Racquel D. Blanks
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
Strategic Human Resources professional with over 15 years of progressive experience leading employee relations, leave administration, compliance, and talent initiatives across multi-state organizations. Proven ability to partner with executive leadership to build compliant workplace practices, improve employee engagement, and drive organizational performance. Skilled in investigations, ADA/FMLA administration, leadership coaching, and HR operations within complex and regulated environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
People Services Manager
American Vision Partners
Tempe, AZ
01.2024 - Current
- oOversee employee relations operations across all AVP practices, including direct supervision of an HR Generalist.
- Implement a scalable People Relations model supporting multiple geographies across the Southwest (AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX).
- Ensure workplace compliance through development and implementation of policies and procedures, including a redesigned employee handbook supporting all practice locations.
- Develop and implement strategic talent practices including goal management, leadership readiness, employee engagement initiatives, and recognition programs.
- Conduct investigations into employee relations matters and maintain accurate documentation to ensure fair and compliant resolutions.
- Ensure labor law compliance and provide guidance and education to leaders on employment regulations.
- Partner with recruiting, onboarding, and leadership development teams to create a cohesive employee experience that attracts and retains talent.
- Lead employee engagement and voice initiatives to improve satisfaction, retention, and productivity across the organization.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clinic, surgery center, and administrative leaders across the enterprise.
- Oversee the FMLA, ADA and Leave of Absence administration process, ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
- Manage the end to end leave process for employees, including medical, personal, and statutory leaves.
- Partner closely with the third-party leave administrator to coordinate claim management , eligibility determinations, and return-to work processes.
- Lead the interactive process for workplace accommodations and provide guidance to leaders regarding ADA compliance and reasonable accommodations.
- Ensure accurate documentation and compliance while balancing employee needs with operational requirements.
Employee Relations & Leaves Administration Manager
Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Led Employee Relations and Leave of Absence teams providing guidance on workplace accommodations, leave administration, and employee relations matters.
- Partnered with Director of Talent Management to develop HR strategies aligned with business goals.
- Analyzed workforce data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and implement targeted initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state employment laws including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and EEOC regulations.
- Oversaw ER case analytics and implemented proactive interventions including manager training and corrective action guidance.
- Conducted annual employee handbook and policy updates.
- Participated in claim reviews and provided oversight to third-party administrators and insurance brokers.
- Partnered with Legal Department regarding agency inquiries, investigations, and employment litigation.
Human Resources Manager
Empereon Constar
Phoenix, AZ
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Advised leadership on HR policies, procedures, and employment law compliance.
- Managed employee relations matters including progressive discipline and termination recommendations.
- Conducted workplace investigations regarding employee complaints and policy violations.
- Administered full leave management process including FMLA, ADA, STD, and LTD.
- Led recruitment and staffing processes including onboarding, background checks, and I-9 verification.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Produced HR metrics reports for leadership including attrition, headcount, leave trends, and performance management data.
Senior Human Resources Generalist
GM Financial
Chandler, AZ
08.2017 - 04.2020
- Provided daily HR support and performance management coaching to leaders and employees.
- Conducted thorough employee relations investigations and maintained ER case database.
- Generated specialized reports for senior leadership on workforce metrics.
- Reviewed and approved disciplinary documentation for supervisors.
- Supported employee compensation, benefits inquiries, and leave administration.
- Served as primary emergency response contact supporting employee safety and wellness programs.
- Facilitated leadership development training programs.
- Managed unemployment claims and represented the organization in hearings.
- Conducted new hire orientations and exit interviews.
- Supported recruitment and onboarding processes.
Human Resources Coordinator
Boeing Aerospace Company
Mesa, AZ
05.2014 - 07.2017
- Responded to HR inquiries from employees and managers regarding company policies and procedures.
- Assisted with employee relations investigations and documentation intake.
- Maintained HRIS data including new hires, transfers, terminations, and compensation changes.
- Conducted audits to ensure compliance with federal and state employment regulations.
- Facilitated HR new hire orientation programs.
- Provided benefits counseling including retirement, medical, FMLA, disability, and payroll inquiries.
- Conducted workplace environment assessment focus groups to improve employee experience.
- Generated HR metrics and trend analysis reports for leadership.
Human Resources Support Representative (Part-Time)
Pitney Bowes
Virtual
11.2011 - 12.2013
- Provided HR support for over 10,000 employees across US and Canada.
- Advised employees and managers on HR policies, benefits, and procedures.
- Managed intake processes for disability, ADA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation claims.
- Assisted with onboarding, organizational change management, and payroll inquiries.
- Counseled employees on separation packages and severance programs.
- Managed retirement and pension account inquiries.
Production Supervisor
Affiliated Computer Systems (ACS)
Tempe, AZ
07.2005 - 08.2011
- Supervised daily production workflow for a team of 30+ employees ensuring operational targets were met.
- Provided coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to improve employee productivity and engagement.
- Conducted hiring and interviewing processes, successfully recruiting over 350 internal and external candidates.
- Managed HR administrative functions including payroll transactions, corrective actions, and performance evaluations.
- Handled unemployment claims and participated in appeal hearings.
- Generated operational reports and dashboards for leadership meetings.
- Forecasted staffing needs and coordinated training initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Rio Salado College / Ottawa University
Chandler, AZCertificate of Achievement - Human Resources Management (PHR)
Villanova University
Skills
- Employee Relations & Investigations
- ADA, FMLA & Leave Administration
- Labor Law Compliance (FLSA, ADA, EEOC)
- Performance Management
- HR Policy Development & Implementation
- Employee Engagement & Retention Strategies
- Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving
- Multi-State HR Operations
- HR Metrics & Data Analysis
- HR Systems & Tools: Workday, UKG, PeopleSoft, ADP, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration and leadership
Certification
PHR- Villanova University
Timeline
People Services Manager
American Vision Partners
01.2024 - Current
Employee Relations & Leaves Administration Manager
Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona
06.2021 - 08.2023
Human Resources Manager
Empereon Constar
06.2020 - 06.2021
Senior Human Resources Generalist
GM Financial
08.2017 - 04.2020
Human Resources Coordinator
Boeing Aerospace Company
05.2014 - 07.2017
Human Resources Support Representative (Part-Time)
Pitney Bowes
11.2011 - 12.2013
Production Supervisor
Affiliated Computer Systems (ACS)
07.2005 - 08.2011
Certificate of Achievement - Human Resources Management (PHR)
Villanova University
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Rio Salado College / Ottawa University
Professional Development
- Training completed in:
- Salary Decision Process & Peer Analysis
- Supervision 101 (Part I & II)
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Effective Discipline
- Conflict Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Building High-Performing Teams
- Performance Management