Job Description
Join Chimes – and go further to help others go far! Chimes is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and behavioral challenges to achieve their fullest potential.
Our vast array of services — educational, employment, vocational, residential, habilitative and behavioral health — are delivered through a network of national and international affiliates. This allows us to take a comprehensive, holistic approach to improving the lives of every person we serve — those who receive and those who reap the benefits of our innovative, responsive solutions.
Location: Baltimore, MD (Hybrid eligible)FLSA: ExemptRole Type: Individual Contributor (no direct reports)Compensation: Base salary range $130,000–$145,000 (no bonus). Final offer within range depends on depth of labor relations (grievances, bargaining, arbitration) and experience leading complex ER investigations across multiple states.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end investigations on complex ER matters (harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, performance): plan, interview, analyze evidence, write findings, recommend action.
Serve as primary point for union matters: manage grievances and information requests; conduct contract/past-practice reviews; support bargaining prep (proposals, costing, notes) and participate at the table as needed.
Partner with HR Business Partner (HRBP) teams to diagnose trends, coach leaders, and execute fair, consistent corrective action, PIPs, and separations.
Design, maintain, and deliver ELR training (investigations skills, documentation standards, just-cause, performance conversations, accommodation/leave intersections).
Author and maintain SOPs, toolkits, templates, and policy updates aligned to federal/state/local laws and collective bargaining agreements.
Track/analyze ER & LR metrics (case volume, cycle time, root causes) and translate insights into process improvements and preventative training.
Advise on ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, leave/accommodation intersections, and wage/hour basics; coordinate with Benefits, Payroll, HRIS, and Legal.
Support arbitration/ULP preparation (fact development, exhibits, witness prep) with Legal or outside counsel.
Ensure documentation meets audit/readiness standards; safeguard confidentiality and data privacy.
Contribute to culture initiatives emphasizing respect, inclusion, safety, and accountability; escalate risk appropriately.
Qualifications
Required
7+ years progressive Employee Relations experience with ownership of complex, multi-site/state investigations.
Direct Labor Relations exposure (grievances, contract interpretation, information requests); effective partnership during bargaining cycles.
Exceptional investigation and writing skills; clear, defensible findings tied to policy/precedent and evidence.
Strong knowledge of employment law (Title VII, ADA/ADAAA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA) with practical, risk-balanced judgment.
Demonstrated partnership with HRBP teams and leader coaching to resolution.
High discretion, integrity, urgency, and empathy handling sensitive issues.
Preferred
Hands-on LR depth (bargaining participation, arbitration/ULP prep, multi-CBA environments).
Nonprofit, healthcare, government contracts, or social services experience.
Formal investigations training/certification (e.g., AWI, Title IX/trauma-informed interviewing) or LR coursework.
Bachelor’s in HR, Labor/Employment Relations, or related field (Master’s/JD a plus).
Level Consideration (Senior ELR Partner)
Depth of LR (led grievances end-to-end; supported/led bargaining; arbitration/ULP prep).
Complexity/volume of high-risk investigations with defensible outcomes under external scrutiny.
Multi-state, unionized footprint and demonstrated influence with senior leaders.
Work Conditions & Other
Hybrid work may be available; some regional travel (~10–20%).
Timely response to urgent issues; occasional off-hours support during investigations or labor activity.
Equal Opportunity Employer; reasonable accommodations available.
What’s in it for you?
Total Rewards (For Full-Time Employees = >30 hours/week):
Competitive Pay
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement options
Flexible Spending Accounts (Health, Dependent, and Transportation)
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Time Off
403(b) with Employer Match
Employee Recognition Programs
Employee Referral Bonus opportunities
Discounts through “Tickets at Work”
Discounts on Verizon mobile service
And More!
Want to learn more?
To learn more about Chimes, and how you can achieve personal and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization, visit us at: https://chimes.org/Careers.
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