Government Relations Associate Jobs in Portland, OR

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful.

When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives.

Employee Relations is a centralized team of trusted advisors that provides support to people leaders, employees and partners with Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) on a wide range of employee relations matters and designated HR practices across the Sun Life U.S. organization.

The Employee Relations Consultant provides day-to-day coordination, administrative and operational support to the Employee Relations team. This role supports Senior Employee Relations Consultants, HRBPs, internal partners such as Legal, people leaders and employees by monitoring intake channels, responding to routine inquiries, coordinating documentation and logistics, supporting leave and accommodation processes, maintaining accurate case records and contributing to ER tools, reports, resources and process improvements.

The ER Consultant plays an important role in ensuring ER matters are triaged, documented and supported in a timely, consistent and confidential manner, while helping the team deliver practical solutions that support business needs, employee experience and compliance with organizational policies and applicable legal and employment requirements.

• Serve as a first point of contact for routine employee relations inquiries received through the ER central mailbox, HR Help and other intake channels; provide timely responses, triage matters, coordinate follow-up and elevate complex or sensitive issues as appropriate.
• Assist with routine Employee Relations matters as needed in support of Sr. ERC staff.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the interactive workplace accommodations process and sensitive complex leave of absence and disability matters.
• Document and track case activity, responding to routine leader inquiries and escalating matters timely and as appropriate.
• Ensure all communications and documentation is well written and includes key information in a clear, concise and professional manner, ensuring a positive client experience.
• Have a strong foundational understanding of legal and compliance legislation to support leaders and employees with other topics such as absence management, accommodations, and employment legislation.
• Appropriately balance the needs of the business and the employee while mitigating risk and ensure compliance with employment legislation.
• Develop effective working partnerships with Sr. ERC's, managers/employees at various levels and across various business units, HRBPs, Legal, Compliance and other key stakeholders to ensure effective resolution through collaboration for effective outcomes on all matters

• Participate in HR/ER projects on an as-needed basis.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and communication of best practices and participate in process improvement activities that support the overall success of the Employee Relations and Sun Life U.S. organization.

• BA or equivalent degree, preferably in Human Resources or related field
• 3-5 years progressive experience in HR, preferably in employee relations, or equivalent experience
• Excellent knowledge of U.S employment legislation, trends & practices
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to handle multiple tasks, and work in a consistently fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work collaboratively in a team setting as well as independently while proactively and appropriately keeping all relevant parties properly informed.
• High degree of critical thinking, judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information; ability to work through novel and/or unusual employee situations
• Strong ability to remain respectful and diplomatic in difficult situations
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to utilize exceptional active listening skills and to effectively work through difficult and/or sensitive conversations
• Track record of delivering high quality client experience
• Collaborative and creative approach to problem solving
• Client relationship management, consulting and coaching skills
• Demonstrated ability to support a positive team environment and to contribute to team development and transfer of knowledge
• Strong proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Strong technical ability to navigate and understand case management and other HR Systems.

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions. National Average Salary Range: $64,300 - $96,500

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.