Human Resources Specialist

4734 W Chicago Ave

Chicago, IL 60651

Hourly Rate: $22.00-$24.70

Are you a compassionate professional looking to serve communities in need? At Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS), we've been a trusted provider of healthcare and mental wellness services in Chicago for over 50 years, operating across 14+ locations. We're looking for dedicated individuals eager to make an impact in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. Join our mission-driven team and enjoy affordable benefits.

MISSION/VISION

Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. HAS seeks to implement sustainable programs that benefit society by improving the well-being and recovery efforts of those individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health problems. With eleven locations across the Chicagoland area, HAS provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey so that they can be successful and become contributing members of their communities.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Human Resources Manager, the HR Specialist is a mid-level position that is responsible for various personnel and human resources-related duties, leave administration, accommodations, compliance, HRIS maintenance, background checks, and employee data management, assisting in hiring employees, and maintaining all current employee records. The HR Specialist also assists with ensuring that the agency is compliant with OSHA, State and Federal EEOC, ADA, FMLA, and other laws and guidelines as directed. The HR Specialist must be able to communicate effectively and must be able to travel to all agency locations when needed. The HR Specialist assists with implementing strategies to reduce employee turnover and attract top talent to fill open positions as instructed. Confidentiality required in all HR matters/discussions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Employee Relations: Serves as a point of contact for employee inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and general HR matters. Assist in investigations as needed.

Leave Management: overseeing and administering leave management processes (FMLA) to ensure compliance, accuracy, and positive employee experience. This includes tracking and maintaining employee leave records, processing leave requests and ensuring adherence to company policies and legal requirements. Responsible for ensuring an interactive process for employees requesting workplace accommodations (ADA). Responsibilities include communicating with employees and managers, collecting and reviewing medical or supporting documentation, and identifying reasonable accommodation options that enable employees to perform essential job functions.

HRIS Maintenance: Assist HR Manager on ongoing maintenance and accuracy of the organization's Human Resources Information System (HRIS). This includes entering and updating employee data, auditing records for accuracy, etc.

Recruitment & Onboarding: As needed assist in recruiting efforts, including posting job openings, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and managing the new hire onboarding process.

Employee Records & Compliance: Maintains up-to-date employee records in compliance with company policies and legal requirements. Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of sensitive employee data. Assists with financial, program and accreditation audits, including resolution of findings. Assists in annual background checks to comply with state/grant requirements.

Benefits Administration: Assists in administering employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, ancillary and retirement plans. Answer employee questions about benefits and coordinate open enrollment processes. In addition, do monthly audits on employee profiles to ensure accuracy. Resolve any coverage issues for employees.

Performance Management: Assists in performance review processes, tracking employee evaluations, and maintaining relevant documentation.

Policy Development & Enforcement: Supports the implementation of company policies and ensures consistent enforcement of HR policies, including attendance, leave, and workplace conduct policies.

Employee Engagement: Supports efforts to enhance employee satisfaction, including planning events, surveys, and programs that promote a positive work environment. Assists and or leads all HAS HR events – Event Planner, administering the annual employee holiday party and employee recognition program. Helps develop new ways to measure employee morale and determine methods for improving overall employee satisfaction as directed; assists with developing and tracking KPIs.

Administrative: Assists in scheduling food ordering, and set-up for training seminars, meetings, and other activities. Assists and maintains all aspects of documentation/reports as directed; turnover - volunteer - internships - credentials - surveys - background checks, etc. Types or transcribes a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to, letters, correspondence, memorandums, voicemails, policies, tables, graphs, and charts, contracts, reports, schedules, and notices from rough copy to final draft. Collects and submits data for internal, state and federal reports, etc., as needed. Performs other special projects and duties as assigned or required during regular business hours, including providing support.

Other tasks as assigned by HR Manager.

HAS requires all staff to work on-site.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

Must have above average communication skills, both verbal and written, with a high attention to detail.

Must have above average organizational skills.

Ability to function under challenging time frames, multitasking when necessary, and with confidentiality.

Ability to research, track, and reconcile documentation issues and discrepancies.

Cooperative demeanor and willingness to provide assistance and support to the Human Resources team.

Must be knowledgeable with laws and ordinances related to employment and commitment to compliance with established standards, procedures, and applicable laws.

Must have a basic knowledge of computers (word - excel - power-point).

Detailed/Accuracy in all work submissions.

Passion for continued learning and updating job knowledge.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural, preferred.

Must have a valid State Drivers' License and willingness to use personal vehicle in course of employment. Travel to other HAS locations as directed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval, required.

1 year of benefit administration preferred.

HRCI/SHRM certification, plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

EEO

It is the policy of H.A.S. not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Comprehensive Benefits at Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS)

At HAS, we value our employees and offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. When you join our team, you'll receive:

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

13 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time off to rest and recharge

Comprehensive Health Insurance – Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue Shield

Dental & Vision Coverage – Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield

Flexible Spending