At Covenant House Alaska we are in the people business.  We provide holistic services to young people who come to us from circumstances beyond their control.  Our people provide absolute respect and unconditional love to youth who deserve a chance to be the best version of themselves.  When you join our team, you become part of a massive movement to interrupt the path to chronic adult homelessness.  The pay is competitive, the benefits package is best in class and the experience is life changing. We look forward to meeting you. 

Position Summary

Under the direction of the People Operations Manager the People Support Specialist (PSS) is responsible for administering and ensuring a high level of Human Resources (HR) administrative support and functions to members of the workforce. The PSS will provide support in many critical areas of HR operations including supporting recruiting and employee life cycle support, administering high level auditing for members of the workforce, supporting wellness initiatives and overall cultivation of an enriching and supportive workspace. Tasks will include supporting recruiting and onboarding efforts, maintaining, and auditing of personnel records, creating, and editing of documents, and supporting employees through HR related services. The PSS will steward a welcoming environment to all members of the workforce.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Covenant House Mission, philosophy, history and tradition(s) and the underlying values upon which the Agency is founded, and can communicate this to the staff, youth, and the community we serve.
• Cultivate a welcoming environment for employees through high level customer service and support through on-boarding, support meetings, and general reception.
• Under the Direction of the Director People Operations complete task directed work.
• Understand and comply with all Agency policies.
• Maintain a high level of ethical standards.
• Actively participate in all staff meetings and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Workforce Relations

• Under the direction of the People Operations Manager support administrative functions of Workers compensation, answering questions and supporting safety reporting.
• Through collaboration with the Covey Academy, support the Internship program by handling administrative oversight of the internship onboarding process.
• Administer and support culturally enriching programs; Birthday and Anniversary Cards, Anniversary Awards, supporting and facilitating wellness initiatives etc. to identified members of the workforce.
• Through collaboration with the Volunteer Manager, support crucial auditing functions including background check, drivers license, and needed auditing functions.
• Provide additional support to volunteer services team in areas of interviewing, general screening, and support during larger volunteer event days.

Benefits & Wellness

• Monitor benefits related changes and provided periodic updates to the People Team page of the Covey Compass.
• Support Open Enrollment efforts as needed.
• Manage the tuition reimbursement program.
• In collaboration with the People Team support and provide communication around staff wellness and engagement activities through in-person facilitation and communication via the Covey Compass.

Staff Recruitment & Administration

• Through collaboration with the People Operations Manager, administer various tasks through the onboarding and new hire process including managing reference and background checks, file preparation, interview scheduling, room coordination and facilitation of onboarding scheduling.
• Provide constant auditing of files for members of the workforce including but not limited to: Motor vehicle reports, ID cards, Residential Child Care Facility (RCCF) licensing, Background Checks.
• Provide quality checks and general file custodian support of employee personnel files.
• Provide high quality clerical and administrative support to members of the People Team as needed.
• Provide support during various key interactions in the employment life cycle, new hire orientation, supporting offboarding etc.
• Provide support to IT and Support Services through reporting and auditing of the Agency Badge and Key system.

Minimum Education

High school Diploma required. Associates Degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred (Experience may be submitted for education on a year for year basis)

Minimum Experience

1 – 2 years of experience in Human Resources or another related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Basic understanding of adolescent development and behaviors; demonstrate enjoyment of and ability to relate to at-risk youth and demonstrates empathy with the joys and pains of others.

• Strong ability to relate effectively with staff, youth, and community agencies.
• Is approachable, builds rapport well and practices attentive and active listening.
• Knowledge of Employee benefits, Workers Compensation and FMLA compliance practices.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are needed, along with the ability to make quick decisions. Able to make good decisions consistently based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
• Proficient with standard computer operating systems. Ability to learn and navigate multiple databases including Microsoft Office suite.
• Support an environment of varied cultural backgrounds and celebrate differences in ideas.
• Support equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; tolerant of people and processes.
• Ability to work independently, using good judgment, and common sense.
• Maintain confidentiality and present the straightforward truth.
• Self-motivation, initiative and commitment to ongoing learning are essential.
• Excellent oral and written, communication skills including organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• As needed ability to adjust schedule to support compliance and project deadlines.
• Possess a current state of Alaska Driving License and have a clean driving record.
• Ability to flex schedule to meet important People Team related functions
• Pass federal, state, and local background investigation.

Working Conditions

• Position is established in an office setting within the Youth Engagement Center.
• Noise level is mild to moderate, consistent with office and residential environments. 
• Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must have the ability to observe details within close range.
• Must be able to remain in stationary position for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to move within the office to access files and office equipment.
• Consistently operates a computer and related office machinery.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairways in case of emergency to exit building safely.

Covenant House is an Equal Opportunity Employer