Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
MISSION: Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.
Ellis (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Our goal is to help all children develop the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to be successful in school and life, regardless of their background. Ellis has earned numerous accolades and is ranked in the top 6% of all early childhood programs by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Ellis is a local and national model for inclusive, equitable quality early education and stands out for being among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving the children of Boston.
Our many innovative partnerships include the New England Conservatory, which provides weekly onsite music instruction to all children, the Boston Public Schools which operates four high-performing Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classrooms and others. Ellis serves over 300 children annually at its campus in the South End and a satellite location in Jamaica Plain. Learn more about us by viewing this short video and exploring our website.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The HR Specialist is responsible for handling the day-to-day administrative HR functions for Ellis Early Learning. This position focuses on essential HR tasks such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, employee record-keeping, compliance and employee relations. As a one-person HR department, the HR Specialist ensures all HR operations run smoothly, while referring strategic or complex HR matters to leadership as needed.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Recruitment and Onboarding
• Manages job postings across various platforms, proactively sources candidates, assesses candidate qualifications and coordinates interviews with hiring managers.
• Facilitates pre-employment process including background checks and reference verifications.
• Conducts background checks, prepares and distributes offer letters conducts new hire onboarding via Paylocity and in-person orientation.
• Facilitates orientation for new hires ensuring they are welcomed in a manner reflective of Ellis’s culture.
Payroll and Benefits Administration
• Processes employee status changes in HRIS and collaborates with finance team for biweekly payroll processing; ensures accuracy in hours, deductions, overtime, bonuses and stipends.
• Handles basic payroll inquiries and work with finance on adjustments.
• Assists employees with benefits enrollment and questions.
• Collaborates with the insurance broker to administer health, dental, vision, FSA, life and LTD benefits.
• Updates employee benefits guide annually
• Acts as Plan Administrator to the Company’s 401(k) plan; make changes to employee contributions as requested.
• Completes all required filings, including HIRD and ACA.
Employee Relations
• Manages and resolves employee relations issues professionally and confidentially, referring complex situations to leadership for guidance.
• Conducts effective, thorough and objective investigations. Follows up with urgency to ensure employee relations issues are resolved promptly.
• Ensures fair and equitable practices with employees including compliance with company policies and local, state and federal legal standards. Responds to employee complaints and inquiries with urgency.
• Attends and participates in employee coaching and disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Provides support (coaching, counseling, education) to managers on employee relations and contractual obligations.
• Collaborates with management with preparing and reviewing Performance Improvement Plans and recommending solutions. Follows up with management to ensure appropriate tracking is taking place.
Leave Management (FMLA/PFML)
• Processes and manages leave requests through Third Party Administrator, including FMLA, PFML and Workers Compensation.
• Determines leave eligibility, certification requirements, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Tracks and monitor leave balances and ensure accurate timekeeping for payroll purposes.
• Communicates leave policies and procedures to employees and managers.
• Responds to employee and manager inquiries regarding leave policies and procedures.
• Assists employees with completing necessary paperwork and documentation for leave requests.
• Maintains open communication with employees on leave to facilitate smooth and timely return to work.
HR Administrative Work:
• Performs day-to-day operations of the HR function, including maintaining employee records and handling HR documentation.
• Responds to internal and external HR-related inquiries or requests and provides timely assistance.
• Maintains employee data in HR systems and generate reports to help inform decision-making.
• Conducts regular internal HR audits to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Supports the business proactively with internal communications, announcements, and associated change management efforts.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Demonstrated ability to: work closely and professionally with employees at all levels of the organization as well as work independently with minimal direction; function as a role model for employees of the organization; collaborate with leadership and external service providers in a professional capacity.
• Exhibit outstanding organizational skills and professional maturity including the ability to appropriately handle highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrates critical thinking, creative as well as analytical problem-solving skills. Ability to think objectively from an employee as well as an organizational perspective.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Prior experience and knowledge of HRIS and ATS required (Paylocity preferred).
• Functions as a team player demonstrating a commitment to the organization’s mission and a positive approach to the business.
Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred with a focus on business/business administration.
· Strong bi-lingual written and verbal skills; Spanish and English.
· Minimum of 3 – 5 years Human Resources experience with a diverse population including operations, talent acquisition/retention and employee relations.
· Willingness to work in downtown Boston location on a full time regular basis.