Human Resources Specialist

Southern States Cooperative; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern States Cooperative is seeking an HR Specialist to provide administrative and operational support to the HR department. You will assist with recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, training coordination, and employee records management while ensuring data accuracy and compliance.

The role involves maintaining HR files, supporting open enrollment, organizing training, and handling employee inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in HR, business administration, or related field, or 1–3 years of related experience.
• Payroll and benefits administration experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, confidentiality, and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and collaborate with employees at all levels.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Willingness to participate in required training related to company policies.

Responsibilities

• Process employee data changes and maintain personnel files and HR system accuracy.
• Assist with recruiting activities including job postings, screening applicants, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates.
• Support onboarding and orientation processes, including background checks and other administration.
• Assist with internal employee communications, including position openings and change announcements.
• Respond to employee questions regarding policies, benefits, and HR procedures.
• Provide support during open enrollment, including benefit meetings and data review.
• Assist with administration and tracking of employee training.
• Support employee development and engagement initiatives and company events.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state employment law postings.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

HR information systems (HRIS)

Job description

The Human Resources Specialist provides administrative and operational support to the Human Resources department. This position assists with recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, training coordination, and employee record management. The HR Specialist ensures the accuracy of HR data and contributes to maintaining a positive and compliant workplace.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Process employee data changes and maintaining personnel files and HR system accuracy.

Assist with recruiting activities including job postings, screening applicants, scheduling

interviews, and communicating with candidates.

Provides support for new hire onboarding and orientation processes, including background checks, drug screens and other administration.

Assists with internal employee communication updates including position openings and change announcements.

Respond to employee questions regarding policies, benefits, and HR procedures.

Provides support during open enrollment, including benefit meeting facilitation, employee assistance, and data review.

Assists with the administration and tracking of employee training

Support employee development and engagement initiatives and company events.

Maintains compliance with federal and state employment law postings and ensures updates as needed.

Provides general administrative support to the HR team including filing, reporting, and document preparation.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Attend job fairs, community events, and classroom visits to support recruiting initiatives.

Assists in the preparation of HR reports and audits as needed.

Maintains knowledge of HR procedures, company policies, and compliance requirements.

Performs other duties as required and assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires an Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field OR 1-3 years of related experience.

Experience in payroll and benefits administration preferred.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and HR information systems preferred.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Demonstrates strong communication, confidentiality, and customer service skills.

Ability to handle multiple priorities and work collaboratively with employees at all levels.

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training related to company policies, procedures, and position requirements.