***Started in role November 2021 at Bank of the West, merged with BMO in early 2023***Engages as a trusted partner and subject matter expert with employees and managers on work related issues including, but not limited to, performance management, workplace concerns, requests for reasonable accommodation (ADA), wage and hour concerns, complex labor law matters and involuntary terminations. Provides consultation, guidance and coaching to managers so they can appropriately address employee behavior and performance concerns based on policy/procedure, past action, and business practice. Excellent problem solving capabilities and responsive to employee level concerns.Conducts investigations for a wide variety of team member complaints; as well as, manage other complex, high risk, or sensitive ER cases to include gathering and analyzing evidence and applying relevant laws, policies and practices to reach conclusions. These cases may include, but are not limited to, complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace violence, whistleblower, and other violations of rules, regulations, policies and procedures.Builds and leverages inclusive and collaborative relationships with the Employee Relations team and business partners to develop proactive strategies, solutions, programs and policies.Ability to identify trends, analyze data, and offer solutions and recommendations by applying policies, past/best practices, or through a root cause analysis.Proficient communicator that listens and is able to influence and convey opinions and recommendations, both verbally and in writing; ability to maintain neutrality and a calm demeanor in tense/conflict-ridden situationsAligns with HR Business Partners to provide counsel and guidance for department re-organizations or other strategic initiatives. Provides senior level guidance to Employee Relations team members and/or act as a mentor to other ER/HR team members

Manage complex employee relations issues or concerns by completing thorough investigations related to alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Counsel and assist team members at all levels of management with team member or management issues. Recommend appropriate actions to correct problems Provide analysis involving extremely complex and diverse employee relations problems grounded in in-depth review of company policy and procedures, employment law legislation and other intangible variance factors. Engage in strategy to design and help implement proactive programs and plans related to minimize employee relations risk. Partner with Human Resources, Senior Management, Legal Counsel, Compliance, EAS, Corporate Employee Relations, Conduct Management, and other Corporate Resources as appropriate on sensitive employee relations issues.

Partner with internal investigations on high-risk or high complex cases to review and analyze investigation findings and recommend additional interviews or investigation when needed. Escalate high-risk cases to Employee Relations leadership for awareness or collaboration on determining disciplinary action. Engage departmental leadership to discuss results of the investigation and provide recommendation of disciplinary action warranted based on the results of the investigation. Investigate employee relations escalations by conducting research and/or interviews needed to vet out escalation allegations.

Responsible for delivering employee relations (ER) consulting and support to managers and employees of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch through a variety of communication channels.Self manages complex employee relations cases on a variety of ER topics including but not limited to Global Human Resources policy, attendance including leaves of absence, performance and conflict resolution, management training, sexual harassment and domestic violence. -Required to use sound judgment to mitigate risk and weight the importance and validity of information to form fact-based opinions, solve problems and make formal recommendations. -Multi-tasks with ease while managing multiple cases simultaneously while prioritizing the most urgent needs. -Effectively influences key stakeholders including managers, internal and external HR partners.-Researches facts related to individual cases including identifying root causes of issues and opportunities for client experience and GHR process improvements. -Provides superb customer care; convey caring, empathy, patience and listening skills. -Escalates as appropriate within team leadership structure and processes. -Thoroughly and completely documents cases in case management tool.

Assist with a variety of HR principles and practices which includes; recruitment, benefit administration, FMLA, worker's compensation and employee relations. Facilitate new hire training for Customer Service. Utilize recruitment strategies to fill open positions for Vemma with quality candidates. Maintain effective working relationships with all employees. Assist with employee relations includes but is not limited to; exit interviews, terminations, management training, disciplinary actions and investigations.

Create and execute all new hire training for Customer Service. Recruit for Customer Service and other departments as necessary which includes posting positions, reviewing resumes, conducting prescreens, assisting with job descriptions and creating interview guides. Assist in coordination of company events.