Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Daja Barnes

Dallas,TX

Summary

Proactive Human Resources Business Partner, adept at driving workplace investigations, and enhancing employee retention. Proven track record in policy implementation and training development, achieving a 32% increase in retention rates. Skilled in labor law compliance and fostering open communication, ensuring a positive organizational culture.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Resources Business Partner

American Veterinary Group
Dallas, Texas
12.2024 - Current
  • Drive end-to-end investigations into harassment, discrimination, and policy violations with strict compliance and discretion; manage a high-impact caseload of 25+ weekly HR inquiries, delivering strategic insights and comprehensive reports to guide leadership decisions and mitigate organizational risk.
  • Develop and draft disciplinary action documents and performance improvement plans, ensuring clarity, compliance, and alignment with company policies to support employee development and accountability.
  • Assist with policy audits and manage legal claims by thoroughly gathering, organizing, and preparing all relevant documentation for the VP of HR to present to the legal team, supporting a strong defense strategy and ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify early turnover patterns among Practice Managers and Veterinarians, with a focus on hires exiting within the first 6 months; implement strategic “firewall” retention checkpoints to enhance onboarding, mentorship, and engagement during this critical period.
  • Facilitate and continuously enhance “HR Training 101” for new Practice Managers and Practice Manager Pros, equipping leaders with practical tools in conflict resolution, performance management, and workplace conduct to drive team alignment and compliance from day one.
  • Designed and led “AVG Paws and People Talk,” a cross-regional diagnostic initiative focused on enhancing morale, uncovering leadership gaps, and identifying staffing needs across the organization.
  • Onboard and train new HR Business Partners, providing comprehensive guidance on company policies, investigation protocols, and best practices to ensure seamless integration and high performance within the HR team.
  • Lead the interactive process with employees experiencing medical concerns, partnering with operations and managers to evaluate accommodation feasibility while guiding employees through the claims process with The Hartford to ensure timely support and compliance.

Employee Relations Specialist - Contract

Loyal Sources Government
Pecos, Texas
11.2023 - 11.2024
  • Served as a liaison for Pecos ORR Influx Care Facility between employees and management, fostering open lines of communication for addressing concerns promptly.
  • Reduced corporate grievances by 8% and arbitration's needs by conducting monthly training sessions for frontline managers on techniques for enhancing interactions between leadership and contractors.
  • Analyzed exit interview data to identify trends in employee dissatisfaction, informing strategic efforts to improve overall morale.
  • Effectively managed complex employee relations caseloads, investing company, state, and federal sensitive situations and ensuring all parties were treated fairly and equitably.
  • Conducted regular audits of personnel files to ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
  • Served as point investigator for the investigation process: Review lighthouse report, gather all individuals involved, interview process, findings and conclusion.
  • Partner with company attorney on all Federal investigations to ensure labor laws and company policies are accurately operating.
  • Drafted and approved verbal, written and final disciplinary actions and PIPS (performance improvement plans) for Pecos ORR site.

Human Resources Representative

City of Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
04.2023 - 11.2023
  • Streamlined hiring processes by implementing efficient recruiting strategies and applicant tracking systems such as UltiPro.
  • Developed robust talent pipelines for high-level positions to ensure consistent access to top-quality candidates by offering a referral program to leadership.
  • Conducted thorough needs assessments to identify gaps in existing on-boarding resources, leading to improvements in content and delivery methods across 4 programs within the Watershed department.
  • Managed all aspects of the employee life-cycle from recruitment through off-boarding, ensuring a positive experience at each stage.
  • Prepared detailed reports on interviewed candidates for hiring managers' review, helping them make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. The report included education, career progression, and recommendations to ongoing areas of improvement.
  • Implemented a tracking system to monitor candidate progress through the interview process, promoting efficiency to decrease staffing levels.
  • Drafted and delivered performance improvement plans to 3 departments, offering recommendations for appropriate corrective actions.
  • Administered thorough investigations into reported incidents of harassment or discrimination, ensuring a safe environment for all employees.
  • Coordinated closely with payroll and benefits teams to ensure accurate record-keeping and seamless administration of employee leaves under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Human Resources Specialist

