Human Resources - People Support Specialist

Position Summary

The People Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the employees and volunteers who advance Covenant House Alaska's mission each day. As a member of the People Operations team, this position coordinates and administers key workforce processes across recruiting, onboarding, workforce administration, employee engagement, and compliance activities.

The People Support Specialist creates a positive employee experience by providing exceptional customer service, maintaining accurate workforce records, coordinating critical People Operations processes, and contributing to initiatives that promote employee well-being and engagement. Working closely with employees, volunteers, and organizational leaders, this role helps foster a workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion, collaboration, and service.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate an understanding of Covenant House Alaska's mission, values, history, and traditions, and communicate those principles in interactions with employees, volunteers, youth, and community partners.
• Deliver professional, responsive, and service-oriented support to employees and volunteers.
• Help cultivate a welcoming environment by providing high-quality customer service during onboarding, support meetings, and general reception interactions.
• Complete assigned tasks and projects under the direction of the Director of People Operations.
• Understand and follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and ethical standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive workforce information.
• Actively participate in departmental meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Workforce Relations & Experience

• Assist in administering programs and services that support employee and non-employee workforce members, including onboarding activities, record maintenance, communications, and ongoing administrative support.
• Support the Volunteer Manager with interview coordination, screening activities, onboarding processes, and large-scale volunteer events.
• Maintain People Team communication tools and provide administrative support for workforce communications and engagement initiatives.
• Assist with employee engagement and recognition programs, including birthdays, anniversaries, service awards, wellness initiatives, and culturally enriching activities.
• Support agency-wide People Team initiatives, including Open Enrollment and other workforce programs.
• In partnership with the People Team and other departments, assist with communication and implementation of workforce wellness, engagement, and culture-building initiatives.

Staff Recruitment & Administration

• Coordinate onboarding and new hire processes, including reference and background checks, preparation of new hire documentation, interview scheduling, room coordination, and onboarding activities.
• Conduct routine audits of workforce records and compliance documentation at the direction of the People Operations Manager or Director of People Operations, including review of motor vehicle reports (MVRs), personal identification and work eligibility documentation, and Residential Child Care Facility (RCCF) licensing requirements.
• In collaboration with the Volunteer Manager, assist with background check tracking, driver’s license verification, and related compliance activities for volunteers and mentors.
• Maintain workforce records, including scanning, filing, document retention, and accurate recordkeeping practices.
• Provide administrative support for People Team programs, projects, and departmental initiatives.
• Support key workforce lifecycle processes, including new hire orientation, employee transitions, and offboarding activities.

Minimum Education

High school diploma required. Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Certification in Human Resources, such as SHRM-CP or PHR, preferred.

Minimum Experience

One (1) year of experience in Human Resources, administration, recruiting, customer service, or a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of administrative practices and confidentiality standards, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with workforce members, youth, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Customer service skills, including active listening, responsiveness, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and navigate multiple databases and workforce systems.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate information, address routine matters, and escalate more complex issues appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and support an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Valid State of Alaska driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Flexibility to adjust schedule as needed to meet compliance or project deadlines.
• Ability to successfully complete required federal, state, and local background investigations.

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