Contract Employee Relations Specialist

This role will be for a 3-6 month contract. 

At Shields, we believe our success is driven by the strength of our teams—and that begins with hiring exceptional HR and Employee Relations professionals. We’re currently seeking a Contract Employee Relations Specialist who excels at building strong relationships, exercises sound judgment, and is confident navigating complex and nuanced situations. If you're comfortable operating in the “grey” and bringing clarity to ambiguity, we’d love to connect.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with excellent communication and conflict resolution skills. While your day-to-day will center around routine employee relations support, you may occasionally assist with more complex investigations - though these are the exception, not the norm. You may also be called upon to support special projects or assist with generalist HR tasks as needed—making this a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted resource for employees and managers, offering guidance on a broad range of HR topics including disciplinary actions, performance management, attendance, PTO usage, medical and personal leave, and policy compliance.
• Conduct fair, impartial investigations into workplace concerns such as harassment, discrimination, and policy violations, ensuring a respectful and compliant work environment.
• Lead the investigative process by interviewing involved parties, analyzing evidence, documenting findings, preparing objective reports, and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Serve as a culture ambassador, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance employee engagement and foster a positive, inclusive workplace.
• Support the communication, interpretation, and administration of company policies and practices, ensuring clarity and consistency across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations is required.
• Proven ability to quickly build strong interpersonal connections across all levels of the organization.
• Solid understanding of employment and labor laws, with the ability to apply them thoughtfully in real-world scenarios.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with HRIS systems such as ADP is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and respectfully.
• Strong deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and common sense in handling sensitive matters