People & Culture Specialist

at  Ascend Behavior Partners

JOB MISSION:

The People and Culture Specialist role at Ascend works closely with the People and Culture Manager, clinical, and client services teams to support our People Support Team’s vision to build magnetic, world-class retention and performance systems, enhance the Ascend Way culture, and deliver personalized learning journeys.
This position focuses on employee relations, the life cycle of the employee, and employee engagement. The People and Culture Specialist is passionate about the mission of Ascend Behavior Partners and exemplifies our core values through onboarding new hires, supporting performance management of staff, facilitating leaves of absence and accommodations, processing terminations, and serves as a support guide for Ascend’s partners.

DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to balance multiple competing priorities, to self-direct time, and meet deadlines
• Flexibility and ability to embrace change and seek feedback with a growth mindset
• A contagious smile and ability to see the good in every situation
• Desire to serve with a positive and helpful attitude
• Exhibit fun and innovation in your day to day work
• Resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure and job related stress such as team member complaints, feedback conversations, or short term deadlines
• Exhibit servant leadership with a positive and compassionate attitude
• Ability to utilize critical and independent thinking to identify and solve problems
• Ability to work efficiently at home and to enjoy being a remote employee
• Demonstrate discretion and high integrity in every action and believe that integrity is a choice
• Knowledge of general HR practice and labor laws
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology that enhances your productivity and customer experience (e.g. CRM software, applicant tracking systems, Google Suite, etc.)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a High School Diploma Required; Associates or Bachelors degree strongly preferred
• At least 1-3 years in a Human Resources or similar role
• Experience with employee relations, performance management, leave administration, and accommodations is required
• Able to pass a background check and qualified to work in the US
• Ability to work Monday - Friday consistently in Mountain Time
• Cannot reside in New Jersey, New York, California, or Pennsylvania

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and teleconferencing
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time.
• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; as in a typical office environment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• There is little potential for harm or personal injury when basic safety and health precautions are followed.

REPORTING

You will report to the People and Culture Manager
This job description is not all inclusive, and is subject to change. You may be asked to perform additional duties in support of the organization

• Maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices in Ascend’s Service Areas (CO, AZ, TX)
• Preserves confidentiality of employee medical documentation and files.
• Assist in administering the performance management processes, including goal setting, delivering feedback, and performance evaluations, up to and including termination
• Handle routine labor relations and human resource inquiries related to policies, procedures, and partner support needs; refers complex matters to appropriate management.
• Ensure all partners feel heard, valued, and supported by coaching supervisors through feedback conversations, answering partner questions, and responding appropriately to additional support requests from the team
• Attend monthly meetings to support in facilitating monthly reviews of clinician staff, provide performance management guidance and conduct check-ins with staff when needed
• Oversee the return-to-work process for employees returning from medical leave, FMLA, workers compensation, or other leave(s).
• Manage documentation, and maintain accurate records related to employee leaves of absence, FMLA leaves, and requests for accommodations under the ADA.
• Answer employee questions and facilitate communication with relevant stakeholders regarding employee leaves of absence, FMLA leaves, and requests for accommodations under the ADA; must be knowledgeable of all applicable leave and accommodation laws
• Coordinate workers’ compensation claims, including documentation, communication with insurance providers, and supporting employees throughout the process.
• Manage employee files by updating necessary systems with critical employee life cycle information such as file management, new hires, terminations, leaves, position changes, etc. in coordination with the People and Culture team
• Assist with the onboarding process for new hires, including creating accounts, coordinating training schedules, and ensuring completion of required paperwork such as I-9 forms.
• Handle the administrative aspects of employee terminations, including sending termination documentation, deactivating accounts, and processing through HRIS and other systems.
• Assist in facilitating exit interviews for departing employees to gather feedback and insight on their experiences at Ascend and ensuring a smooth transition for exiting partners