduct thorough and legally compliant workplace investigations
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment practices
• Educate leaders on compliance requirements and risk mitigation strategies
• Partner with HR, operations, and legal resources when appropriate to address complex employment matters
• Support audits, corrective action initiatives, and regulatory compliance efforts
• Coach and support leaders in handling employee concerns, workplace conflict, communication challenges, and performance issues
• Build strong relationships with employees, facility leaders, HR teams, and union representatives
• Gather feedback regarding employee morale, workplace concerns, and organizational effectiveness
• Help implement initiatives that improve employee engagement, communication, and workplace culture
• Support special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, Human Resources, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee relations matters
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements, grievance administration, and labor relations processes
• Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws, labor regulations, and compliance requirements
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills
• Proven ability to establish credibility, influence stakeholders, and navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and tact
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities across numerous locations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR-related systems
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Healthcare, skilled nursing, post-acute care, rehabilitation, or long-term care experience
• Experience supporting multi-site operations
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or related professional certification
• Experience participating in labor negotiations, mediation, or arbitration proceedings

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in employee relations, labor relations, workplace investigations, Human Resources, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and managing sensitive employee relations matters
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements, grievance administration, and labor relations processes
• Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws, labor regulations, and compliance requirements
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills
• Proven ability to establish credibility, influence stakeholders, and navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and tact
• High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities across numerous locations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR-related systems
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Nice to Haves

• Healthcare, skilled nursing, post-acute care, rehabilitation, or long-term care experience
• Experience supporting multi-site operations
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or related professional certification
• Experience participating in labor negotiations, mediation, or arbitration proceedings

Benefits

• Remote role (candidate ideally lives in Portland metro area)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Mileage reimbursement for business travel
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive leadership culture
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven healthcare organization