About NRHA Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been exceptionally effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods, improving low-income public housing, planning and building mixed-income communities, and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to creates and applies meaningful housing and development programs that serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

About the Position

Under the leadership of the Human Resources Director, the position is responsible for monitoring, reviewing, interpreting, and evaluating all personnel policies and practices of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. In addition, the position serves as a subject matter expert to advise managers of the proper procedure in handling personnel matters and issues including employee evaluations, performance management, and work and hour issues covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act; provide advice and guidance regarding discipline, grievances, leave, FMLA, and ADA; coordinate and facilitate the grievance procedure and serve as an expert witness in hearings. This role requires a strong understanding of employment law, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough, complex investigations of employees for disciplinary matters, write detailed reports regarding the investigations, and make discipline recommendations in consultation with Department Head, the Human Resources Director and the Deputy Executive Director.
• Investigate allegations of harassment and discrimination.
• Notify and discuss sensitive personnel issues with the Human Resources Director.
• Analyze and respond to Family and Medical Leave Act requests and inquiries.
• Responsible for case management of all active cases within the organization.
• Analyze and manage requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act; research and purchase appropriate equipment as needed.
• Respond to unemployment claims and represent NRHA in Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) hearings.
• Coordinate and facilitate innovative professional development, workshops, and training to strengthen the professional skills of employees and supervisors.
• Manage medical leave requests for all employees to determine compliance with laws, policies, and regulations.
• Manage performance review process.
• Manage the Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) for Hybrid Plan Employees.
• Work closely with the Employee Engagement and Recognition Committee (EERC) to develop and/or implement employee recognition programs, including annual service awards.
• Assists with recruitment, onboarding, and benefits as needed.
• Perform other assigned tasks or related work as required and as assigned by the Human Resources Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, and practices of public personnel administration.

Thorough knowledge of employee evaluation systems and current trends in evaluation processes.

Thorough knowledge of research, data analysis and report presentation techniques.

Thorough knowledge of current Federal and State employment laws and regulations.

Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to analyze information and present in concise, detailed reports.

Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of employees and demonstrate adaptable speaking and listening skills in a variety of situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with senior leadership, managers, employees and the general public.

Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines, ability to maintain the confidentiality of the employee and records.

Ability to work in a team to deliver training to employees.

Ability to establish, implement and monitor operational and clerical procedures relevant to leave management.

Excellent organizational management skills.

Requires the ability to use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

Requires the ability to use computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes.

Comprehensive and current knowledge of NRHA mission, function, organization, and operations.

Knowledge of English grammar and writing styles.

Knowledge of general management concepts, principles, methods, and techniques.

Operational knowledge of presentation equipment, including projectors, videotape cassette recorders (VCRs), and other audio-visual equipment.

Extensive human relations skills, particularly leadership, consulting, negotiating, persuasive, and supervisory skills. The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder.

Analytical ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret complex and technical information, such as human resources legislation, staffing statistics, and related information; includes ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret organizational and environmental factors that could have potential effects on the success of projects and programs.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in the development and implementation of complex operational activities, and the formulation of programs and procedures.

Ability to exercise initiative in the development and implementation of complex operational activities, and the formulation of programs and procedures.

About the Ideal Candidate

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in employee relations, HR management, or a related role. Extensive experience in conducting employee relations activities such as workplace investigations, policy compliance, and experience with performance management and discipline (consultation with managers).

Preferred: Public sector experience. SHRM or HRCI certification.

A comparable amount of training and experience maybe substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee must occasionally travel to NRHA properties and worksites. Job requires depth perception.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The candidate's compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill sets. The benefit package assigned to this position include retirement, health, dental, vision, life insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and much more.

Those candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted directly by telephone. All other candidates will receive an email communication after the position is filled.

NRHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). NRHA does not discriminate against job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, affiliation, or any other basis protected by law. NRHA is an eVerify employer and reviews the eligibility of each employee to work in the United States. NRHA is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. All positions require a pre-employment drug screen. NRHA requires a criminal history record review for all positions. NRHA reserves the right to close or withdraw at any time any position it lists or advertises.