Human Resources Specialist (Monterey County)

Mexican American Opportunity Foundation; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid Sick Time

12 paid holidays

Bereavement Leave

Jury Duty

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Life and Accidental Insurance

Pet Insurance

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance (EAP)

Credit Union Membership

Job summary

MAOF in Salinas/Monterey County is seeking a Human Resources Specialist to join the CHRO team and support programs across locations. You will handle recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, policy administration, benefits support, and HR reporting in a professional, confidential manner.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in HR or related field, at least two years' HR experience, and bilingual English/Spanish. Travel to MAOF sites is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a comparable Human Resources role.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Proficiency in HRIS software; Paychex highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, confidentiality requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment with shifting deadlines.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and be able to travel to MAOF offices and locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day HR support to MAOF programs, departments, and locations.
• Manage full-cycle recruitment, postings, screening, and onboarding.
• Assist with new-hire orientation and communicating MAOF policies and benefits.
• Assist supervisors with employee relations matters and policy interpretation.
• Escalate significant compliance concerns to CHRO.
• Assist with investigations, interviews, and confidentiality during processes.
• Guide supervisors on performance management and corrective actions.
• Review disciplinary actions for consistency with MAOF policies.
• Maintain HRIS records and prepare HR reports and metrics.
• Coordinate leaves, accommodations, and return-to-work issues.
• Travel to MAOF sites as needed.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS software

Paychex

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Human Resources Specialist (Monterey County)

About the Organization MAOF uses a multi-generational approach to uplift the whole family. We provide social services for infants through seniors across four pillars: early child education services, senior services, community development services, and community partnership services.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Title: Human Resources Specialist

Program: MAOF - Monterey County (Salinas)

Hourly Salary: $25.00 - $30.00 Per Hour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Closing Date: Open until filled

General Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and with limited supervision, the Human Resources Specialist provides comprehensive Human Resources support to assigned MAOF programs, departments, and locations.

The position performs a broad range of professional and administrative Human Resources functions, including recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, performance management, policy administration, benefits support, leave coordination, training, compliance, personnel records, and HR reporting.

The Human Resources Specialist serves as a resource to employees, supervisors, managers, and program leadership and works closely with the CHRO and other Human Resources personnel to promote consistent application of MAOF policies and procedures and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

The position requires professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and organizational matters.

Responsibilities:

Position responsibilities, but are not limited to:

• Provide day-to-day Human Resources support to assigned MAOF programs, departments, and locations.
• Manage and support the full-cycle recruitment process, including reviewing personnel requisitions, posting vacancies, screening applicants, coordinating and participating in interviews, conducting reference and background processes as applicable, preparing employment documentation, and coordinating onboarding.
• Assist with new-hire orientation and communicate MAOF policies, procedures, benefits, workplace expectations, and other employment-related information.
• Assist supervisors and managers with employee relations matters, including attendance, performance, conduct, workplace conflicts, policy interpretation, corrective action, and other personnel matters.
• Receive employee concerns and complaints and promptly elevate significant matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace violence, safety, wage and hour issues, or other compliance concerns to the CHRO or designated Human Resources leadership.
• Assist with workplace reviews and investigations as assigned, including gathering information and documentation, participating in interviews, preparing summaries, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Provide guidance to supervisors regarding performance management, coaching, corrective action, performance improvement plans, and other employment-related matters consistent with MAOF policies and direction from Human Resources leadership.
• Review proposed disciplinary actions and personnel matters for consistency with MAOF policies and established Human Resources practices, as directed by the CHRO.
• Assist with the administration, interpretation, implementation, and enforcement of MAOF personnel policies, procedures, and Human Resources practices.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including wage and hour, equal employment opportunity, reasonable accommodation, protected leaves, workplace safety, and other employment requirements.
• Coordinate with appropriate Human Resources staff regarding leaves of absence, reasonable accommodations, workers' compensation matters, benefits, and return-to-work issues.
• Support the administration of employee benefit programs and refer employees to the appropriate Human Resources or benefits representative when specialized assistance is required.
• Create, organize, maintain, and audit personnel records and Human Resources documentation in accordance with applicable record-retention, confidentiality, and organizational requirements.
• Process and review personnel actions and related Human Resources documentation for completeness, accuracy, appropriate authorization, and timely submission.
• Maintain accurate employee information in the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and other HR systems, as assigned.
• Coordinate and track required employee training, professional development, certifications, licenses, background clearances, and other employment requirements applicable to assigned programs.
• Monitor completion of mandatory employment and compliance requirements and follow up with employees and supervisors regarding outstanding items.
• Prepare and analyze Human Resources reports and metrics, including recruitment activity, vacancies, turnover, attendance, employee relations matters, performance management, training, and other workforce information.
• Assist with audits, monitoring reviews, funding-source requirements, and requests for Human Resources records and documentation.
• Maintain knowledge of MAOF programs and applicable funding, licensing, contractual, and regulatory requirements that affect Human Resources practices within assigned programs.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with employees, supervisors, managers, directors, and executive leadership.
• Provide Human Resources support at MAOF locations and program sites as necessary, including travel throughout MAOF service areas.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of personnel, medical, investigative, payroll, benefits, and other sensitive information.
• Immediately report significant employee relations, compliance, safety, legal, or organizational concerns to the CHRO or designated Human Resources leadership.
• Perform other related Human Resources duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a comparable Human Resources role.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• Proficiency in HRIS software; experience with Paychex highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, and confidentiality requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment with shifting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a high level of accountability and personal responsibility.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and organizational needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, respectful, and professional working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, employees, and the public.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License, maintain current automobile insurance, and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to travel to MAOF offices, program locations, and other work-related sites as needed, including travel by automobile, train, or airplane.
• Must successfully meet all applicable background, licensing, clearance, and other employment requirements associated with assigned MAOF programs.

MAOF Sponsored Benefits:

At MAOF, we are committed to supporting the overall well-being of our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive package of benefits and perks for full-time employees, with select benefits also available to part-time employees.

• Personal Time Off (PTO) - (Vacation/personal days or sick time).
• Paid Sick Time - 48 hours.
• Paid Holidays per Calendar Year - 12 paid holidays.
• Bereavement Leave - 5 paid days.
• Jury Duty - 5 paid days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid 100% by MAOF.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - 5% employer match - 100% vested.
• Basic Life and Accidental Insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance (EAP) - For team members and dependents; counseling, legal assistance, financial planning, identity theft, etc.
• Supplemental Cancer, Disability, and Accident plans.
• Employee referral bonus (referring employee earns $500 for each new hire who completes 90 days).
• Discounts for AT&T wireless, movie tickets, amusement parks, and much more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Credit Union Membership