Denver Health

Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Denver Health$80K — $125K *
Healthcare
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in HR, Business, or related field preferred.
  • 7-9 years of progressive HR experience focused significantly on employee relations.
  • Expert knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
  • Proven track record in managing complex investigations.
  • Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Intermediate public speaking and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex employee relations investigations and recommend actions based on findings.
  • Analyze trends in employee relations and partner with HR Business Partners to propose preventative measures.
  • Coach leaders on performance management situations and develop training resources.
  • Coordinate compliance monitoring and oversee unemployment case management processes.
  • Provide advanced interpretation of policies and mentor less experienced employee relations specialists.
  • Collaborate with HRBPs on broader employee relations trends that require organizational intervention.
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of employee relations protocols and best practices.

Benefits

  • Starting paid time off of 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and holidays.
  • 100% paid parental leave for up to 6 weeks.
  • Employer retirement contributions of up to 9.5%, with immediate eligibility for enrollment.
  • Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans, along with employer-paid disability and life insurance.
  • Access to well-being programs, on-site fitness facilities, and the nationally recognized RESTORE Center.
  • Free public transportation pass through RTD EcoPass.
  • Tuition reimbursement and assistance for professional development.
  • Dedicated resources for career growth, including a professional clinical advancement program.
Full Job Description
Serves as a senior advisor and subject matter expert on employee relations. This includes complex performance management, discipline, and formal investigations or complaints. This role is responsible for providing guidance on sensitive or high-risk issues with a people-centric focus, while also ensuring clear adherence to policy and employment law. Works independently to handle the most complex and sensitive employee relations matters. Provides mentorship to other employee relations specialists. Collaborates with HR Business Partners to analyze trends and recommend preventive measures or interventions. Takes initiative in identifying and implementing process improvements, provides input on policy and program development, and ensures consistency in approach to support a positive workforce culture.

Essential Functions:

  • Employee Relations & Investigations
    • Leads highly complex and sensitive employee relations investigations.
    • Analyzes investigation findings and recommends appropriate actions based on findings, policy, past practice, and organizational risk.
    • Maintains complete, accurate, and timely case documentation in accordance with established standards.
    • Identifies recurring or broader employee relations issues and partners with HR Business Partners to recommend interventions and preventative measures.
    • Reviews and approves moderate to complex corrective actions/ Accountability Based Performance (ABP) and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP)and provides guidance to support appropriate and consistent application.
    • Provides advanced consultation to leaders on complex, sensitive, and high-risk employee relations matters.
    • Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of investigation protocols and best practices. (40%)
  • Performance Management & Training
    • Coaches leaders through complex performance management situations.
    • Develops and facilitates training related to employee relations and performance management.
    • Develops and recommends performance management tools and resources to support consistent practices.
    • Monitors performance management practices and identifies opportunities to improve consistency and effectiveness.
    • Analyzes performance management trends to identify recurring or broader employee relations concerns.
    • Recommends approaches to address performance management and employee relations concerns and partners with HRBPs when broader leadership, team, or organizational intervention may be needed. (20%)
  • Program Administration & Compliance
    • Coordinates program implementation and evaluation and recommends improvements based on outcomes.
    • Coordinates compliance monitoring and reporting processes and identifies areas requiring follow-up.
    • Oversees unemployment case management and drives high organizational success rate.
    • Partners with the leave of absence team to support complex leave and accommodation cases.
    • Identifies and recommends opportunities for program improvement or development and coordinates related documentation and metrics.
    • Provides ER insights and trend information to support employee experience and engagement initiatives.
    • Coordinates survey and audit preparation activities and ensures required information is complete and timely.
    • Contributes ER expertise to policy and process development, implementation, and communication. (20%)
  • Employee Relations Consultation & Partnership
    • Provides advanced policy interpretation and guidance to employees and leaders.
    • Develops and reviews employee relations documentation for complex or sensitive situations.
    • Provides employee relations education and guidance as part of new leader onboarding.
    • Identifies process improvement opportunities and coordinates implementation of approved improvements.
    • Provides employee relations expertise and consultation to support organizational change initiatives.
    • Mentors less experienced team members and serves as a resource on complex employee relations matters.
    • Serves as a subject matter resource on employee relations practices and recommends improvements based on emerging needs, trends, and best practices.
    • Partners with HRBPs to address employee relations trends and concerns that may require broader leadership, team, or organizational intervention. (20%)


Education:

  • Bachelor degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred. Required


Work Experience:

  • 7-9 years Progressive Human Resources experience with significant employee relations focus. Required

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    • Expert knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
    • Proven track record of successful complex investigations.
    • Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
    • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
    • Intermediate level of public speaking and facilitator skills to speak effectively and persuasively on matters of interest to employees and serves as facilitator on employee focus groups.
    • Microsoft Office proficiency.

