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Employee Relations Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

The Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic advisor to leaders across New Narrative, partnering with managers and executives to foster a high-performing, legally compliant, and trauma ...

The Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic advisor to leaders across New Narrative, partnering with managers and executives to foster a high-performing, legally compliant, and trauma ...

Labor Relations Manager

Oregon City, OR ยท On-site

$85 - $120/hr

The ELR Division provides employee relations consultation, corrective action guidance, and labor contract administration services to support effective workforce management and positive labor ...

New

Labor Relations Manager

Oregon City, OR ยท On-site

$57.51 - $77.63/hr

The ELR Division provides employee relations consultation, corrective action guidance, and labor contract administration services to support effective workforce management and positive labor ...

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Working knowledge of HR functional areas (employment, benefits ...

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Working knowledge of HR functional areas (employment, benefits ...

Labor Relations Strategist

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$55.01 - $81.97/hr

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Working knowledge of HR functional areas (employment, benefits ...

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances ...

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances ...

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations. * Health Care experience preferred. Skills: * Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances ...

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Employee Relations information

See Portland, OR salary details

$20.7K

$68K

$117.2K

How much do employee relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for employee relations in Portland, OR is $67,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $86,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is employee relations?

An employee relations job is an HR position in which you manage interactions between HR and employees. Your responsibilities include training new employees about various aspects of the workplace culture, such as specific procedures, and how to find support during difficult times and helping them learn how to take advantage of company policies about grievances, promotions, and benefits. Your duties include leading training sessions, working closely with other HR professionals who support your efforts by developing new policies, reviewing company guidelines, and ensuring workers understand their rights and benefits.

How does an employee relations specialist typically collaborate with HR and management to resolve workplace conflicts?

Employee Relations specialists work closely with HR teams and management to address workplace issues such as conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary matters. They often act as mediators, facilitating open communication between employees and supervisors to ensure fair and consistent application of company policies. In addition, they may lead investigations, recommend solutions, and support managers in implementing corrective actions. This collaboration helps maintain a positive work environment and ensures compliance with labor laws and organizational standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee relations specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Employee Relations Specialist, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, conflict resolution, and HR policies, often supported by a degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), case management tools, and sometimes certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are vital for fostering a positive workplace environment, ensuring legal compliance, and effectively resolving employee issues.

What is the difference between Employee Relations vs HR Generalist?

AspectEmployee RelationsHR Generalist
Primary FocusManaging employee relationships, conflict resolution, and workplace cultureHandling a broad range of HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, and compliance
Required CredentialsTypically HR certification or related experienceHR certification or degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentEmployee-focused, often within HR teamsVaried, covering multiple HR functions across departments
Industry UsageCommon in organizations emphasizing employee engagementWidely used across industries for general HR duties

While both roles are part of HR, Employee Relations specializes in maintaining positive employee relationships and resolving workplace issues. HR Generalists handle a broader range of HR tasks, including recruitment and compliance. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

Is employee relations in demand?

Employee relations is a growing field within human resources, as organizations increasingly focus on workplace culture, employee engagement, and conflict resolution. Demand for professionals with skills in communication, conflict management, and HR software remains strong across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Relations jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Employee Relations jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Employee Relations jobs in Portland, OR?

For Employee Relations jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Employee Relations jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Employee Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Employee Relations job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,953 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Employee Relations Partner

New Narrative

Tigard, OR โ€ข On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

At New Narrative, we believe mental health care is community care. As a nonprofit organization, we partner with individuals to promote healing, housing stability, and long-term wellness through compassionate, equitable support.
If you're passionate about community impact, we invite you to join our team.
Position Pay Starts at $90,000 and can go up DOE
Position Summary:
The Employee Relations Partner serves as a strategic advisor to leaders across New Narrative, partnering with managers and executives to foster a high-performing, legally compliant, and trauma-informed workplace. This role leads complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, organizational consultation, performance management, accommodations, employment law compliance, and organizational change initiatives while balancing employee experience with organizational risk.
Key Accountabilities:
  • Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations: Lead complex investigations; advise leaders on corrective action, documentation, conflict resolution, and separations.

  • Strategic Leadership Consultation: Coach leaders on performance, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, change management, and difficult conversations.

  • Performance Management & Organizational Effectiveness: Support performance improvement, accountability, talent decisions, and organizational restructuring.

  • Leave, Accommodations & Employment Compliance: Manage ADA interactive process, FMLA, Paid Leave Oregon, workers' compensation coordination, and return-to-work planning.

  • Organizational Risk & Compliance: Interpret employment law, develop policy, coordinate responses to BOLI/EEOC matters, support litigation, and assess organizational risk.

  • Workforce Analytics & Continuous Improvement: Analyze trends in employee relations, investigations, turnover, and compliance to recommend improvements.

  • Training & Leadership Development: Develop and facilitate leadership training on employee relations, investigations, documentation, bias awareness, respectful workplaces, and legal compliance.

Core Competencies:
  • Consultative Partnership

  • Employee Relations Expertise

  • Workplace Investigations

  • Employment Law (Federal & Oregon)

  • Executive Presence

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Critical Thinking

  • Sound Judgment

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Organizational Consultation

  • Change Management

  • Data-Driven Decision Making

  • Confidentiality & Professional Ethics

  • Communication

  • Project Management

  • Trauma-Informed Practice

  • Cultural Humility

Minimum Qualifications
  • SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification Required (PHR/SPHR may be accepted as an equivalent, if approved).

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Industrial Psychology, Social Work, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.

  • Minimum six (6) years of progressive Human Resources experience with significant responsibility for employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, and employment law.

  • Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations and advising leaders on high-risk employee matters.

  • Experience interpreting and applying federal and Oregon employment laws.

  • Experience in behavioral health, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly regulated environments strongly preferred.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Support reductions in force and reorganizations.

  • Coordinate executive-level employee relations consultations.

  • Partner with Legal on employment claims and litigation support.

  • Lead culture restoration efforts following significant workplace issues.

  • Develop and maintain HR policies and best practices.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

All of our job openings are located in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding metro areas.