JOB SUMMARY

The Specialist II Human Resources performs a wide range of specialized and advanced administrative functions within the Human Resources department with a high degree of accuracy, discretion, and independence. This role requires sound judgment and a strong understanding of HR principles due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work.
Areas of administrative tasks may include leading or coordinating activities related to employee health and new hire onboarding, ensuring compliance with labor laws and funder regulations, administering employee benefits, supporting recruitment and compensation processes, contributing to learning and development initiatives, assisting in employee relations matters, and maintaining HR records or HRIS systems. The Specialist II may also serve as a subject matter resource in one or more HR functional areas, supporting process improvements and policy implementation in collaboration with HR leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Apply intermediate working knowledge across multiple areas of Human Resources and employment law, including: Benefits, Compliance, Employee Health, Leave of Absences (FMLA, NYS and PFL), Workers’ Compensation, and Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• Manage and complete assigned HR tasks independently or as part of a team, effectively prioritizing responsibilities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, delivering excellent customer service in both verbal and written communications, including timely follow-up and issue resolution.
• Respond to and resolve inquiries using sound judgment, HR best practices, and in alignment with Hillside’s organizational values, policies and protocols.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, including paper files and electronic documentation within the HRIS and other systems.
• Accurately perform data entry, run reports, conduct audits, and support compliance monitoring across all relevant HR systems.
• Lead or support HR projects in a variety of functional areas, such as New Hire Onboarding, Employee Health, Compliance, Training, Performance and Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and Employee Relations.
• Maintain well-documented procedures and workflows that promote departmental efficiency, compliance, and continuous process improvement. Take initiative in identifying inefficiencies and collaborate with HR leadership to implement process enhancements and system improvements.
• Provide mentorship and training to Specialist team members; review work for accuracy and consistency as assigned.
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School or GED required
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in human resources, payroll, or other office administrative duties

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively , Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated :

• Demonstrated skill handling sensitive, complex, and confidential information
• Commitment to development of credibility within the Human Resources team and with Hillside’s employees through managing commitments
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word and databases
• High attention to detail and excellent organization skills
• Proactive and dedicated approach to professional development and continuous expansion of functional knowledge base

• The following physical demands are required:
• Occasional sitting (up to 6 hours)
• Occasional standing (up to 4 hours)
• Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
• Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
• Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
• Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
• Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
• Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent
• Ability to change positions as neede