Employee Relations Specialist - Human Resources

Overview

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking a full-time Employee Relations Specialist to support the Chief Human Resource Officer and two Directors of Human Resources to address a broad range of employee relations issues. In this role, you would join a strong, experienced HR team supporting an organization of passionate professionals providing legal services to indigent clients in Massachusetts.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week in our Boston Office and will require frequent travel to offices throughout the Commonwealth.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Our Values

Courage • Accountability • Respect •Excellence

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs. It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equityand inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

CPCSis the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Human Resources Department for the Committee for Public Counsel Services strives to provide exceptional service for our clients and our staff. We aim to uphold an environment which maximizes our employees’ experience, foster personal and professional growth, and enhances our staff’s mastery of the general practice of the law. By ensuring that CPCS provides an inviting and supportive atmosphere for our employees, we can best ensure superior representation for our clients.

The Human Resources Department encompasses three main practice areas: Benefits and Wellness, Payroll, and Recruiting and Hiring.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Employee Relations Specialist is a new position in the Human Resources Department that will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the agency by working with managers and employees to address a broad range of employee relations issues. The Employee Relations Specialist will work with the Directors of Human Resources to support managers and employees in all Employee Relations matters.

The Employee Relations Specialist will report to a Human Resource Director. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week in our Boston Office and will require frequent travel to offices throughout the Commonwealth.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field and at least four (4) years of human resources or related work in employee relations, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills;
• Access to an automobile in order to travel; and,
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred;
• Masters degree preferred;
• Proven experience in employee relations roles, preferably within HR;
• In-depth knowledge of employment and labor laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, including conflict resolution and negotiation experience;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion;
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Proficiency in HRIS software and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with employees and diverse stakeholders; and,
• Passion for public defense and a commitment to social justice.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Employee Relations Specialist reports to and collaborates with the Human Resources Directors to perform the following duties that include, but are not limited to:

• Acting as a primary point of contact for managers and employees regarding ER issues, including providing timely guidance and support, and fostering positive outcomes;
• Ensuring compliance with CPCS policies, procedures and monitoring feedback on agency policies;
• Aligning employee relations processes with agency policies to avoid confusion and ensure employees are treated fairly across the organization;
• Investigating misconduct, policy violations, or harassment incidents, including interviewing witnesses, reporting findings, and recommending appropriate disciplinary actions or corrective measures as needed;
• Drafting investigatory reports and other documents related to employee relations matters
• Helping managers decide on appropriate disciplinary actions for employee misconduct or performance issues and documenting the process;
• Implementing initiatives to promote employee engagement, satisfaction, retention, and to enhance workplace culture.
• Collaborating with the Learning and Development team to develop ER-related training for managers and employees;
• Assisting in the performance evaluation and management processes, including coaching managers on performance-related issues;
• Engaging in open, proactive communication and support and encouraging honest feedback from staff, and addressing concerns promptly;
• Maintaining accurate records of ER cases, investigations, and outcomes, preparing reports, and analyses for management review;
• Keeping abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends related to employee relations; and,
• Other duties as assigned.

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at sdebow@publiccounsel.net