Human Resources Specialist

Description

Location: Remote work must be performed while residing in California, Florida or New Mexico

CIAT

Location:

San Diego, CA and Albuquerque, NM

Reports to: VP of People & Culture

Status: Non-exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time

The HR Specialist is responsible for supporting the company's human resources functions, including leave of absence processes, benefits administration, payroll, and compliance. This role ensures compliance, data accuracy, and a high-quality employee experience by serving as a subject matter expert in benefits, leaves, and HR operations.

• Implement and continuously improve onboarding processes to enhance the new hire experience, ensure compliance, and promote integration into company culture
• Coordinate start dates and onboarding logistics with candidates and hiring managers
• Prepare, review, and process all new hire documentation, including I-9s, background checks, transcripts, certifications, and other required paperwork
• Submit and evaluate background check results, identify discrepancies or red flags, and coordinate follow-up actions with department leadership
• Conduct new hire orientation as needed

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee and management benefits inquiries
• Process benefit enrollments, life events, terminations, and system updates in HRIS and vendor platforms
• Track benefit enrollments, audit deductions, reconcile benefit invoices, and resolve payroll or carrier discrepancies
• Collaborate with benefits vendors to resolve issues and ensure smooth administration
• Support annual open enrollment in coordination with the People & Culture Generalist, including communications, system updates, and vendor coordination
• Monitor employee satisfaction with benefits and recommend improvements
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and applicable state regulations
• Support employee engagement initiatives including wellness programs, appreciation events, and team-building activities

• Oversee the timekeeping system to ensure accurate recording of hours and compliance with labor laws
• Review employee timecards for accuracy, completeness, and policy adherence, coordinating approvals and corrections with managers
• Monitor and track paid time off and leave balances
• Prepare, verify, and audit payroll data including hours worked, overtime, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, and final payments
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related employee inquiries

• Manage all leave requests including FMLA, ADA, PDL, workers’ compensation, accommodations, and company-sponsored leave programs
• Track leave usage and update records in the timekeeping system
• Serve as the primary employee contact for leave eligibility, documentation requirements, and return-to-work coordination
• Partner with payroll to ensure accurate compensation and benefit deductions during leave periods
• Maintain confidential medical and leave documentation
• Support managers throughout employee leave processes
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local leave regulations

• Maintain accurate and compliant HR records, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and audit readiness
• Support compliance with federal, state, institutional, accreditation, and internal policies and procedures
• Generate employee data reports and respond to employment verifications and internal inquiries
• Manage employee exit processes, including documentation, final pay coordination, benefits communication, and exit data analysis
• Assign and track annual performance reviews to ensure completion and compliance with timelines
• Track training certifications, audit training requirements, and assist with scheduling meetings and training sessions
• Analyze HR metrics and trends to support strategic initiatives related to engagement, retention, and operational efficiency
• Support the People & Culture Generalist with benefits, engagement initiatives, leave administration, and compliance activities
• Lead or assist with special HR projects as assigned
• Champion employee participation in HR programs and serve as a role model for company culture, professionalism, and…