Human Resources Specialist at CONTACT COMMUNITY SERVICES INC – East Syracuse, New York

We're looking for a motivated and people-centered HR Specialist to join our team and play a meaningful role in supporting our employees from day one through every stage of their journey. This is a dynamic, hands-on position that touches every corner of HR — from recruiting and benefits to communications and compliance. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy wearing many hats, and care deeply about creating a positive workplace experience, we'd love to hear from you. If you have the drive, we are willing to train you. Hybrid work option is available for the right candidate.

General Summary
The HR Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the organization's human resources functions and fostering a positive workplace culture. This position is responsible for a variety of HR duties, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws and policies. As a key resource for employees and management, the HR Specialist ensures HR practices align with the organization's mission and values, contributing to a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Duties and Responsibilities

Overall
• Support HR Manager in HR functions such as hiring, benefits administration and personnel records.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of standardized HR processes across the organization.
• Ensure all data and records are maintained following privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures.
Hiring
1. Support recruitment efforts by posting job ads, screening candidates, and scheduling interviews,
2. Ensure all required background checks are complete prior to hiring new employees including fingerprinting requirements.
3. Attending job fairs to represent agency and market open positions

Benefits
4. Serve as liaison for all benefits service providers
5. Assist HR Manger with Open Enrollment and responsible for enrolling all staff
6. Working with payroll to identify accurate deductions for employees
Reports & Records
7. Organize and maintain personnel records, ensuring all employee documentation is up-to-date and confidential.
8. Compile and report monthly and annual HR reports to management
9. Assist with payroll processing by providing the department with relevant employee information, i.e., leaves of absence, sick days and work schedules.

Employee Events, Communication & Training
10. Support the HR department and Senior Agency leadership in implementing programs and events to help improve the employee experience.
11. Coordinate training sessions and seminars to enhance employee skills and promote company culture.
12. Follow up with staff to ensure completion of annual mandatory staff trainings
13. Participate in staff meetings, agency meetings and events.
Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Preferable experience working in an office environment.

• Knowledge of HR systems and databases
• Knowledge of employment/labor laws, disciplinary procedures and general human resources policies and procedures
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle data with confidentiality
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and efficiency
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements
• Incumbents in this position are expected to work between 35 and 40 hours per week as job requirements dictate.
• Occasional nights and weekends are required.
• Effective written and oral communications skills; ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
• Reliable transportation
• The position will require long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers.
• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

Contact Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.