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Employee Relations Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mental Health Cooperative

HR Generalist

Cleveland, TN · On-site

Where clients and associates are treated the same, as equals. Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC ... Employee Relations Support * Serve as an initial resource for employee relations concerns ...

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All JobsEmployee Relations Associate JobsEmployee Relations Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Employee Relations Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$42.7K

$60.8K

How much do employee relations associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee relations associate in Tennessee is $42,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $45,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an employee relations associate do?

As an Employee Relations Associate, you will frequently address matters such as workplace conflicts, employee grievances, investigations into policy violations, and performance management concerns. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include conducting interviews, documenting findings, providing guidance to managers on HR policies, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. You'll also collaborate closely with HR business partners, legal teams, and department managers to facilitate fair resolutions and foster a positive workplace environment.

What skills and qualifications does an employee relations associate need?

To thrive as an Employee Relations Associate, you need a solid understanding of HR policies, employment law, and conflict resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), case management tools, and certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are often preferred. Exceptional interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to mediate sensitive situations make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for fostering a fair, compliant, and productive workplace while minimizing organizational risk.

What is the difference between Employee Relations Associate vs HR Coordinator?

AspectEmployee Relations AssociateHR Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field; HR certifications beneficialBachelor's degree; HR certifications advantageous
Work EnvironmentFocus on employee engagement, conflict resolution, and communicationAssist with HR administrative tasks, onboarding, and record-keeping
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries to manage employee relations and workplace cultureCommon in corporate HR departments handling administrative HR functions

The Employee Relations Associate primarily handles employee engagement, conflict resolution, and workplace communication, focusing on maintaining positive employee relations. In contrast, the HR Coordinator supports administrative HR functions like onboarding, record management, and policy implementation. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and HR knowledge, their core responsibilities differ, with the Employee Relations Associate emphasizing employee well-being and the HR Coordinator focusing on HR operations.

Is employee relations a stressful job?

Employee Relations Associates often handle sensitive issues such as conflicts, grievances, and compliance, which can be stressful due to the need for careful communication and problem-solving. The level of stress varies depending on workload, organizational culture, and support systems, but strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills can help manage the demands of the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Relations jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Employee Relations jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Employee Relations Associate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Employee Relations Associate job openings:

Employee Relations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Relations Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,739 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Employee Relations Specialist

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Knoxville
10604 Murdock Dr
Knoxville, TN 37932, USA

Knoxville
10604 Murdock Dr
Knoxville, TN 37932, USA

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

We’ve got the power to energize your career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay—plug in today for an inclusive, meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.

Mesa is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist that will help create an engaging and inclusive work environment. If you enjoy solving problems, building trust, and partnering with leaders to explore employee relations matters, we'd like to hear from you!

Responsibilities

  • Serves as the initial contact and liaison for intake and assessment of employee complaints.
  • Conducts initial interviews and gathers information for employee relations matters such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other concerns; informs appropriate HR staff when additional investigation is required.
  • Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations related to EEO, affirmative action, collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources.
  • Assists with preparation of plans, policies, documents, and reports including EEO-1, affirmative action plans, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
  • Assists management with performance concerns, disciplinary action and conflict management issues.
  • Conducts exit interviews, summarizes findings, and discusses trends and concerns with senior management.
  • Advises all involved parties in a dispute with the goal of reaching a fair and amicable resolution that satisfies all parties needs.
  • Applies knowledge of business, legal, and industry best practices to help involved parties reach an agreement.
  • Works efficiently and promptly such that wage loss, interruption of business operations, ill feelings, and mistrust are minimized and mitigated.
  • Investigates and interviews appropriate staff and conducts necessary research to verify pertinent facts.
  • Actively listens to all sides of a disagreement; seeks understanding of undisputed facts, identifies areas of mutual agreement, and suggests possible areas for compromise.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to HR.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in human resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Four years of professional human resource administration, including two years in employee relations preferred OR its equivalent through training, education, and other experience.
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay – 10 Days Annually
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option
  • FSA and HSA Options

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.

Travel Required

Yes . 10-25% travel: Visits regional offices, conducts investigations, facilitate

QualificationsSkillsRequiredHuman Resources

Intermediate

BehaviorsRequiredDetail OrientedDetail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

:

MotivationsPreferredAbility to Make an ImpactAbility to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

:

EducationRequired

Bachelors or better in Human Resource Administration or related field.

ExperienceRequired4 years:4 years:Four years of professional human resource administration, including two years in employee relations required OR its equivalent through training, education, and other experience.Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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