Human Resource Specialist

Description

Status: Non-Exempt/Full-Time

Reports To: Human Resources Manager

Level: Non-Management 

Job Summary:

The HR Specialist is responsible for supporting the Credit Union’s human resources functions, including employee relations, benefit administration, recruiting, onboarding, payroll processing, and responding to HR-related inquiries. This role plays a key role in maintaining compliance with employment laws and fostering a positive and productive work environment. 

 This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule of up to one to two remote workdays per week after the completion of training and demonstration of proficiency in the role. Hybrid work arrangements are subject to operational needs and management approval.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Process semi-monthly payroll, verifying data accuracy, and ensuring compliance with wage hour laws.
• Assist in recruiting activities, including posting job openings, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and extending job offers according to Credit Union procedures. 
• Conduct pre-employee background checks and pre-employment testing. 
• Conduct new hire orientations and oversee the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new employees and transfers. 
• Prepare, update, and maintain employee records, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Create, update, and implement HR procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with Credit Union policies and regulations. 
• Respond to HR-related email inquiries promptly and accurately, ensuring information is reviewed for clarity, consistency, professionalism, and compliance.
• Assist in the administration of leave of absence, including meeting with employees throughout the process and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and Credit Union policies.
• Administer and ensure compliance with leave of absence laws, including FMLA, CFRA, and other state and federal regulations, ensuring proper documentation and tracking.
• Perform payroll adjustments and calculations for employee timesheets.
• Handle employee separations, including processing termination paperwork, conducting exit interviews, and ensuring compliance with Credit Union policies and legal requirements. 
• Support employee relations by assisting with employee concerns, documenting findings, and making recommendations for resolution. 
• Function as a subject matter expert on benefits; answer employee inquiries, provide detailed information, and act as a liaison with the insurance carrier or agent.
• Conduct research and escalate any findings and discrepancies.
• Handle Workers’ Compensation recordkeeping; acts as liaison with medical clinics and insurance carriers as necessary.
• Maintain strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws, payroll regulations, and leave of absence regulations.
• Collaborate with leadership to support HR projects and initiatives that align with the Credit Union’s goals and objectives.
• Prepare monthly reports (overtime report, employee list report, meal penalty, attendance rate report, and vacation, sick, and salary accrual report. 
• Travel to other POPA FCU branches as required.  
• All other duties as assigned or requested by HR Manager
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A 2-year college degree or completion of a specialized course of study at a business or trade school. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
• At least 2 years of experience in human resources, including payroll processing and leave administration.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with applicants, employees, management, and vendors in a positive, approachable, and professional manner.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically to resolve HR-related issues efficiently. 
• Strong knowledge and understanding of employment laws, employment separations, leave of absence laws, payroll regulations, and HR best practices. 
• PHR/SPHR from HR Certification Institute (HRCI), preferred. 
• Familiarity with payroll systems, HRIS software, and leave of absence regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create processional letters and email responses. 
• Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-past environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must be bondable.
• Must comply with all Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and other Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Laws and Regulations, as they pertain to federal guidelines and internal policies and procedures.  
• Must complete compliance training to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, including security awareness and BSA training.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, sit, and stand in order to perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs. Must be capable of climbing/descending stairs in an emergency situation. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including computer terminals, keyboards, telephones, copiers, facsimiles, and calculators. Must be able to routinely perform work on a computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day. Must be able to work extended hours or travel off site whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable, and timely attendance. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear, walk, reach with hands and arms; and stoop, or kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

Working Conditions:

Must be able to routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work area with moderate noise.

Mental and/or Emotional Requirements:

The employee must be able to perform job functions with supervision and work effectively either on their own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and conduct various instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be able to perform mathematical calculations with extreme accuracy. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of member service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines/requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively manage multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising the highest level of discretion on confidential matters.