Rayvene Farnum, MSA, SHRM-CP
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Human resources leader with 13 years of experience, advanced knowledge of labor and employment laws, and a demonstrated business acumen in various HR disciplines. Emphasized by high emotional intelligence, excellent people skills, and a proven history of building positive relationships.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
02.2024 - Current
- Devised HR policies and procedures to enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness for over 2300 employees in 4 states across 72 locations.
- Leading and directing HR staff to ensure timely and efficient delivery of HR services to employees and managers in compliance with legal and ethical standards
- Fostered strong relationships between human resources staff members, encouraging collaboration on projects.
- Collaborating with organizational leaders and stakeholders to identify HR needs and align HR strategies with overall business objectives
- Analyzing HR metrics and data to generate insights, trends, and recommendations for continuous improvement of HR practices and processes
- Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing employment practices and labor relations
- Maintain employee records and HR databases, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis of HR metrics. Implemented data driven decisions within the HR department to identify areas of improvement.
- Identify training needs, organize training programs, and deliver training for leadership staff.
- Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
- Managed complex employee relations issues, reducing legal risks and maintaining a positive work environment.
Labor and Employee Relations Manager
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2023 - 02.2024
- Developed effective employee relations policies and procedures that promoted a positive and respectful work environment.
- Facilitated dispute resolution processes and practices, ensuring all documentation is accurate and up to date
- Conducted thorough and objective investigations into employee concerns, ensuring all parties are heard, and appropriate actions are taken.
- Championed the administration of effective counseling and disciplinary measures that promote fairness and consistency.
- Maintain accurate records of employee actions and investigations, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a positive organizational culture, implement employee engagement initiatives, and measure employee satisfaction.
- Collaborated with leadership to develop and execute employee retention strategies that address trends identified through exit interviews.
- Proactively assess legal updates and governmental reporting requirements, ensuring compliance across all organizational levels.
- Provided expert advice and guidance to people managers on performance improvement initiatives and best practices for employee management.
- Delivered management coaching and training on various topics, helping to develop leadership skills and create a culture of continuous improvement.
- Maintained knowledge and updates of employment law for four states.
- Developed performance metrics and dashboard interfaces to keep track of internal benchmarking and progress against goals.
- Monitored and enforced company policies and procedures to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration with employees and management to encourage teamwork and rapport. Resolved conflicts and disputes through mediation and negotiation.
- Designed and implemented orientation programs for new employees and leaders.
- Implemented employee recognition and rewards systems to promote a positive work environment.
Human Resources Manager
Network180
10.2020 - 07.2023
- Collaborate with senior management to address diverse personnel concerns and devise business resolutions.
- Perform investigative analysis, evaluation, and design approaches to foster favorable employee participation and retention.
- Establish regulations and procedures to enforce adherence across all organizational departments.
- Presided over the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) board and led the adoption of inclusive methodologies
- Contributed to workforce planning and implementation of hybrid and remote work environment
- Assess appropriate solutions for problems in employee interactions and job performance.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality.
- Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
- Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
- Designed and leadership development programs, preparing high-potential employees for future management roles.
- Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
- Managed multiple requisitions simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
- Enhanced candidate pool by proactively sourcing qualified applicants through various channels, such as social media, job boards, and networking events.
- Continuously sought professional development opportunities and industry knowledge, staying current on trends and best Human Resources practices.
- Increased diversity within the organization by implementing inclusive recruiting strategies to attract a wide range of talent.
- Counseled administration, faculty, and staff regarding affirmative action, harassment, hiring practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues.
- Increased awareness of diversity issues by organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions.
- Assisted in developing company-wide diversity goals, objectives, and metrics to track progress over time.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Supported employees in navigating difficult cases or complex situations involving FMLA, ADA or overlapping leave policies.
- Maintained a culture of continuous learning, promoting professional development opportunities for all employees across the organization.
- Provided guidance on interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements to prevent misunderstandings or violations.
- Participated in contract negotiations leading to mutually beneficial agreements between employers and union representatives.
Human Resources Generalist
Network180
07.2019 - 10.2020
- Executed the implementation of performance management software and supervised the review process
- Spearheaded the recruitment of all agency vacancies and administered the internal filling of all positions
- Oversaw agency risk related to Workers' comp and maintained compliant with OSHA standards
- Accomplished recruitment efforts with a focus on elevating employer branding.
- Maintained up-to-date employee information records in HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decision making.
- Guided managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
- Served as a liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns or questions to promote open communication and maintain trust.