    Shift

    Work Type

    Regular

    Salary

    $80,900.00 - $125,400.00 / yr


    Benefits


    At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.


    Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

    • Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
    • 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
    • Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
    • Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
    • Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
    • Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
    • Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
    • Tuition reimbursement & assistance
    • Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
    • Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
    • National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer


    About Denver Health

    Denver Health stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence in Denver, Colorado. Denver’s comprehensive healthcare system offers an array of high-paying jobs and rewarding career opportunities. This integrated network, encompassing a premier hospital, a series of community health centers, and a robust public health department, serves as the city's primary safety net institution. As a Level One Trauma Center with specialized pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, Denver Health is not only pivotal in providing critical care but also plays a significant role in medical education, being affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    Overview of Denver Health Careers

    A Diverse Range of Healthcare Roles

    Denver Health careers span a wide spectrum, from clinical roles in nursing and specialized medicine to administrative and support positions. As a teaching hospital, it offers a unique environment for professional growth, blending patient care with educational opportunities.

    Available Job Opportunities

    High-Demand Positions

    Among the highest paying and most sought-after positions at Denver Health are Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Licensed Therapist roles. This reflects the system's comprehensive approach to mental health services alongside its medical offerings.

    Nursing and Clinical Staff

    Opportunities in nursing and other clinical areas offer the chance to work directly with a diverse patient population. And of course, nursing and clinical staff are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a network of community clinics.

    Administrative and Support Roles

    From medical billing specialists to healthcare administrators, Denver Health provides a variety of non-clinical positions essential to the smooth operation of the healthcare system.

    Qualifications and Requirements

    Ensuring the Highest Standards of Care

    Denver Health seeks healthcare professionals who possess the necessary skills and experience and are committed to excellence in patient care and continuous learning.

    Education and Certification

    For clinical positions, specific degrees, certifications, and licenses are required, reflecting the level of expertise and specialization needed to meet the healthcare needs of the Denver community.

    Application Process

    Steps to Joining Denver Health

    The journey to a career at Denver Health begins with a straightforward application process designed to identify candidates who align with the system's values and standards of care.

    Submitting Your Application

    Candidates can apply through Denver Health's online job portal, where current vacancies are listed. A detailed resume and cover letter tailored to the specific position are crucial components of the application.

    Interview Tips and Techniques

    Standing Out as a Candidate

    Succeeding in the interview requires preparation and an understanding of what Denver Health values in its staff—a dedication to patient care, teamwork, and professional integrity.

    Demonstrating Your Fit

    Be ready to discuss how your skills, experience, and values align with the mission of Denver Health. Prepare examples from your past work that showcase your ability to contribute positively to the healthcare system.

    Training and Development Programs

    Commitment to Continuous Professional Growth

    Denver Health offers extensive training and development programs, supporting its staff in achieving their highest potential and ensuring the delivery of top-quality care.

    Advancing Your Skills

    From on-the-job training to formal education programs, employees have opportunities to enhance their clinical skills, leadership abilities, and overall knowledge of healthcare practices.

    Benefits and Compensation Packages

    Rewarding Your Contribution

    Denver Health offers competitive benefits and compensation packages, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its employees with rewards that reflect their value to the healthcare system.

    Comprehensive Benefits

    Employees enjoy a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside opportunities for bonuses and salary advancements based on performance and experience.

    Employee Testimonials and Success Stories

    From Our Staff to You

    Hearing directly from Denver Health employees provides insight into the supportive work environment, career advancement opportunities, and the personal satisfaction derived from making a difference in the lives of patients.

    Making an Impact

    Employee stories highlight the rewarding nature of work at Denver Health, where every staff member plays a critical role in providing care and improving community health.

    Career Advancement Opportunities

    Pathways to Professional Development

    Denver Health is committed to the career advancement of its employees, offering various pathways for professional development, from leadership roles within the nursing staff to specialized medical positions and administrative leadership.

    Contacts and Resources for Further Information

    Navigating Your Denver Health Career Path

    For more detailed information about careers, the application process, or specific job openings at Denver Health, prospective applicants are encouraged to utilize the following resources:

    Denver Health Careers Page

    The primary resource for current job listings, application guidelines, and comprehensive information about working at Denver Health.

    Further Assistance

    For specific questions not addressed on the website, potential applicants can contact Denver Health's HR department directly through the provided contact details on the careers page.
    Learn more about Denver Health
    Size
    7,000 employees
    Industry
    Founded
    1860

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