Associate Employee Relations Specialist

About Us Join us at WinCo Foods, where we're more than just a grocery retailer - we're a growing family of over 140 supermarkets in 10 states with over 22,000 employee owners. Our purpose is to make the lives of our customers and employee owners better by offering the lowest possible prices to feed their families. Currently, WinCo is the second largest Employee-Owned company in the United States. With more than 500 millionaire employee-owners in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Our benefits, including top-tier medical plans and tuition support set us apart. In your role, you'll be instrumental in making a real impact in the communities we serve, embodying our purpose every day. Overview Job Summary Responds to manager and employee inquiries and receives employee and consumer reports related to background checks, possible violations of company policy, collection bargaining agreements (CBAs), Title VII, and other state and federal labor laws for the Human Resources Department at the WinCo Foods Corporate Office. Consistently provide friendly customer service to internal and external customers. Performs other related projects as assigned. Typical Duties and Responsibilities Review applicant criminal history background check and drug test results, determine whether applicant is eligible for hire, and communicate as necessary with applicants and management. Serve as initial contact and point of intake to answer and respond to HR related telephone and written inquiries from employees and managers, including but not limited to inquiries related to policies, CBAs, and employment laws. Coordinate and organize incoming employee and manager inquiries for timely response. Under the direction of the Employee Relations Specialist, Senior Employee Relations Specialist, and/or Employee Relations Director, assist in conducting investigations regarding allegations of violation of company policy, harassment/discrimination, and other employment related concerns/issues. Communicate to applicants and employees any follow up information provided by an Employee Relations Specialist and/or Senior Employee Relations Specialist after review of a complaint. Manage grievance outcomes according to the CBA. Assist in gathering requested information from WinCo’s legal team in relation to litigation, arbitrations, subpoenas, and inquiries from government agencies. Assist WinCo’s Employee Relations Team with gathering required documents and materials for investigation and employee relations cases. Maintain detailed documentation (phone logs, notes, files, etc.) related to inquires received by employees and applicants. Offer guidance and support to retail and distribution center (DC) locations regarding employers’ obligations to comply with state and federal leave and disability laws. Continually review and stay up-to-date regarding state and federal laws on the ADA and other similar state laws to ensure WinCo’s compliance with such laws. Assist and complete Human Resource related projects, reports, and support. Promote WinCo’s philosophies and values, ensure quality in all areas, and encourage teamwork by providing support in the HR department and throughout the organization. Cultivate effective relationships with internal and external customers. Perform other duties as assigned or needed. Requirements Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related discipline or equivalent experience. Experience: Demonstrating proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) software. Requiring a professional level of confidentiality handing sensitive applicant, employee, and company information. Developing and maintaining effective relationships with team members, managers, and employees. In a role requiring a high level of organization and attention to detail. Preferred Education, Experience, and/or Credentials: Experience supporting corporate HR functions including employee relations, background checks, and/or fielding employee questions or concerns. Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal employment and labor laws Ability to: Professionally address difficult, sometimes volatile individuals. Communicate clearly and professionally, utilizing excellent verbal, written, and inter-personal communication skills. Maintain a high degree of confidentiality with sensitive information. Field and prioritize different tasks, phone calls, and projects. Establish and maintain good rapport with co-workers, supervisors, vendors, customers, and others. Be self-directed, dependable, and maintain regular, consistent, predictable attendance and punctuality. Demonstrate initiative and possess excellent time management skills. Accept direction from multiple sources and effectively manage time to ensure deadlines are met. Work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision (self-motivated, take initiative, and drive results). Be highly adaptable to change. Work weekends and evenings with overnight travel when needed. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of personnel may vary. EEO/Inclusivity As the WinCo Foods community continues to grow, our variety of perspectives and wide range of experiences are essential to our strategy and success. We are committed cultivating and celebrating an inclusive environment in which all employees are valued and respected. Fraud alert: WinCo advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from WinCo by checking the official WinCo careers website. As the WinCo Foods community continues to grow, our variety of perspectives and wide range of experiences are essential to our strategy and success. We are committed cultivating and celebrating an inclusive environment in which all employees are valued and respected. Fraud alert: WinCo advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from WinCo by checking the official WinCo careers website. Join us at WinCo Foods, where we're more than just a grocery retailer - we're a growing family of over 140 supermarkets in 10 states with over 22,000 employee owners. Our purpose is to make the lives of our customers and employee owners better by offering the lowest possible prices to feed their families. Currently, WinCo is the second largest Employee-Owned company in the United States. With more than 500 millionaire employee-owners in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Our benefits, including top-tier medical plans and tuition support set us apart. In your role, you'll be instrumental in making a real impact in the communities we serve, embodying our purpose every day.