Human Resource Assistant/Receptionist

Progress Industries; Newton (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Progress Industries is seeking an HR Recruiting & Training Assistant to help build strong teams that support individuals with disabilities. The role emphasizes recruiting, onboarding, training, and HR operations across our Newton and Des Moines locations.

You will engage with applicants, coordinate interviews, maintain records, assist with orientation, and support background checks and credential verifications to ensure compliance and timely onboarding for new hires.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of customer service, office, recruiting, or related experience.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with HR systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting and hiring: keep postings current, screen applicants, coordinate interviews, and communicate with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Training, compliance, and HR support: monitor training requirements, enter quiz results and training completions, lead new employee orientation, assist with onboarding and credential verifications.
• Reception and office support: greet visitors, answer calls, and provide front-desk coverage; assist with clerical duties.

Skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Indeed

HR systems

Relias

Job description

WE ARE HIRING - This position works at both our Newton and Des Moines locations.

Company Overview

Progress Industries is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities through person-centered services. Since 1979, we have provided residential, supported employment, and day habilitation programs across multiple counties, fostering independence and community integration for those we serve.

Help us connect great people with meaningful work.

Are you organized, personable, and energized by finding the right people for the right roles? Progress Industries is looking for an HR Recruiting & Training Assistant to help build strong teams that support individuals with disabilities. Recruiting is the top priority in this hands-on position, with additional opportunities to support employee orientation, training, compliance, and day-to-day HR operations.

If you enjoy talking with applicants, moving the hiring process forward, keeping detailed records, and working with a team where your follow-through matters, we would like to hear from you.

What You Will DoRecruiting and hiring - your main focus

• Keep job postings current and actively connect with candidates through Indeed and other recruitment channels.
• Review applications, screen applicants, coordinate and participate in interviews, and communicate with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Help organize recruitment events and keep hiring managers informed of candidate and interview activity.
• Coordinate background checks, credential verifications, employment eligibility paperwork, and new-hire onboarding.

Training, compliance, and HR support

• Partner with the Training Specialist to monitor overdue and upcoming employee training requirements and follow up on deadlines.
• Enter quizzes, results, and training completions in the learning management system and maintain accurate records.
• Lead the HR portion of New Employee Orientation and assist with training preparation and new-hire paperwork.
• Assist with medication management proctoring or related training activities after required qualification and authorization.
• Complete monthly HR audits, exclusion checks, and ongoing verification of required employee credentials and records.
• Assist with personnel files, employee evaluation reminders, and other HR administrative projects.

Reception and office support

• Greet visitors, answer and direct phone calls, and provide friendly, professional front-desk coverage.
• Help with mail, supplies, filing, and other clerical duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or additional education preferred.
• At least one year of customer service, office, recruiting, or related experience; recruiting or HR experience is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence communicating with applicants, employees, and managers.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage deadlines, follow up consistently, and protect confidential information.
• Comfort with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with Indeed, HR systems, or Relias is helpful but not required.
• A collaborative, dependable approach and a genuine interest in helping others succeed.

Why This Role Matters

Every prompt candidate follow-up, completed background check, organized orientation, and on-time training assignment helps Progress Industries maintain a well-prepared team. You will play an important role in helping new employees get started and current employees stay on track.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We look forward to learning how your organizational skills and people-first approach can contribute to our team.