Team Member Relations Specialist (Newport News, Virginia)

DRUCKER + FALK

Team Member Relations Specialist

Reports To: Director, Human Resources

Location: Newport News, VA

Position Overview

The Team Member Relations Specialist supports the Director, Human Resources in managing the company’s employee relations program, with primary responsibility for conducting workplace investigations and helping managers resolve conflict. The role combines investigation and case management with coaching and mediation that equip managers to address concerns early, fairly, and consistently.

Our Vision – and How This Role Advances Them

Elevating Lives + Places

The Team Member Relations Specialist elevates lives by helping team members feel heard and respected and by building managers’ confidence to lead through conflict with fairness and empathy. This role elevates places by strengthening the workplace culture behind every property the company manages.

Key Responsibilities

Team Member Relations Investigations

• Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations including conduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy concerns, under the direction of the Director, Human Resources.
• Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses; gather and evaluate evidence; and assess credibility.
• Prepare clear, objective investigation reports with findings and recommended actions.
• Partner with the Director, Human Resources on outcomes and corrective actions, and monitor matters through resolution.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and any perception of retaliation throughout the process.

Manager Coaching + Conflict Resolution

• Advise managers on performance, attendance, conduct, and interpersonal conflict.
• Coach managers to prepare for difficult conversations, deliver constructive feedback, and set clear expectations.
• Guide managers through progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and sound documentation practices.
• Review coaching reports and separation requests to ensure consistency, accuracy, and proper documentation.
• Encourage early intervention and build managers’ ability to resolve issues independently.

Mediation + Employee Support

• Assess whether concerns are best addressed through mediation, informal resolution, or formal investigation.
• Facilitate mediation sessions and structured conversations to resolve conflict and restore working relationships.
• Help parties develop documented resolution plans and follow up to confirm progress.
• Serve as an approachable resource for employees raising workplace concerns.

Compliance, Unemployment Claims + Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential case files and track employee relations matters to timely resolution.
• Respond to state unemployment claims, including preparing separation information, submitting timely responses, and representing the company at appeal hearings as needed.
• Ensure practices comply with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies; escalate sensitive matters promptly.
• Support the Director, Human Resources in responding to agency charges and requests from employment counsel.
• Analyze case data to identify trends and report themes, outcomes, and recommendations to leadership.
• Work with HR leadership and the Benefits Specialist when team member relations matters involve medical accommodations, worker’s compensation, and other protected leave.

Policy, Training + Prevention

• Help develop and update team member relations policies and the team member handbook, and promote consistent application.
• Develop and deliver training on conflict resolution, respectful workplace conduct, harassment prevention, and documentation.
• Travel to company offices and managed properties as needed for investigations, meetings, and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Investigative Skill: Conducts impartial investigations and reaches well-reasoned, well-documented conclusions.

Coaching and Influence: Builds manager capability through practical guidance and influences outcomes without direct authority.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Remains neutral under pressure and helps parties reach workable, lasting solutions.

Employment Law Knowledge: Applies employment laws and company policies accurately and consistently.

Communication: Communicates clearly, tactfully, and objectively, verbally and in writing.

Judgment and Discretion: Balances employee, manager, legal, and business considerations and protects confidential information.

Ethics and Professionalism: Demonstrates integrity, fairness, reliability, and accountability in all business relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years of human resources experience, including at least two years in employee relations and workplace investigations.
• Demonstrated experience coaching managers and facilitating mediation or conflict-resolution conversations.
• Experience responding to state unemployment claims and appeals preferred.
• Working knowledge of employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and FLSA.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to prepare clear, objective investigation reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR information or case-management systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and remain neutral in emotionally charged situations.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to company offices and managed properties.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification or willing to certify within 1 year.

Physical Demands + Work Environment
The position primarily involves office work, extended computer use, and in-person and virtual meetings, with periodic travel to company offices and managed properties. The physical demands and work conditions described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the position.

Benefits Health, Dental, Life, 401K, Employee Assistance Program, Long Term Disability, Vacation, and Sick Leave.

EOE / Drug-free Workplace