What are the responsibilities and job description for the HR Specialist position at The Children s Center of Hamden Inc?
HR Specialist
Hamden, CT | Full-Time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm | Exempt
Support People. Strengthen Culture. Drive Excellence.
The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking a detail-oriented HR Specialist. This key role supports the efficiency and effectiveness of HR operations and the organization.
Who We Are:
For more than 190 years, The Children’s Center of Hamden has supported children and families through times of need. Today, we act as a comprehensive behavioral health and educational organization serving communities across Connecticut.
We offer a continuum of behavioral health, psychiatric, and special education services that guide vulnerable youth safely back to their homes, schools, and communities.
Our campus includes a residential program, a K-12 special education school, Outpatient clinic, Extended Day Treatment program and a Quality Parenting Center.
Why Join The Children’s Center?
Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture - We are a collaborative, mission-driven team! Every staff member is provided with the tools, training, and guidance to expand their knowledge, skills and abilities while making a meaningful impact on youth and their families.
Quality and Affordable Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employee assistance program, and wellness programs. On one of our medical plan options, The Children’s Center covers 90% of the employee premium and contributes generously to the Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and 12 paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving.
Retirement Saving Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contribution to help you build financial stability for the future.
Education Assistance & CEU Accredited Training - Interest-free tuition loans, ongoing CEU-accredited training, and opportunities for career advancement.
What You’ll Do
As part of the HR Team, you will provide outstanding service to all employees by performing the following duties:
- Ensure HRIS data accuracy; pull reports and provide user support to the HR team and managers; ensure the organization is audit ready at all times.
- Become subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now/ADP Workforce Manager.
- Assist with open enrollment event to ensure all staff meet the enrollment deadline.
- Serve as first point of contact for benefit administration; communicate agency benefit options to employees.
- Handle entire leave of absence administration process including CT FMLA, CT Paid Leave, Short-Term Disability, and personal leaves of absence.
- Actively track compliance for continued employment requirements, including professional licenses, credentialing, privileging, and required training renewals.
- Process schedule changes and employee changes in status
- Administer off-boarding process
- Handle HR compliance reporting throughout the year and at year end
- Assist with employee relations
- Collaborate with HR team members on special projects and other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- Customer service mindset, collaborative work style, personal accountability and willingness to grow in the position.
- Ability to stay organized and effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in HR with strong HRIS skills, preferably ADP.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred.
- Experience in nonprofit education, behavioral health, and human service settings strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, benefits, and leave administration.
- Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Able to maintain appropriate personal boundaries with young people and families served on campus.
The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.