Sara K. Gardner
New Jersey,United States of America
Summary
Strategic Human Resources Advisor known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in employee relations, talent acquisition, and performance management. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless HR operations and positive workplace environment.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
EMPLOYEE THREAT ASSESSMENT (ETAT) BOARD (HR ADVISOR)
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.2023 - Current
- Collaborate with professionals of multidisciplines to assess and manage behavioral threats from employees
- Responsible for preventing or mitigating violence and disruptive behavior that could undermine a safe work environment
- Case manage and maintain confidentiality when situation are escalated beyond teams scope and handle cases with sensitivity and urgency to initiate action protocols involving advisement to the executive team for action
EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2023 - Current
- Support workplace investigations related to employee-related issues, ensuring thorough and fair processes
- Collect evidence, create case files, and draft employee action letters related to disciplinary issues concerning conduct and performance
- Case managed and provide guidance to managers, supervisors, executives, and stakeholders on employee investigations, facilitating informed decision-making
- Lead facility-wide education and training on employee and labor relations topics to enhance organizational understanding and compliance
- Interpret union contracts, local policies, and laws to ensure agency compliance, effectively advising supervisors, management, and stakeholders
- Advise Director-level management on union grievances and draft response letters to address and resolve issues efficiently
- Collaborate with other agencies to review final agency decisions related to EEO and OSC violations, advise leaders on disciplinary actions, and draft action letters to maintain a fair and compliant work environment
LEAD WEST REGIONAL RECRUITER
Sears Home Improvement, Corporate
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Meet with business partners to ensure the achievement of hiring goals
- Review market and compensation conditions with business partners and make recommendations to ensure a competitive strategy
- Manage internal and external hires for Sales Representatives and Consultants in the west region
- Lead prescreen process to determine eligibility criteria, coordinate with key hiring managers and human resources, including ongoing communication and interview scheduling, and maintain appropriate candidate follow-up during the process
- Manage requisition posting, compliance, ongoing updates of candidate status, and notifying the candidates through each stage of the process
- Creates offer of employment to the candidate selected
TECHNICAL RECRUITER
Burtch Works LLC
05.2022 - 10.2022
- Utilized LinkedIn and Dice platforms to identify qualified candidates and build talent networks; tracked candidates through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Evaluated candidate strengths, weaknesses, technical abilities, and interests through an effective screening process and matched them with the role that meets client's needs
- Acted as a subject matter expert to deliver talent market insights to drive educated contract negotiations
- Conducted assessments and interview prep with candidates
- Continuously update candidates on progress from submittal to hire
- Utilized LinkedIn and ATS systems to engage candidates on new roles, updated salary studies, blogs, and company involvement
- Involved in attending events within Data Science, Data Analytics, and Technology, space to network with industry leaders and stay up to date on the latest in technology
- Conferred regularly with the organizational leadership to keep apprised of new or changing policies, positions, requirements, and special priority matters
Human Resources Assistant
NAF Human Resources Office
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Utilizes USA Staffing to manage recruitment and onboarding, including job announcements, qualifications reviews, applicant ranking, and vacancy creation
- Conducts employment verifications (IRC, NP2 Portal/EQIP, E-Verify, I-9) and initiates appointments for drug testing, physicals, and suitability checks
- Prepares HR data reports and analytics on headcount, onboarding/offboarding workflows, vacancies, and requisitions
- Reviews and delegates RPAs for 25+ NAF facilities, ensuring compliance with staffing and classification regulations
- Organizes and leads recruitment events, handling logistics and providing information on benefits, compensation, and employment incentives
Education
Masters of Business Administration -
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
03.2025
Bachelor of Science - Human Resource Management
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
Skills
- FLSA
- FLRA
- CFR
- EEOC Compliance
- ADA
- FMLA
- OSHA Regulations
- Title VII
- Grievance Handling
- Conflict Resolution
- Performance Management
- Compliance
- Employee Engagement
- Alert-HR (HRIS)
- YourHR (cloud-based help desk system)
- Google Suite
- Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Adobe)
- Effective Communication
Languages
- English, native
- Korean, notion
Timeline
EMPLOYEE THREAT ASSESSMENT (ETAT) BOARD (HR ADVISOR)
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.2023 - Current
EMPLOYEE AND LABOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2023 - Current
LEAD WEST REGIONAL RECRUITER
Sears Home Improvement, Corporate
11.2022 - 07.2023
TECHNICAL RECRUITER
Burtch Works LLC
05.2022 - 10.2022
Human Resources Assistant
NAF Human Resources Office
04.2021 - 05.2022
Masters of Business Administration -
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Bachelor of Science - Human Resource Management
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY