Human Resource Specialist

Role Provides essential support to the Human Resources (HR) Department by processing, collecting, filing, and maintaining confidential HR data and records. This role supports core HR functions, including compensation, benefits, training, and recruitment, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Major Duties and Responsibilities 1. Conducts daily research to ensure up-to-date compliance with HR regulations and promptly notifies the HR team of any changes. Serves as a key resource for interpreting and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local HR laws and regulations. Maintains and processes confidential HR records, forms, and documentation in alignment with internal policies and legal requirements. Actively participates in internal audits, policy reviews, and updates to ensure ongoing organizational compliance. Assists in the administration and enforcement of HR policies and procedures. 2. Support employee communications, including pre-employment screening, responding to routine inquiries regarding HR policies, and escalating potential employee relations issues to the HR Director when appropriate. 3. Serves as the primary administrative support to the Human Resources Director for the annual review and anniversary recognition program. Maintains a calendar of employee review dates and tracks years of service, posting appropriate recognition points to Bonusly. Follows up on incomplete reviews and submits a monthly status report to the Human Resources Director for processing. 4. Serves as a backup for navigating the employee benefits portal, ensuring that all benefit selections are processed accurately according to the employees choices. Verifies that elected benefits are correctly reflected in the payroll system, including the Group Health Plan, Voluntary Dental Plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Company-sponsored Life, Long-Term Disability (LTD), Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADandD), Voluntary Life and Supplemental Insurance, 401(k) enrollments, and other applicable benefits. 5. Supports the development and implementation of HR initiatives and systems by notifying the Human Resources Director of possible enhancements. 6. Performs outreach and posts job openings on the internal intranet and with designated community partners to support a diverse and inclusive workforce. Collaborates on outreach initiatives related to the organizations Affirmative Action Plan. Maintains a detailed log of compliance outreach activities for annual reporting purposes. Serves as the primary researcher for identifying and evaluating potential outreach partners. 7. Participates in conducting new employee orientation as needed and stays current on procedures and best practices for onboarding and HR-related training. Maintains EEO logs for new hires, terminations, transfers, and promotions. Compiles data for the preparation of annual EEO-1, EEO-2, and veterans reports. Represents the organization at career fairs as required. 8. Must comply with applicable policies, laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control. 9. Maintains the Affordable Care Act (ACA) portal in Employee Navigator, including reporting, compliance tracking, and monitoring part-time employee hours. Provides monthly updates to the Human Resources Director and HR team on compliance status. Ensures accurate application of ACA codes and alignment of employee status with assigned job duties. Conducts all components of the "duties test" to ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 10. Develops and maintains a database of HR trainings and surveys to enhance employee knowledge and ensure ongoing compliance with current regulations. 11. Creates Blog post to keep employees aligned with information concerning benefits and other information that is beneficial for employees to know and understand. 12. Prepares and submits he Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) quarterly report. Gathers data and compiles routine and ad-hoc reports as requested. Stays informed on the responsibilities of the Senior HR Specialist role and serves as a backup, assuming their duties when necessary. Knowledge and Skills Experience Human Resources experience required. Payroll system and Credit Union/ Bank related experience preferred. Good overall knowledge of human resources, especially the legal aspects and how training is effectively used and administered in the industry is necessary. Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FMLA, FLSA, ADA, ACA, and EEO. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity. Effective communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Education/Certifications/Licenses A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources or a related field is preferred. However, an associate degree in a related field or the completion of a specialized course of study at a business or trade school is also acceptable. In lieu of formal education, five or more years of relevant experience in Human Resources or a related field may be considered. Interpersonal Skills Ability to communicate effectively with people both verbally and in writing (listens and understands problems and assists staff at all levels as needed). Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to communicate well both orally and written. Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instruction and/or continuous supervision. Other Skills Good computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products are required. Knowledge of employment laws such as, but not limited to FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, EEOC, FMLA, FLSA, and other federal, state, and local laws. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to react quickly to arising problems are also required. Ability to speak Spanish is preferred. ADA Requirements Physical Requirements Perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing/descending stairs in emergency situations. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including telephone, copier, facsimile, and calculator. Must be able to routinely perform work on the computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance. Working Conditions Must be able to routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work areas with minimal noise. This position may be eligible for remote work. Mental and/or Emotional Requirements Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on your own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and fol