HR Specialist

Onalaska, Wisconsin, United States of America

Full Time

Reports to:

Executive Pastor of Operations
Church Size
:
Full-Time
: 30 hours per week
POSITION SUMMARY
To serve First Free Church by coordinating human resources processes, supporting staff, and maintaining accurate personnel records and practices in alignment with the church's mission, vision, and values.

PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS

Growing relationship with Jesus.

Godly marriage and family (if applicable).

Contributes to the spirit of unity among the staff and congregation.

Fully supportive of First Free Church’s Mission, Vision and Purpose.

QUALIFICATIONS

Composure - Staying calm, poised, and effective in stressful or difficult situations; adjusting quickly to changing situations.

Initiative - Recognizing and assuming responsibility for work that needs to be done; persisting in the completion of a task.

Judgment - Discerning what is appropriate, practical, and realistic in a given situation; weighing the relative merits of competing demands.

Resourcefulness - Formulating creative alternatives or solutions to resolve problems, showing flexibility in response to unanticipated circumstances.

Attention to detail – In planning, organizing and multitasking in a productive manner. Working on detailed projects while being able to see the big picture.

Advanced computer skills & strong technology capacity.

Communication - The ability to communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing across multiple settings.

Able to maintain confidentiality
.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources Administration

Maintain and update employee handbooks, job descriptions, and HR documentation at the request of pastoral leadership.

Administer HR Partner, ensuring accurate employee records, forms, time-off tracking, and performance review processes.

Support compliance with employment policies and applicable laws, communicating concerns and recommendations to pastoral leadership.

Hiring & Onboarding

Coordinate recruitment processes, including job postings, applicant screening, interview scheduling, and communication with hiring managers.

Facilitate new-hire onboarding, including required paperwork, orientation, employee records, and coordination with payroll and benefits providers.

Support pastoral leadership and ministry directors in maintaining consistent hiring and employment procedures.

Serve as a resource for staff regarding HR policies, procedures, employment documentation, and general personnel questions.

Process approved employee status changes, including position, compensation, hours, and employment separations, ensuring accurate records and communication with appropriate departments.

Maintain confidential personnel records and assist pastoral leadership with documentation and coordination of employee-related matters.

Payroll Coordination

Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate employee information, timesheets, leave records, and approved compensation changes are reflected in payroll.

Volunteer Screening & Background Checks

Coordinate and maintain First Free Church's volunteer screening processes, including background checks and compliance with established Protection Policy Standards (PPS).

Collaborate with ministry leaders to ensure volunteers complete required screening, documentation, and approvals before serving.

Maintain accurate and confidential screening records, monitor renewal requirements, and communicate outstanding needs to appropriate ministry leaders.

Manage volunteer screening platforms and assist with evaluating and improving screening procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.

First Free Church is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. For certain positions, religious affiliation may be required consistent with federal law that permits religious organizations to employ individuals of a particular religion in carrying out their activities.