Hire Dynamics
Dunwoody, GA
10.2021 - 03.2023
  • Coordinated pre-employment screenings, background checks, drug test administration, and documentation requirements to expedite hiring timelines and reduce potential delays in bringing talent onboard.
  • Onboarded 20-36 employees into the CRM database throughout daily operations and successfully completed the employment verification process.
  • Maintained a weekly employee verification compliance score of 98% or above for the branch.
  • Handled complex payroll situations such as back-pay calculations, garnishments, and overtime payments with accuracy and professionalism through ADP and CRM.
  • Established trusting relationships with employees by maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating empathy when addressing sensitive matters.
  • Reduced staff turnover by identifying areas of improvement in the workplace and addressing employee concerns promptly. Created random selected survey pipelines to receive feedback on company culture.
  • Conducted exit interviews for departing employees to gather insights into potential areas for company improvement.
  • Managed conflict resolution processes, ensuring timely intervention and mediation between employees when necessary.

Human Resources Generalist

Bluestem
Milledgeville, GA
02.2021 - 10.2021
  • Served as point of contact for employee relations cases, professionally resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times for all parties involved.
  • Reviewed and processed company grievances and disputes in timely and efficient manner by constructive solutions aligning with company policy and employee labor rights.
  • Increased employee retention by 32% by implementing effective talent management strategies such as workplace engagement programs fostering a positive work environment.
  • Organized and led weekly staff orientation programs with 30 or more new hires in attendance.
  • Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires bolstering position knowledge and skillset to boost employee confidence and productivity levels.
  • Optimized payroll processing procedures for accuracy and timeliness using advanced software solutions such as ADP and Workday.
  • Regularly analyzed workforce trends to proactively address potential skill gaps or staffing needs.
  • Streamlined benefits enrollment procedures for improved employee experience and reduced processing time.

Human Resources Assistant

Huddle House Corporate
Dunwoody, GA
01.2018 - 12.2020
  • Conducted 2 weekly new hire sessions to verify completion of appropriate paperwork, recording information on UltiPro and department spreadsheet.
  • Supported talent acquisition efforts by screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and performing reference checks for prospective candidates.
  • Enhanced on-boarding experience for new by creating a comprehensive scenario based orientation materials and training sessions.
  • Monitored employee attendance and performance for 13 Huddle House locations, to verify punctuality and absences, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Provided assistance during annual performance review processes, collecting data to help inform evaluations and goal setting initiatives.
  • Supported HR Managers in strategic planning sessions focused on organizational development and growth.
  • Organized company-wide events for team building purposes, boosting overall morale among employees.

Education

Masters of Business Administration -

Devry University
Atlanta, GA
01.2020

Bachelors in Business Administration -

Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
01.2018

Associates in Business Administration -

Andrew College
Cuthbert, GA
01.2016

Skills

  • Workplace investigations
  • Ethics and Compliance
  • Policy Implementation
  • Employee retention
  • Training development
  • Labor law knowledge
  • Negotiation techniques
  • Retention strategies

Timeline

Human Resources Business Partner

American Veterinary Group
12.2024 - Current

Employee Relations Specialist - Contract

Loyal Sources Government
11.2023 - 11.2024

Human Resources Representative

City of Atlanta
04.2023 - 11.2023

Human Resources Specialist

Hire Dynamics
10.2021 - 03.2023

Human Resources Generalist

Bluestem
02.2021 - 10.2021

Human Resources Assistant

Huddle House Corporate
01.2018 - 12.2020

Masters of Business Administration -

Devry University

Bachelors in Business Administration -

Georgia Southern University

Associates in Business Administration -

Andrew College

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