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About the Role

The Employee Relations Specialist is a focused practitioner who owns a defined caseload of workplace investigations and employee relations matters with full accountability. They are the first point of contact for workplace complaints and grievances, managing each case from intake through findings and documentation. This role is essential to maintaining a fair, inclusive, and legally compliant work environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for incoming employee relations calls, complaints, and grievances.
Conduct prompt, equitable, and impartial investigations into complaints involving allegations of policy violations, including harassment, retaliation, and discrimination.
Manage the full investigation lifecycle: intake, scoping, witness interviews, evidence gathering, data analysis, findings, and escalation.
Document cases by drafting comprehensive, concise investigation reports that summarize evidence, findings, and conclusions.
Maintain organized, confidential case files within the shared case management tool from intake through final close.
Own caseload: know the status of every open matter, control timeline, and ensure action or communication.
Communicate proactively with the Manager, Employee Relations: flag risks before deadlines, surface complexity early, and provide status updates.
Ensure all investigations are handled in compliance with the organization's policies, practices, and applicable employment laws.
Communicate effectively and sensitively with all parties involved in investigations, building transparency and trust.
Conduct findings readouts with Operations and HR upon investigation close.
Review employee relations policies and procedures and surface recommended improvements.
Identify recurring patterns across cases and surface them to the Manager, Employee Relations.
Act as an ambassador of the HR department's mission, vision, and values.
Handle workplace conduct and behavioral matters as assigned, approaching each situation with neutrality, curiosity, and rigor.
Conduct investigations into employee behavior and conduct, including complaints, policy violations, and workplace incidents.
Manage investigation timelines, witness interviews, and evidence gathering with discipline and objectivity.
Document accurately, thoroughly, and in real time.
Exercise sound judgment in assessing facts and escalating appropriately.
Follow all safety procedures and ensure compliance with OSHA, state, local, and Urban Alchemy policies.
Attend orientation and complete all required training.
Wear designated Urban Alchemy uniform and ID badge at all times.
Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

3+ years of HR experience with proven, hands-on employee relations and workplace investigation experience.
Broad knowledge of HR principles and best practices, including how HR workflows and systems connect.
In-depth knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR compliance requirements; must have working knowledge of multi-state employment law or demonstrate the ability to rapidly absorb and apply varying state-specific requirements.
Demonstrated ability to write clear, thorough, well-organized investigative reports.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experience with HRIS systems.
Experience with case management tools or shared tracking systems.
Must be able to work compassionately and respectfully with people from all backgrounds.
Must be prepared to engage with individuals navigating poverty, mental health challenges, addiction, and/or homelessness.
Must be able to pass and maintain background clearance in accordance with Urban Alchemy policy.
Lived experience with incarceration and/or homelessness preferred.
Driver's license and good driving record preferred.

Skills

Workplace investigations
Employee relations
Case management
Impartiality
Confidentiality
Composure
Neutrality
Professionalism
Urgency
Rigor
Communication
Collaboration
Policy review
Pattern analysis
Discipline
Objectivity
Judgment
Integrity
Emotional resilience
Accountability
Ambiguity
Adaptability

Location

San Francisco, CA

Work Type

Full-time
In-office (initially 5 days/week, then 3 days/week)

Experience Level

3+ years of HR experience

Education Level

Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred
AWI certification preferred

Salary/Compensations

$90,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary
$90,000/annual

Benefits

Health insurance
Paid time off
Other benefits

About the Company

Urban Alchemy hires individuals who were once incarcerated and trains them to transform people and places through love and respect.
We provide services that heal communities challenged by the intersection of extreme poverty, mental illness, addiction, and homelessness.
Urban Alchemy staff, known as Practitioners, create a peaceful and supportive presence, helping our communities rebuild a sense of pride one person at a time.
Urban Alchemy is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018.
We quickly grew from a small program in San Francisco to a thriving social enterprise with over 1,000 staff.
We currently operate in California, Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, New Mexico, and Oregon.
Over 95% of Urban Alchemy employees, including leadership, experienced incarceration and/or homelessness.

Equal Opportunity

Urban Alchemy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Urban Alchemy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.
People who have been incarcerated, experienced homelessness and/or come from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply because we believe they have unique skills and abilities to engage with people who are struggling.