Human Resources Specialist

Position Summary

The HR, Payroll & Benefits Specialist plays a vital role in the daily operations of the Human Resources department at West Ascension Parish Hospital. This position is responsible for managing the full payroll cycle, coordinating employee benefit programs, and providing essential administrative support for HR functions. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

As a key member of the HR team, the HR, Payroll & Benefits Specialist ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, benefit enrollments and changes are processed effectively, and personnel records are maintained in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all hospital employees using Paycom or designated payroll system.
• Review and reconcile timekeeping records, ensuring accuracy and adherence to FLSA and hospital policies.
• Enter new hires, terminations, changes in pay, PTO accruals, and other payroll adjustments.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll records and respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax laws, wage garnishments, and regulatory reporting.

Benefits Administration

• Coordinate new hire benefits orientation and annual open enrollment processes.
• Process employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner.
• Serve as liaison with insurance providers to resolve employee benefit issues or claims.
• Maintain benefit tracking spreadsheets and reconcile invoices for accuracy before payment.
• Educate employees on available benefit options, eligibility, and deadlines.

HR Administrative Support

• Maintain employee personnel files and HRIS data in compliance with HIPAA and employment regulations.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including background checks and new hire documentation.
• Support compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and federal/state employment laws.
• Prepare reports and summaries for audits, leadership, or regulatory bodies as needed.
• Support performance evaluation tracking, licensure renewals, and training documentation.
• Respond to employment verifications and assist with HR-related communications.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or associate degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field required.
• Strong understanding of payroll processing, benefits programs, and employment law.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in HR and payroll, preferably in a healthcare setting.
  Working knowledge of Paycom, employee benefits administration, and HR compliance preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of payroll processing, benefits programs, and employment law.
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and HR/payroll systems.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based, Monday–Friday schedule.
Occasional extended hours during payroll deadlines or benefits enrollment periods.
Requires interaction with employees, vendors, and leadership at all levels of the organization.