Human Resources Assistant

Company Overview

Serving our community since 1968, the Humane Society of Summit County is a dynamic, prominent, local nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our community by caring and advocating for vulnerable animals and enriching the lives of pets and people. We are the only animal welfare agency in Summit County committed to rescuing, healing, and adopting sick and injured strays, as well as abused and abandoned animals. Additionally, we are the primary resource for humane enforcement, education, and pet retention. We are now proudly located at our new, purpose-built facility in Cuyahoga Falls.

Job Description

The HR Assistant is responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the human resources department. This role facilitates HR processes, maintains records, assists with benefits administration, and acts as a liaison between employees and external service providers. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, updating policies and handbooks, and promoting positive employee relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in administering health and welfare plans, including enrollments, changes, and terminations, while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulations.
• Assist in processing unemployment claims, FMLA requests, workers' compensation cases, and OSHA-related documentation by preparing correspondence and maintaining accurate records.
• Ensure HR files, records, and documentation are accurate, up to date, and compliant with federal, state, and organizational policies, including OSHA record-keeping standards.
• Respond to employee and applicant inquiries regarding policies, benefits, and hiring processes, escalating complex issues to the HR Director as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive HR files and information, adhering to data protection and privacy regulations.
• Support the review and maintenance of employee policies and handbooks to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including OSHA workplace safety standards.
• Complete Forms I-9, verify I-9 documentation, and maintain accurate I-9 records in compliance with federal guidelines.
• Assist in the recruitment process by posting job advertisements, tracking applicants, coordinating follow-up communications, and processing background checks.
• Schedule meetings and maintain calendars as requested by the HR Director.
• Assist in reconciling benefits statements and resolving payroll discrepancies in coordination with the finance team.
• Conduct or assist with new hire orientation, ensuring employees receive necessary training, including OSHA-mandated workplace safety guidelines.
• Assist with the development and distribution of employee surveys to gather feedback and improve workplace satisfaction.
• Support the execution of performance review processes and assist in planning employee recognition and engagement events.
• Act as a point of contact between the organization and benefits providers, including health, disability, and retirement plans.
• Conduct periodic audits of HR and OSHA-required records to ensure accuracy and compliance with employment and workplace safety regulations.
• Perform administrative tasks, including document management, correspondence preparation, filing, and processing mail to maintain organized HR workflows.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable nature as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee primarily performs his/her duties in an office environment and is frequently exposed to odors or airborne particles including animal fur and toxic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.

Physical Demands

• Sitting: Often up to 90% of workday.
• Standing /Walking: Frequently, up to 20% per workday.
• Driving: Occasionally.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally, up to 20 pounds other personnel or lifting equipment may be utilized to assist with heavy lifting as necessary.
• Stooping/Bending: Occasionally.
• Kneeling: Occasionally on one or both knees.
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently, up to 20 lbs.
• Cervical Flexion/Extension, Side Bending and Rotation: Occasionally, turning head side to side
• Climbing: Occasionally.
• Feeling/Touching: Frequently, keyboards or computers.
• Seeing: Near and far acuity, depth perception, and field of vision.
• Repetitive Motion: Frequently for tasks such as data entry.
• Talking/Hearing: Frequently to communicate with staff and the public.

Work Hours / Shifts

• Monday – Friday hours. Some evenings or weekends to help cover special events.

Minimum Education

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

Minimum Experience

• At least two years of experience in HR or administrative role required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and HRIS/payroll software.
• Strong computer skills including familiarity with various office equipment, software applications, and troubleshooting basic technical issues.
• Understanding of HR principles, policies, and compliance standards, including FMLA, workers' compensation, OSHA, and employment laws.
• Muat be 18 years or older to apply.
• Offers of employment are contingent on a background check including insurable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, while interacting confidently and empathetically with the public and staff using a non-judgmental and professional approach.
• Experience in Fast-Paced Environments: Proven ability to function efficiently and comfortably in a dynamic, multi-tasking setting.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Capable of independently troubleshooting issues and resolving problems that may arise in daily tasks.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to diffuse conflicts or manage difficult situations effectively.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and remain focused in a busy environment.
• Animal Handling: Comfort and ability to work around animals and manage related tasks.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability
• Accident Insurance

Pay Rate

• $18-20/hr