Lindsay Dascenzio

1. I am a natural problem-solver and mediator.

A core function of employee relations is to address and resolve workplace issues. This can involve anything from conflicts between colleagues to addressing complaints of harassment or discrimination. If you thrive on finding fair, equitable, and effective solutions to complex problems, and you're good at mediating discussions between different parties, this role could be a great fit.

2. I want to want to create a positive work environment.

Employee relations professionals are instrumental in shaping a company's culture. They work to foster a healthy, respectful, and productive workplace where employees feel valued and heard. If you are passionate about ensuring people are treated fairly and are motivated to contribute to a positive atmosphere, this career aligns with those values.

3. I am am a strong communicator and active listener.

This field requires excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. You need to be able to clearly and empathetically communicate with employees and managers at all levels. More importantly, you need to be an active listener to truly understand the underlying issues and concerns of all parties involved.

4. I have an interest in employment law and policy.

Employee relations is deeply connected to a company's adherence to labor laws and regulations. Professionals in this field need to stay up-to-date on federal, state, and local laws and ensure that company policies and procedures are compliant. If you enjoy researching and applying legal and ethical guidelines, this is an important part of the job.

5. I want to make a real impact on a business.

Positive employee relations have a tangible impact on an organization's success. By improving employee morale, engagement, and satisfaction, you can help reduce turnover, increase productivity, and even enhance a company's reputation. If you want a role where your work directly contributes to a company's bottom line and its overall well-being, employee relations offers that opportunity.

6. I want a dynamic and challenging career.

No two days are the same in employee relations. You will deal with a wide range of human issues and will need to adapt to different situations and personalities. If you are seeking a career that is intellectually stimulating and requires you to think on your feet, this is a path to consider.

2024 Employee Relations LEAD and Employee Engagement LEAD. University of

South Florida

• Mentors and provides support to management in employee relationship

• Interprets and applies policy, procedure and best practice though progressive

discipline, performance management and terminations

• Resolves employee complaints, concerns and grievances

• Conducts thorough investigations into allegations of workplace policy violations,

employee misconduct, and workplace conflict.

• Managed, Investigated and Resolved Ethicpoints Cases

• Maintain positive employee relations while providing consistency with the

University’s directive and strategy

• Assesses the University’s culture that is based on the vision and values of the

organization

• Conducted Exit Interviews and Employee Engagement surveys to measure key

metrics11/2018 to 09/2021 Transportation Operations Manager, Pasco County Schools

• Oversee day to day operations of safe student Transportation

• Supervised and mentored transportation staff to ensure compliance with District

and School Board Policy and Florida Statute; provided guidance through

discipline process

• Member of Safe Driver, Transportation and Traffic Safety Committee. Previous

participant in District negotiations team

• Supervised and managed OTETA testing (return to work, post-accident and pre-

employment) and Clearinghouse

• Liaison between all District Departments (Human Resources, Employee Relations

and Workman's Compensation), Legal Counsel, Law Enforcement and other

stakeholders.

• Planned inventive ideas for new ways of meeting needs of department and

building employee morale

• Develops effective ideas to recruit and retain employees along with professional

development for office staff

• Responsible for hiring process for all Transportation Staff

• Participated in community events such as street fairs, Touch a Truck and seasonal

activities

08/2014 to 11/2018 Professional Standards Investigator- Employee Relations

Pasco County Schools – Land O Lakes, Florida

• Thoroughly and timely investigated ethical, behavioral and performance

misconduct for over 10,000 employees. Prepared accurate reports of findings to

appropriate leadership

• Collected sensitive and confidential documentation, evidence and interviews

• Collaborated and maintained communication with risk management, legal team,

workman's compensation, ADA issues, unemployment hearings, employee

benefits, law enforcement and union negotiations

• Designed, developed and facilitated trainings for employee relations related topics

• Counseled and coached administration full cycle with employee relations issues to

include discipline process. Ensured responses and resolutions were completed as

well as providing feedback and insight on their actions.

• Supported and guided administration through employee evaluation process

• Assisted in development of employee handbooks and union contracts

• Stayed up to date with policy, procedures and statutes. Identified opportunities of

improvement within the department and district based on analytics and trends

• Managed, Investigated and Resolved Ethicpoints Cases05/2012 to 08/2014 Richey

Child Protection Investigator Supervisor, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, New Port

• Supervised, trained, mentored and Lead CPI’s: full time and on call

• Investigated allegations of child abuse, abandonment and neglect through

collection of evidence and interviews of related parties and witnesses

• Investigated allegations of child abuse, abandonment and neglect through

collection of evidence and interviews of related parties and witnesses

• Produced official court documents and regularly testified in court to

• Collaborated with community agencies and made appropriate referrals

• Reviewed, planned and implemented policies, programs and guidelines

• Stayed up to date with policies procedures and legislation

• Participated in hiring process of potential candidates

• Responded with local and federal SWAT team to ensure child safety

• Conducted in-depth assessments to determine if children were safe from harm and

abuse at home.

09/2005 to 05/2012 Child Protection Investigator Pinellas County Sheriff – Largo, Florida

• Investigated allegations of child abuse, abandonment and neglect through

collection of evidence and interviews of related parties and witnesses

• Collaborated with numerous community programs and agencies to safeguard and

ensure children's wellbeing

• Conducted present danger and safety plans and monitored need of case

management services

• Maintained thorough notes and organized case files

• Interacted and adapted to diverse groups of people

• Trained new hires and coached them through certification process

2019 M.D.: Public Administration, Capella University - Minneapolis, MN

2004 Bachelor: Criminology, University of South Florida – Tampa, Fl

2002 Associate's: General, Brevard Community College - Melbourne, Fl