- Conducted confidential investigations of discrimination, harassment and workplace violence.
- Met with staff to resolve difficult situations related to performance and conflict management.
- Fielded employee inquiries related to insurance, pension plan, vacation, sick leave and employee assistance.
- Maintained compliance with federal regulations regarding FMLA, ADA, and other relevant laws governing employee benefits.
- Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
- Explained benefits to plan participants in easy to understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
- Updated HRIS systems as needed to reflect benefit-related changes accurately, maintaining up-to-date records for all team members.
Human Resources Analyst
County of Muskegon
06.2016 - 07.2019
- Streamlined and optimized the leave administration process, reducing errors and saving time for employees and HR staff
- Serve as a crucial part of resolving EEO-related issues, comprising intake, mediation, and resolution
- Successfully defended the County against fraudulent unemployment claims, saving thousands of dollars in costs
- Effectively consults with all levels of County departments regarding various employee issues
- Recommended process improvements to continually identify, analyze, and fix constraints and challenges.
- Advised leadership on proactive measures to maintain positive union relationships and prevent potential disputes from escalating.
- Enhanced labor relations by effectively analyzing and interpreting collective bargaining agreements and employment policies.
- Negotiated successful contract settlements, maintaining positive union relationships while achieving company objectives.
- Managed return-to-work coordination efforts, successfully reintegrating employees back into the workplace after extended absences.
- Evaluated medical documentation to determine eligibility for various types of leaves, maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on federal and state laws governing employee leaves, ensuring companywide compliance at all times.
Organizational Specialist
Muskegon Family Care
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Serve in an essential human resources/quality control position, reporting directly to the CEO
- Analyze key measures and registry summaries to track organizational health disparities
- Facilitate annual chart review process for health screenings and UDS reporting
- Ensure receipt of insurance incentives by expediently inputting data for medical services rendered
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
Human Resources Generalist
Muskegon Family Care
04.2013 - 10.2015
- Streamlined the performance evaluation program by capitalizing on process improvement opportunities
- Conducted in-depth reviews of employment activities to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
- Facilitated new employee orientation and coordinated student and temporary employee recruiting
- Managed all benefits administration functions from employee education to claims resolution.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee information in HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decisionmaking.
- Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
- Served as a liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns or questions to promote open communication and maintain trust.
- Administered benefits programs effectively, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims for employees.
- Met with staff to resolve difficult situations related to performance and conflict management.
- Processed unemployment claims and acted as company representative at unemployment hearings.
- Developed and built internal and external relationships with project teams, department managers and consultant teams to improve delivery of HR services.
- Improved organizational culture and morale through the implementation of employee engagement initiatives.
- Advocated for staff members, helping to identify and resolve conflicts.
- Conducted performance reviews and provided feedback to managers on employee performance.
Human Resources Coordinator
Muskegon Family Care
06.2012 - 04.2013
- Played a vital role in the hiring process by scheduling interviews/meetings with potential employees
- Spearheaded the successful development and implementation of the company’s wellness program
- Maintained a high volume of confidential personnel files in accordance with government requirements
- Providing exceptional customer service by quickly responding to employee inquiries and requests.
Education
Master of Science - Human Resources Administration
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Baker College
Muskegon, MISkills
- Legal compliance and risk management
- Leadership and Management
- Learning and Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Retention Strategies
- Strategic Planning
Certification
Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Volunteer Experience
- AHRM – Association of Human Resources Management, Director of Certification, 01/01/23, present, Increase the number of chapter members certified by either SHRM or HRCI., Encourage and support HR Certified members to recertify by sharing information and coordinating recertification initiatives., Provide information about recertification Professional Development Credits (PDCs) to encourage members to recertify., In addition to the chapter SHRM Certification Exam Prep courses, provide information to members about alternative study methods for HR certifications.
- St. Cecilia Music Center, Board Member, 12/01/22, present, The advisory board provides direction and input to the Executive Director on the agency's function.
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
02.2024 - Current
Labor and Employee Relations Manager
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2023 - 02.2024
Human Resources Manager
Network180
10.2020 - 07.2023
Human Resources Generalist
Network180
07.2019 - 10.2020
Human Resources Analyst
County of Muskegon
06.2016 - 07.2019
Organizational Specialist
Muskegon Family Care
10.2015 - 06.2016
Human Resources Generalist
Muskegon Family Care
04.2013 - 10.2015
Human Resources Coordinator
Muskegon Family Care
06.2012 - 04.2013
Master of Science - Human Resources Administration
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Baker College