HR Specialist

The HR Specialist will provide professional level human resources support for the agency in all the areas of human resources including but not limited to: in the areas of rewards and total compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, training, performance management, policy development, recruitment, and employee relations. The HR Specialist will promote a positive employee experience to help maintain an engaging work environment and culture.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

The Human Resources Department supports our people, the heart of Catholic Social Services. We practice trauma informed leadership and foster a workplace culture that promotes collaboration, and professional growth. We attract, develop, and engage people who are passionate about making a difference in their community and who answer the call to serve those in need.

Communication: Actively listens, expresses ideas and information clearly verbally and in writing, and adapts communication styles to different audiences. Fosters an environment of open dialogue, transparency, and understanding. Promotes collaboration and trust among employees and leadership.

Integrity: Demonstrates honesty and ethical principles. Integrates CSS’s values through the department and organizational policy. Committed to doing what is right, not what is easy. Does what they say they will do. Fosters trust and reliability. 

Teamwork: Interacts with people effectively. Encourages and respects the input of all team members. Communicates openly and honestly. Cooperates withing the team and across the agency. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of personal goals. 

Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law and regulations, including anti-discrimination laws, disability laws, wage and hour regulations, and workplace safety standards.

Knowledge of human resources best practices, including personnel filing regulations. 

Fully proficient in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of human resources information systems.

HR & Administrative Operations

• Respond to and manage the HR department’s general email inbox, flagging and assigning emails appropriately.
• Maintain and manage the HR department phone line.
• Monitor and respond to inquiries from the agency’s info email account.
• Track and maintain staff compliance records, including driver’s license, degrees/licenses, and training certifications. Follow up on incomplete Requests for Information (ROIs) submitted to HR. 
• Prepare employee anniversary certificates and order/distribute employee gifts. 
• Submit check requests for the HR and Facilities departments. 
• Prepare credit card reconciliations for HR expenses. 

Benefits Administration Support

• Add and remove employees from benefit systems during onboarding and separation processes. 
• Prepare monthly benefits billing reconciliations for review. 
• Coordinate annual open enrollment, including scheduling and facilitating employee training sessions. 
• Prepare and respond to benefit related communications, including FMLA, LOA, and other types of leave of absences. 
• Submit and track workers’ compensation claims, ensuring timely communication wither carriers and follow-up on required documentation. 

Payroll and Employment Administration

• Prepare responses to unemployment insurance (UI) claims.
• Prepare responses to employment verification requests while ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Serve as backup for payroll processing when needed.  

Onboarding & Offboarding Support

• Connect with departing employees to conduct exit interviews, collect company equipment, and complete COBRA election/waiver. 
• Serve as backup to the Recruiter for onboarding, orientation, and supervisor training.
• Assist in phone screenings and reference as needed. Serve as backup for application review and candidate screening. 

Training Coordination

• Schedule trainings with internal and external trainers and coordinate logistics, including room setup and equipment needs. 
• Send reminders to staff and supervisors about upcoming training and assigned learning modules.
• Add and remove employees from the Learning Management System (LMS) during onboarding and separation processes. Assign required training plans accordingly. 
• Collect training attendance rosters and update the LMS accordingly. 
• Distribute training satisfaction surveys and track responses. 
• Participate in the Training Committee and support implementation on committee initiatives. 
• Maintain training records and generate reports to monitor staff training compliance. 
• Work with supervisors to address any training gaps or compliance issues. 

General & Operational Support

• Perform other HR-related duties as assigned. 
• Provide occasional cross-functional support for the Operations team and general agency support as needed.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, marketing, business, communications, or related field. Two (2) years of experience may be substituted for the required education. 

Minimum Experience Requirement: Two (2) years of human resources experience is required. Additional education or other relevant experience may be substituted for the required experience. 

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered. 

SHRM or HRCI certification or equivalent preferred.  

Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time. 

Travel out of Alaska is rare. Occasional travel within Anchorage is required.  

Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, Alaska.