Employee Relations Specialist

Company Overview:

Cedarhurst Senior Living is an experienced operator of independent living, assisted living and memory care communities across the Midwest, Mid-South, and Southeast. Cedarhurst Senior Living is part of the Dover Companies, a vertically integrated healthcare organization established in 2007 to develop, construct, acquire, own, and operate high-quality senior living communities. In addition to Cedarhurst Senior Living, the Dover Companies include Dover Development, Brahms Construction, Dover Capital, Dover Health, and Medicine Express.

Cedarhurst Senior Living and the Dover Companies are mission driven — everything we do is grounded in our higher purpose of caring for seniors. Our decision making is informed by our mission “to create communities where each person feels loved, valued, supported and able to live life to the fullest.” Each business unit and each team member have a unique ability and responsibility to impact the lives of seniors, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We also embody an entrepreneurial spirit that has fueled our growth and continues to drive us forward.

Position Summary:

The Employee Relations Specialist, reporting directly to the Sr. Employee Relations Manager, is responsible for managing complex employee relations issues, promoting a positive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with company policies and employment laws. This position conducts thorough and objective investigations into complaints, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes. The Employee Relations Specialist plays a critical part in monitoring workplace trends, recommending proactive solutions to support employee engagement and retention, and delivering targeted training to leadership on performance management, workplace conduct, and compliance. The role also contributes to broader HR initiatives such as culture-building, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement and retention.

This role is onsite in St. Louis, MO at our Home Office. Remote and hybrid opportunities are not available.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Work that makes a difference in the lives of our residents and community
• An on-site gym with brand-new equipment
• A personal trainer offering daily group classes, stretching sessions, and one-on-one training
• Catered lunches twice a week, prepared by our on-site chef
• Monthly team events and more

Essential Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, investigations, and performance management issues for the Dover Companies.
• Conduct thorough, objective, and timely internal investigations into complaints involving discrimination, harassment, misconduct, and policy violations.
• Partner with HR leadership, legal counsel, and department managers to ensure fair and consistent handling of employee relations matters.
• Monitor and analyze trends in employee relations and recommend proactive solutions to improve employee engagement and retention.
• Develop and deliver training programs to managers on topics such as performance management, workplace conduct, and compliance.
• Interpret and communicate laws and regulations to managers and employees, providing guidance on practical application and compliance.
• Coach and advise supervisors on employee relations best practices, helping to resolve issues before escalation.
• Maintain detailed documentation of cases and ensure proper case management processes. Support the claims investigation process, as needed.
• Support the development and implementation of employee relations policies, procedures and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable labor laws and organizational policies.
• Support HR initiatives such as employee engagement surveys, culture-building activities, and diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Support the maintenance of company handbooks and facilitate the rollout of regular updates, as applicable.
• Support employee relations integration efforts during acquisitions and/or leadership transitions, helping ensure consistent policy application, training, and communication.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education and/or Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, psychology or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in employee relations or human resources, including conducting investigations and advising management.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law, FLSA, wage & hour laws, HIPAA, EEOC and conflict resolution techniques required.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost professionalism
• Proficiency in HR software is required. Experience with Paylocity is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite is required.
• Active certification from SHRM or HRCI is preferred.
• Experience in senior living, construction, home health, hospice, and/or pharmacy is a plus.

Working Conditions:

As part of The Dover Company’s commitment to providing outstanding care and support, the company ensures that staff work under conditions that prioritize safety, collaboration, and professional growth. The conditions listed below define the experience of working in the Home Office or remotely.

• This position may involve a range of physical activities, including those outlined in the Essential Duties, but is not limited to them. This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods, especially when conducting safety inspections, audits or incident investigations.
• This position may need to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
• This position may need to move through areas of the corporate office or other worksites of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization is required of this role.
• The individual in this position is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment by actively preventing accidents, preserving equipment, and promoting safe working practices.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• This position is required to work onsite at the St. Louis Dover Companies headquarters.
• While travel for this role is not anticipated, there may be situations that arise that require this role to travel to an offsite company location. Anticipated potential travel does not exceed 20% of the annual work of this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.