HR Generalist & Benefit Specialist

Description

The People & Culture (P&C) is searching for a HR Generalist & Benefits Specialist to join the team.  This position is a high-impact, dual-purpose role designed to support JVS SoCal’s most valuable asset: its employees. This position requires a professional with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to manage major functions within a high-volume P&C team.

As the primary architect of the employee experience, the Specialist is responsible for fostering a culture of open communication, trust, and respect. You will serve as a dedicated ambassador for JVS SoCal’s vision, mission, and core values, ensuring that every interaction strengthens the relationship between the agency and its staff.

The Specialist balances high-touch employee relations with high-focus technical administration. This includes the comprehensive management of JVS SoCal’s benefits portfolio—medical, dental, vision, ancillary plans, and retirement programs—while ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and financial accuracy. This role demands a broad understanding of P&C practices and the ability to handle diverse responsibilities with unwavering professionalism and discretion.

The ideal schedule allows for two work-from-home days and three days on site (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday). Sites and schedule will vary depending on priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• A minimum of three (2) years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least two (2) years specifically focused on employee benefits.
• Thorough familiarity with Federal and State labor laws, with specific emphasis on California-specific legal updates, including requirements for mandatory training, background checks, and compliance reporting.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated experience working within HRIS platforms; specific experience with Paylocity is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to quickly master new HRIS and payroll software systems.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills paired with professional-grade interpersonal and conflict resolution abilities.
• A strong work ethic characterized by a high level of integrity, discretion, and a deep understanding of the confidentiality requirements inherent in P&C roles.
• A creative, analytical, and proactive problem-solving mentality.
• Superior organizational skills with an uncompromising attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines through effective time management.
• A positive, "people-centric" approach to employee relations.
• Must be comfortable working independently while contributing effectively to a high-performing P&C team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer and manage the full spectrum of JVS SoCal’s health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, and 401k/403b retirement plans.
• Manage the electronic benefits enrollment system within Paylocity, ensuring all employees are enrolled in appropriate plans and that data remains accurate and audit-ready.
• Compile and analyze benefit plan financials and employee data to support strategic planning, annual evaluations, and budget forecasting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for service providers and brokers.
• Coordinate the design, communication, and distribution of annual open enrollment materials and draft necessary legal compliance documentation, such as Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs).
• Act as a dedicated liaison between employees and providers to facilitate the resolution of complex claims or coverage issues.
• Deliver presentations to inform and educate staff at all levels regarding changes to benefit plans, administrative practices, and legislative requirements.
• Monitor federal and state requirements (including COBRA, ERISA, and ACA) to ensure all plans and practices meet government standards.
• Responsible for the data collection and reporting necessary for government compliance activities, including Form 5500 filings and annual plan audits.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law, California-specific legal updates, and industry trends to collaborate with the Director of People & Culture in assessing and mitigating legal risks.
• Conduct regular internal audits of employee records and benefit participation to ensure adherence to plan limitations and restrictions.
• Maintain precise employee records in Paylocity, electronic drive, and in paper form ensuring the system serves as an accurate source of truth for all P&C metrics.
• Apply specialized knowledge of state and federal leave laws (FMLA, CFRA, PDL) to assist P&C Manager with employee leaves and ensure compliance.
• Assist the P&C Manager with workers compensation Claims Processing and requirements.
• Track and ensure the completion of mandatory P&C training for staff and management; assist in the development of training and development materials.
• Prepare and analyze key P&C metrics (e.g., retention, turnover) and create dashboards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment required. Will be required to visit multiple offices including but not limited to Lancaster, Palmdale, El Monte, Culver City, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Chatsworth as employee needs arise.

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

ABOUT JVS SOCAL

Founded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency, providing job training, career services, mentoring and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. JVS SoCal currently serves 40,000 to 50,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. Join us in helping change lives together!

JVS SoCal will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if JVS SoCal is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating or rehabilitative evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background check report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act .