Senior HR Specialist
6 days ago
Buffalo
Job Description WHY JOIN JFS? For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best. OUR VALUES Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time” Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience. SUMMARY This role serves as a key member of the HR function, with primary ownership of full-cycle recruiting and payroll processing, while providing critical backup support across a broad range of HR operations. The position handles highly critical and confidential details and operates in accordance with related federal, state, and local laws and regulations. RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services. Talent Acquisition & Recruiting (Primary) • Lead the full-cycle recruitment process for all open positions across the agency, including job posting, sourcing, screening, interviewing coordination, offer preparation, and onboarding, • Partner with hiring managers to develop accurate job descriptions, define selection criteria, and establish interview frameworks, • Build and maintain a strong candidate pipeline through proactive sourcing strategies including job boards, social media, networking, and community outreach, • Ensure a positive candidate experience throughout the hiring process, • Track and analyze recruiting metrics to continuously improve efficiency and quality of hire, • Own end-to-end payroll processing using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accurate and timely payroll runs for all employees, • Audit payroll data for accuracy, including new hires, terminations, pay adjustments, deductions, and time & attendance entries, • Resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner, • Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, • Coordinate with Finance on payroll reconciliation and reporting, • Serve as a knowledgeable backup for core HR functions including benefits administration, employee relations, HRIS data management, and compliance reporting, • Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure smooth employee transitions, • Maintain accurate and confidential employee records in accordance with agency policy and applicable law, • Support HR policy development, updates, and communication, • Assist with employee engagement initiatives, training coordination, and performance management processes as needed QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: Required • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, • 3–5 years of progressive human resources experience, • Demonstrated experience processing payroll using ADP Workforce Now (required), • Working knowledge of full-cycle recruiting practices and applicant tracking systems (ATS), • Solid understanding of employment law, payroll regulations, and HR compliance, • Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in data entry and recordkeeping, • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality at all times, • PHR, SHRM-CP, or equivalent HR certification, • Experience in a government, nonprofit, or social services agency setting, • Familiarity with benefits administration and open enrollment processes, • Experience with HRIS platforms beyond ADP Workforce Now WORKING CONDITIONS • Will require travel between worksites., • Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Light physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment., • Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents., • Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff and others by phone and in person., • Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS • Competitive salary of $65,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications., • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance., • Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks in addition to a paid agency wide shut down between Christmas and New Year's Day., • 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%., • 13+ observed holidays annually., • Reduced full-time work week of 35 hours and early close on Fridays.