Human Resources Specialist

Summary

The HR Specialist is responsible for supporting the company's human resources functions, including leave of absence processes, benefits administration, payroll, and compliance. This role ensures compliance, data accuracy, and a high-quality employee experience by serving as a subject matter expert in benefits, leaves, and HR operations.

Responsibilities

Onboarding

• Implement and continuously improve onboarding processes to enhance the new hire experience, ensure compliance, and promote integration into company culture
• Coordinate start dates and onboarding logistics with candidates and hiring managers
• Prepare, review, and process all new hire documentation, including I-9s, background checks, transcripts, certifications, and other required paperwork
• Submit and evaluate background check results, identify discrepancies or red flags, and coordinate follow-up actions with department leadership
• Conduct new hire orientation as needed

Benefits

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and management benefits inquiries
• Process benefit enrollments, life events, terminations, and system updates in HRIS and vendor platforms
• Track benefit enrollments, audit deductions, reconcile benefit invoices, and resolve payroll or carrier discrepancies
• Collaborate with benefits vendors to resolve issues and ensure smooth administration
• Support annual open enrollment in coordination with the People & Culture Generalist, including communications, system updates, and vendor coordination
• Monitor employee satisfaction with benefits and recommend improvements
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable state regulations
• Support employee engagement initiatives including wellness programs, appreciation events, and team-building activities

Timekeeping and Payroll

• Oversee the timekeeping system to ensure accurate recording of hours and compliance with labor laws
• Review employee timecards for accuracy, completeness, and policy adherence, coordinating approvals and corrections with managers
• Monitor and track paid time off and leave balances
• Prepare, verify, and audit payroll data including hours worked, overtime, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, and final payments
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related employee inquiries

Leave of Absence

• Manage all leave requests including FMLA, ADA, PDL, workers' compensation, accommodations, and company-sponsored leave programs
• Track leave usage and update records in the timekeeping system
• Serve as the primary employee contact for leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work coordination
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate compensation and benefits

Employment Details

• Location: Remote work must be performed while residing in California, Florida or New Mexico
• Reports to: VP of People & Culture
• Status: Non-exempt
• Employment Type: Full-Time