Employee Relations Specialist - Contract Role
Covista, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Covista is America's largest healthcare educator, serving more than 97,000 students and supported by a community of 385,000 alumni across five accredited institutions. Through personalized, tech-enabled education powered by 10,000 faculty and colleagues, Covista expands access to healthcare careers and addresses the U.S. healthcare workforce shortage at scale. Covista is the parent company of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Chamberlain University, Ross University School of Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Walden University.
Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, business, academia, healthcare, government and nonprofits, and are part of a culture where doing exceptional work and making a meaningful difference for students and society aren't separate goals—they're one and the same. This means creating an environment where colleagues can develop new skills, build careers that match their ambitions and see the tangible impact of their work on healthcare education and workforce development. Colleagues who deliver results and embrace new tools to work smarter are valued for their contributions. But what makes working at Covista distinctive is our impact. Our faculty and colleagues don't just support healthcare education—they shape it. This isn't abstract purpose work. It's solving real problems for real people in real communities while advancing careers.
We operate on a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week (Monday–Thursday). This approach enhances creativity, innovation, communication, and relationship‑building, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
For more information, visit covista.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Job Description
Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing a caseload of sensitive and escalated matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as overseeing leave of absence (LOA) administration. The Specialist provides subject matter expertise to leaders and colleagues on these topics and regularly advises managers on how to address related issues. Additional responsibilities also include providing guidance on policy interpretation, performance management, conflict resolution, and conduct concerns. The role emphasizes proactive coaching and risk mitigation to support effective leadership. Responsibilities
Promotes resolution of ADA and LOA matters through a collaborative approach while maintaining consistency in the application of the resolution. Serves as a liaison between management, colleagues, the Coaching Resource Center (CRC) and askHR teams for matters involving ADA and LOA. Manages a high‑volume case load involving ADA/FMLA/LOA, driving inquiries to resolution in a timely fashion; escalates more serious inquiries with a sense of urgency. Provides consulting around routine performance management issues. Helps managers differentiate between performance and behavioral issues. Provides counsel on how to deal with time and attendance and leave management issues; writes effective disciplinary actions, and provides clearly written objectives and performance evaluations. Under the guidance of more senior leaders, may conduct investigations related to claims of harassment or discrimination and makes recommendations for resolution. Refers supervisors and team leads to appropriate training classes and consulting available via the Covista online portal. Provides excellent customer service demonstrating timely follow up and a sense of urgency. Ensures appropriate case details are documented in the case management system. Effectively de‑escalates issues and mediates the resolution of colleague complaints. Escalates more complex issues to the Practice Leader for consultation. Educates managers regarding the spirit and intent of laws, regulations and organization policy. Remains current in applicable state and federal employment law. Complies with all policies and standards. Completes other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree Required and Master's Degree preferred. PHR, SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP preferred and employment law coursework or training preferred. 4+ years experience in HR with exposure to a wide range of employee relations issues with one to two years of experience specifically managing ADA, FMLA and LOA administration required and experience with claims and disputes such as EEO, FMLA and ADA required. Excellent communications, training, interpersonal skills and influencing skills. Strong facilitation, mediation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Good business acumen and writing skills. Skill in analyzing human resource and management problems and devising effective solutions. Additional Information
In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $23.65 and $40.00 per hour. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job‑related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. Equal Opportunity
Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation
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Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for managing a caseload of sensitive and escalated matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as overseeing leave of absence (LOA) administration. The Specialist provides subject matter expertise to leaders and colleagues on these topics and regularly advises managers on how to address related issues. Additional responsibilities also include providing guidance on policy interpretation, performance management, conflict resolution, and conduct concerns. The role emphasizes proactive coaching and risk mitigation to support effective leadership. Responsibilities
Promotes resolution of ADA and LOA matters through a collaborative approach while maintaining consistency in the application of the resolution. Serves as a liaison between management, colleagues, the Coaching Resource Center (CRC) and askHR teams for matters involving ADA and LOA. Manages a high‑volume case load involving ADA/FMLA/LOA, driving inquiries to resolution in a timely fashion; escalates more serious inquiries with a sense of urgency. Provides consulting around routine performance management issues. Helps managers differentiate between performance and behavioral issues. Provides counsel on how to deal with time and attendance and leave management issues; writes effective disciplinary actions, and provides clearly written objectives and performance evaluations. Under the guidance of more senior leaders, may conduct investigations related to claims of harassment or discrimination and makes recommendations for resolution. Refers supervisors and team leads to appropriate training classes and consulting available via the Covista online portal. Provides excellent customer service demonstrating timely follow up and a sense of urgency. Ensures appropriate case details are documented in the case management system. Effectively de‑escalates issues and mediates the resolution of colleague complaints. Escalates more complex issues to the Practice Leader for consultation. Educates managers regarding the spirit and intent of laws, regulations and organization policy. Remains current in applicable state and federal employment law. Complies with all policies and standards. Completes other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree Required and Master's Degree preferred. PHR, SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP preferred and employment law coursework or training preferred. 4+ years experience in HR with exposure to a wide range of employee relations issues with one to two years of experience specifically managing ADA, FMLA and LOA administration required and experience with claims and disputes such as EEO, FMLA and ADA required. Excellent communications, training, interpersonal skills and influencing skills. Strong facilitation, mediation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Good business acumen and writing skills. Skill in analyzing human resource and management problems and devising effective solutions. Additional Information
In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $23.65 and $40.00 per hour. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job‑related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. Equal Opportunity
Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation
#J-18808-Ljbffr