Grace Dames
Westchester,IL
Summary
Dynamic HR professional with a proven track record at Ascension Health, specializing in performance improvement strategies and employee relations. Adept at coaching and mentoring teams, I excel in conflict resolution and compliance, driving organizational success through effective recruitment and collaboration. Committed to fostering a safe and ethical workplace environment.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Associate Relations Specialist
Ascension Health Care
11.2017 - 01.2025
- Learned and supported team in executing routine tasks efficiently.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration, encouraging open communication among team members.
- Developed and maintained HR policies in compliance with legal regulations and best practices.
- Coordinated performance management processes, ensuring timely feedback and appraisals across departments.
- Managed employee relations issues, providing guidance and conflict resolution support to staff and management.
- Led initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace culture.
- Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing streamlined HR policies and procedures.
Associate Relations Specialist
Advocate Health Care
06.2015 - 11.2017
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team performance and operational efficiency.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
Employment Specialist
Presence Health
07.2012 - 06.2015
- Led recruitment initiatives, enhancing candidate sourcing strategies and placement success rates.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in client engagement and job matching.
- Spearheaded partnerships with community organizations to support workforce development programs.
- Coordinated onsite employer recruitment events that connected qualified candidates directly with hiring managers in target industries.
- Facilitated job fairs and industry events to build employment networks.
Employment Specialist
Vanguard Health Care/ Westlake Hospital
06.2010 - 06.2012
- Implemented employee onboarding programs to enhance new hire integration and retention.
- Facilitated training sessions to improve staff engagement and professional development opportunities.
- Oversaw recruitment efforts, optimizing candidate sourcing strategies to enhance talent acquisition efficiency.
- Facilitated smooth onboarding processes for new hires, leading to faster integration into the workplace culture.
- Streamlined recruitment processes, expediting the hiring of qualified candidates.
- Collaborated with department managers to identify staffing needs and create strategic recruiting plans.
Human Resources Manager
Resurrection Health/Westlake Hospital
07.2007 - 06.2010
- Developed and implemented HR policies to enhance compliance and employee satisfaction.
- Led talent acquisition initiatives, optimizing recruitment processes and improving candidate quality.
- Streamlined onboarding procedures, reducing time-to-hire and increasing new hire retention rates.
- Conducted training sessions to foster professional development and improve team performance.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Provided expert guidance on labor laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks for the organization.
- Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
- Enhanced employee retention by implementing effective talent management strategies and fostering a positive work environment.
HR Employment Coordinator
Resurrection Life, Health Care Center
11.2001 - 07.2007
- Matched clients to open positions based on skills and work requirements.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop employer branding materials that attracted top talent.
- Conducted exit interviews, providing valuable insights into areas of improvement for employee satisfaction.
- Improved overall company retention rates by implementing employee engagement initiatives.
- Negotiated competitive compensation packages, ensuring fair market value for both employees and the organization.
- Established effective candidate screening processes to ensure timely progression through the hiring pipeline.
- Reduced time-to-fill metrics by optimizing job advertisements and utilizing targeted sourcing methods.
Education
No Degree - General Studies
Triton Community College
River Grove, ILHigh School Diploma -
Proviso West High School
Hillside, ILSkills
- Performance improvement strategies
- Disciplinary action management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Recruitment and selection
- HR background
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Employee relations
- Human resources management
- Ethics and compliance
- Workplace safety
Timeline
Regional Associate Relations Specialist
Ascension Health Care
11.2017 - 01.2025
Associate Relations Specialist
Advocate Health Care
06.2015 - 11.2017
Employment Specialist
Presence Health
07.2012 - 06.2015
Employment Specialist
Vanguard Health Care/ Westlake Hospital
06.2010 - 06.2012
Human Resources Manager
Resurrection Health/Westlake Hospital
07.2007 - 06.2010
HR Employment Coordinator
Resurrection Life, Health Care Center
11.2001 - 07.2007
No Degree - General Studies
Triton Community College
High School Diploma -
Proviso West High School
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