Human Resources Specialist (Payroll and Benefits)

Position Summary

The Human Resources Specialist supports the daily operations of the Human Resources Department for a non-profit behavioral health agency. This position is responsible for assisting with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, payroll and benefits administration, personnel records management, and HR administrative functions. The HR Specialist helps ensure compliance with employment laws, accreditation standards, and agency policies while promoting a positive, mission-driven workplace culture.

Position Expectation

The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, strong organizational skills, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in a behavioral health environment.

In keeping with the mission and core values of Tri-County Human Services, all persons served, stakeholders, and fellow employees will be treated with dignity, respect, and shown sensitivity to their cultural diversity. Referenced by policy numbers 100.000, 100.000A, and 100.004.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process new hire requests in a timely manner.
• Process the bi-weekly payroll for 300+ employees.
• Process benefits enrollments and updates.
• Coordinate the Level II clearance renewal process as appropriate for current staff.
• Process response to unemployment claims.
• Process Workers’ Compensation claims and research issues when discrepancies are reported.
• Process FMLA requests and review documentation for completion.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Maintain job postings on job boards, agency websites, and recruitment platforms.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation for new employees.
• Prepare employment documents, and onboarding packets.
• Conduct background screenings, and education credential verification.
• Process new hire I-9 information on the E-Verify website.
• Maintain applicant tracking and recruitment records.

Employee Records and HR Administration

• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel files and HR databases.
• Respond to employee questions regarding HR policies, benefits, and procedures.
• Process unemployment claims, verification requests, and audits.

Payroll Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and within established deadlines.
• Review employee time records for accuracy and compliance with organizational policies.
• Process new hires, terminations, and leave of absence transactions.
• Maintain payroll deductions, direct deposits, tax withholding, garnishments, and other payroll records.
• Reconcile payroll reports and coordinate with Finance to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Prepare payroll reports and maintain payroll documentation for audits.

Benefits Support

• Provide support for benefits enrollment and changes.
• Assist employees with benefit-related questions and paperwork.

Compliance & Policy Support

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Oversee the completion of the mandatory DCF training during the onboarding process.
• Participate in HR audits and reporting activities.
• Help maintain and update HR policies and procedures.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Provide professional customer service to employees and leadership.
• Assist with employee engagement initiatives and staff events.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or three to five years of progressively responsible human resources experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or non-profit settings preferred.
• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of HR practices and employment regulations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to travel locally for agency meetings or events if required.

This job description is not a written or implied contract and may be revised by Tri-County at their discretion.