Human Resources Partner - Employee Relations Specialist

Join Tessera and make a difference. Tessera is a national leader in creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and veterans. We are a dynamic and growing organization of social entrepreneurs dedicated to building strong communities and delivering exceptional service. About Tessera: A recognized leader in inclusive employment and workforce development. A mission-driven team of innovative and passionate professionals. Operating self-sustaining businesses across 15 states and the District of Columbia, with a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. Committed to providing outstanding customer experiences across all service lines. Focused on supporting employee growth through robust training, development, and support programs. Location: Lakewood, Washington (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) Type: Exempt Compensation: $80,168.40 - $92,950.00 per year Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (flexible start and end times depending on scheduling needs) As a Human Resources Partner, you'll… Tessera HR Partners perform HR related duties as a subject matter lead in support of a Cross Functional Team led by a Regional Vice-President. The HR Partner also meets with a team of Tessera HR professionals to ensure problems are identified, preventative systems are in place, and continuous improvement of processes are implemented for smooth operation of the company. Responsibilities include employee relations, conflict resolution, labor relations, training, and employment law support. The HR Partner must be sensitive to business needs and be adaptable and flexible to changing needs and demands. They must be mission driven and passionate about working with a diverse population including persons with disabilities. They are responsible for supporting the HR needs of approximately 300 employees. Provide exceptional professional customer service and maintain effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, unions, other agencies, and community members. Work with new employees to ensure a smooth transition to Tessera culture and expectations of their position. Partners with and supports employees and management by communicating and assisting with training on various human resource policies, procedures, laws, standards, and other government regulations. Maintain working relationship with union officials and adheres to terms of labor contract by supporting Manager in the day-to-day implementation of policies concerning wages, hours, and working conditions. Perform a wide range of duties relative to the maintenance and processing of personnel records and reports in Workday (HRIS). Process changes on employee status as necessary (i.e., change in position, demotion, promotions, wage increases, Leave of Absence, terminations, etc.) Enter and/or retrieve data from Workday (HRIS). Prepares reports, verify accuracy of records and document adjustments; maintain confidentiality. Ensure that compliance is met under Federal and State regulations by monitoring, maintaining, and updating worksite posters. Participate in problem solving and conflict resolution. Analyze, interpret, and apply complex human resource rules, policies, program requirements in an unbiased, fair, and honest way to assist with resolving difficult situations. Work with managers on employee relation issues and concerns, union issues, classification, performance management, grievance resolution, leave of absence coordination, disability accommodation(s), Fitness-for-duty coordination, employee development, discipline, terminations, and Reductions in Force. Review requests for exceptions to Tessera policy and make recommendations regarding same. Investigate, prepare documentation, and recommend Tessera’s position on grievances, complaints, and appeals. Responds to employee relation issues such as employee complaints, harassment allegations, and grievances. Work with employees, employee representatives, Supervisors, Managers, and legal counsel to negotiate the resolution of grievances and complaints. Assist with or administer leave requests, particularly those arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state and local leave laws. Support RVP and Project Manager with Union negotiations, drafting MOUs, and building partnership with Union representatives. Work with Supervisors and Managers on disciplinary actions. Write and/or edit disciplinary actions, Performance Improvement Plans, and other formal documentation. Maintain proficiency in HR related topics and continuous education on best practices, laws, and trends. Recommend new approaches and other areas for continual improvement to the HR Director, Sr. HR Partner, and greater HR team. Assists Managers/Supervisors in maintaining the Occupational Medical requirements as required for each position to include setting up clinics for testing, issuing vouchers, and answering questions regarding the requirements. Participate in the evaluation and the development of Human Resources and Cross-functional team goals. Assist RVP and Managers with Department of Labor (DOL) compliance to include SCA, DBA, FLSA, etc. compliance requirements. Support and positively affect continuity between Tessera and employee goals, and safeguard Tessera’s position at all times. Always demonstrate and support Tessera’s culture and commitment to excellence. Assess employee morale and suggest ways to improve it to Project Manager and RVP. Work with the employee’s designated Vocational Specialist and Supervisor regarding employee concerns or employee relations issues that may be related to their disabilities. Identify and recommend training topics and resources to Managers, Supervisors, and employees. Assist and/or conduct presentations/trainings such as Supervisor Toolkit, New Supervisor Training, Respectful Workplace, Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Harassment, etc. as requested. Complete an exit interview for all voluntary terminations and enters into HRIS. Assist with coordinating the annual Employee Engagement Survey. Assist Managers and Supervisors with Reasonable Suspicion drug screening process. Process Unemployment claims appeals. Participates in Unemployment claim hearings. Work with Managers, Supervisors, and Recruiters to update job descriptions. Coordinates Mandatory Employee Assistance Program referrals and documentation. May participate in employment recruitment by representing Tessera at job fairs and other outreach activities. May assist with new employee onboarding paperwork including completing required forms, and I-9/E-Verify process. Assist Payroll department by explaining payroll discrepancies or policies, and by completing employment verifications. Participate in departmental and CFT meetings and work on team projects. Must be able to occasionally support second shift employees after regular business hours. Travel to Virginia twice per year. All Other Duties as Assigned. You'd make an excellent Human Resources Partner if you: Consider yourself a people person. Love working on collaborative teams. Are dedicated to internal and external customer service. Take pride in your work. Are drawn to serving others and want to challenge yourself through mission-driven work. Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees. Full-Time benefits of a Human Resources Partner at Tessera include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance Elective 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% employer discretionary contribution after 90-days of employment Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care 11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 12 paid days of vacation, paid sick leave Potential shared earning bonus Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities Verizon wireless discount Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees Core Leadership Competencies: Purpose – Understands and supports Tessera’s mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans. Servant Leadership- Demonstrates self-awareness and personal growth, builds trust-based relationships, seeks to understand before acting, Prioritizes the growth and success of others. Safety Mindset – Builds the culture of safety into our hiring practices. Speaks up about hazards, concerns, and opportunities to improve safety. Participates in safety initiatives and continuous improvement efforts. Operations Excellence – Completes work with quality, reliability, and attention to detail. Takes ownership of responsibilities and contributes to team success through collaboration and consistency. Customer Service – Treats customers, coworkers, and stakeholders with professionalism and respect. Communicates clearly and represents Tessera positively in all interactions. Tessera’s Values – Inclusion: Treats others with dignity and respect, demonstrates awareness of people of all abilities, and contributes to an inclusive workplace. Partnership: Works collaboratively with coworkers, supervisors, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Integrity: Acts honestly, follows through on commitments, and takes accountability for actions and results. Summary of desired skills and experience for the Tessera Human Resources Partner: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources is required. 3 – 5 years of previous experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Social Services, Education, or Disability Support Services is required. Combination of previous experience and education will be considered. Knowledge of and ability to apply local and federal labor laws and regulations, and general Human Resources standards is required. Proficiency in the use of HRIS systems is required, previous Workday experience is highly preferred. Due to the need to travel, a valid state driver’s license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance. Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: . Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position. - Date Posted: 08/19/2026 *** Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: . To Apply : Visit our website at to complete an application. Current Employees : need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub . Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance . Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at (360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or email . Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify