HR Specialist – The Faison Center

Austin Community College; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Austin Community College is seeking an HR Specialist for the Faison Center in Richmond, Virginia. The HR Specialist will support HR operations, primaily managing Workers' Compensation and injury investigation processes. Candidates should have 2 to 5 years of HR experience, excellent communication skills, and a relevant degree preferred. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $55,000 to $62,500 along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of HR experience required.
• Prior HR or Workers' Compensation experience preferred.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety trainings and ensure compliance.
• Recruit, interview, and facilitate hiring.
• Support HR programs and handle employee relations.
• Oversee Workers' Compensation claims and documentation.
• Maintain injury logs and prepare reports.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Discretion

Time management

Proficiency with Google Workspace

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, education, or related field

SHRM-CP or PHR certification

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking an HR Specialist for our client, the Faison Center, a non‑profit educational and treatment center located in Richmond, Virginia providing autism services to individuals and families affected by autism.

Position Overview

The HR Specialist supports and facilitates HR operations across all Faison Center locations, focusing on managing and coordinating the Workers' Compensation process and workplace injury investigations. The role reports to the Payroll and Compliance Officer and is full‑time, exempt (FTE 1). The specialist works closely with the Workers' Compensation carrier, medical providers, supervisors, and employees to ensure consistent follow‑up and safe, compliant return‑to‑work practices, minimizing organizational risk and reducing MOD rates. Responsibilities include monitoring restrictions, coordinating light‑duty assignments, supporting employee safety initiatives, and ensuring thorough documentation of all injuries and illnesses.

This role delivers consistent HR service, promotes compliance, and supports staff and leadership while modeling Faison's TEAM values – Together, Excellence, Accountability, and Mission‑driven.

Essential Functions

• Lead and develop interactive safety trainings for staff.
• Review, track, and document compliance with mandatory and non‑mandatory training, continuing education, licensure, and safety requirements.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and facilitating hiring of qualified applicants.
• Conduct or coordinate background checks and employment eligibility verifications.
• Participate in new‑hire orientation and employee recognition and engagement programs.
• Support HR programs including compensation, disciplinary procedures, investigations, performance management, employee relations, morale, and safety initiatives.
• Attend disciplinary meetings, terminations, and internal investigations as requested.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and review HR policies to ensure alignment with legal requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of HR best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging HR technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Workers' Compensation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all workplace injuries and Workers' Compensation matters.
• Conduct initial injury intake and complete all required incident and investigation documentation.
• File all Workers' Compensation claims promptly and accurately.
• Communicate claim status updates to employees, supervisors, HR leadership, and the carrier.
• Coordinate medical appointments, restrictions, provider communication, and follow‑up documentation.
• Ensure employees understand the injury reporting process and their responsibilities.
• Monitor and document all work restrictions, tracking transitions over time.
• Coordinate light‑duty assignments, ensuring suitability and compliance with restrictions.
• Track return‑to‑work dates, appointments, and related documentation.
• Maintain injury logs and prepare quarterly reports and trend analyses for HR and leadership.
• Identify safety patterns and collaborate in corrective‑action or prevention initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, supervisors, medical providers, and insurers.
• Friendly, professional, and customer‑service‑oriented demeanor.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong follow‑through and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

Education and Experience

• Two to five years of general HR work experience required.
• Prior HR or Workers' Compensation experience is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, education, or related field preferred.
• SHRM‑CP or PHR preferred.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and meet Faison Center driving eligibility standards.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Salary range: $55,000 - $62,500. Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Warren Whitney (The Firm) is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm on behalf of its client will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical condition), disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship, or any other class protected by applicable law. The Firm reserves the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice or obligation to any party.