At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

The Employee Relations Partner will provide counsel on a wide variety of employee relations topics, including guidance regarding Human Resources (HR) polices, procedures and practices.

• Advise and consult with Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs), managers, and leadership on various work-related challenges, including workplace conflicts, performance management, employee complaints, workforce assessments, job descriptions, and reorganizations.
• Responsible for conducting and overseeing confidential non-labor investigations into allegations of misconduct or violations of policy. Develops investigation plan, gathers relevant facts, interviews witnesses, documents investigation and recommends course of action to leadership, and assists with the implementation of corrective actions and/or disciplinary procedures as appropriate.
• Manage EthicsPoint cases submitted and participate in the Authority's EthicPsoint working group that reviews cases on a weekly basis.
• Partner with or refers cases to the Legal Department and/or ODCR for investigations related to discrimination, harassment, and/or hostile work environment.
• Support retention efforts by obtaining information specific to conducting exit interviews as well as identifying areas of action.
• Provide Human Resources (HR) guidance and direction to managers, using data and analytics, to support workplace culture, assist in employee engagement efforts, and help to improve overall retention.
• Develop and evaluates overall employee relations trends/themes across authority to understand and address root causes.
• Advise management and staff on HR policy interpretation and ensures consistent application and enforcement of Authority policies. Participates in the policy working groups and assists in drafting HR policy changes that adhere with applicable, state, federal, and employment laws.
• Works closely with the leave team on ADA matters and ensuring compliance with ADA request for reasonable accommodations.
• Assist the Legal Department with the preparation of responses to complaints filed with the MCAD, EEOC or other relevant agencies and attends and/or testifies at hearings as necessary.
• Support and help facilitate the annual employee survey, including participation in working groups and trainings.  
• Provide support on the annual performance management process for the Authority. 
• Cultivate positive and professional relationships with department personnel to facilitate harmonious employee relations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of information to include, but not limited to, conversations, documents, files, complaints, and investigations.
• Performs all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
• Six (6) years in Employee Relations and/or Human Resources Business Partner role
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR compliance experience
• Experience in a fast-paced team environment with strong attention to detail 
• Strong awareness of state and federal employment regulations 
• Resourceful, analytical, and problem-solving aptitude 
• Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness
• Demonstrated experience responding to clients with a customer service attitude.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new technical systems as needed.

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. 
• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. 
• A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience. 
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master's Degree in HR, Business Administration or related field a plus
• PHR/SPHR, SHRM-CP/SCP or other HR certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with HRIS systems
• Additional HR training or experience

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse  workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.