Onboarding Specialist at Lantern Community Services Inc – New York, New York

Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: VP of Human Resources

Location: Midtown, NY

Who We Are

Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. Lantern was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.

About the Role

The Onboarding Specialist is a member of the Human Resources team and is responsible for managing and facilitating the full onboarding process for new hires. This role ensures a smooth, compliant, and engaging onboarding experience from offer acceptance through the employee’s first 90 days. The Onboarding Specialist partners closely with HR, hiring managers, IT, and leadership to support successful employee integration into the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage and coordinate the end-to-end onboarding process for all new hiresPrepare, distribute, and track completion of onboarding paperwork and required documentationConduct new hire orientation sessionsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulationsCoordinate background checks, employment verifications, and pre-employment requirementsFacilitate benefits enrollment and respond to employee onboarding-related inquiriesMaintain accurate employee records in ADP HRISPartner with hiring managers to develop onboarding schedules and first-week plansTrack onboarding progress through the first 90 days to ensure completion of required trainings and documentationCollaborate with IT and other departments to ensure proper system access and equipment setupIdentify opportunities to improve and streamline onboarding processesSupport offboarding processes as neededPerform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred but not requiredMinimum of 4 years of experience in Human Resources or onboardingPrior experience working with HRIS requiredStrong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance requirementsExcellent oral and written communication skillsExcellent organizational and time management skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentAdvanced Microsoft Office skillsExperience working in a nonprofit or multi-site organization preferredStrong interpersonal and customer service skillsPrior experience working with ADP HRIS is highly preferred

Work Environment: This position operates in an office setting, with occasional travel to supportive housing and shelter sites with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/ or kneel. Occasionally, the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.