Employee Labor Relations (ELR) Specialist

Description

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director(s) of Employee Labor Relations, the Employee Labor Relations (ELR) Specialist is responsible for supporting ADAPT Community Network’s labor relations strategy and day-to-day employee relations functions. This role is responsible for coordinating and facilitating key labor and employee relations processes. The ELR Specialist works collaboratively with Human Resources, leadership, and union representatives plays a critical role in maintaining organized workflows, ensuring proper documentation, and supporting the ELR team in delivering responsive and compliant labor relations services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the ELR Specialist will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Draft and prepare employee relations and labor-related correspondence, including disciplinary notices, investigation notifications, grievance responses, and other formal communications as directed.
• Coordinate and schedule investigative meetings, grievance hearings, labor-management meetings, and related proceedings.
• Maintain tracking systems for grievances, disciplinary matters, investigations, and other employee relations cases to ensure deadlines and contractual timelines are met.
• Organize and maintain confidential employee labor relations files and documentation in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Support the administration of grievances, including intake, investigation, documentation, preparation of responses, and participation in grievance meetings as assigned.
• Assist with labor-management meetings, including preparation of materials, data analysis, and follow-up action items.
• Conduct workplace investigations related to employee conduct, contract violations, or policy concerns, ensuring timely, thorough, and objective outcomes.
• Prepare written summaries, findings, recommendations, and related documentation for employee relations cases.
• Monitor trends in grievances, disciplinary actions, and employee relations issues; identify patterns and recommend proactive solutions.
• Ensure consistent application of labor agreements and employment policies across departments and locations.
• Assist in preparation for arbitrations, hearings, or administrative proceedings, including document collection and case coordination.
• Support collective bargaining activities as assigned, including research, data analysis, and proposal preparation.
• Collaborate with HR teams to support training initiatives related to labor relations, contract compliance, and respectful workplace practices.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee labor relations records in accordance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Stay current on labor laws, regulations, and best practices impacting unionized and non-union environments.
• Ensure all work is performed with a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support the overall labor relations function.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in employee relations, labor relations, or human resources, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and disciplinary processes.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local employment and labor laws.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Effective organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and professional documentation.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with management, employees, union representatives, and HR colleagues.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Passion for ADAPT Community Network’s mission and the nonprofit sector.

COMPENSATION: $55,000 - $60,000 Annually + Industry-Leading Benefits!

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.

ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.