Employee Relations & Benefits Specialist

The Employee Relations & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of human resources and employee services functions for Tillamook Family Counseling Center. This position oversees employee lifecycle processes, benefits administration, payroll coordination, personnel records management, compliance activities, employee communications, recruitment, onboarding, and organizational development initiatives. The role serves as a key resource for employees and leadership, ensuring effective people operations while promoting compliance, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources Administration

• Develop, administer, and maintain human resources programs, procedures, and systems. 
• Establish and maintain personnel policies, procedures, and employee handbook materials.
• Maintain organizational charts, employee directories, and employee records.  
• Maintain Human Resource Information System (HRIS) records and prepare reports for management, auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Evaluate HR processes and recommend improvements to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness.  

Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding

• Coordinate recruitment activities for all positions, including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, reference checks, and employment offers.  
• Collaborate with supervisors and managers throughout the hiring process.
• Facilitate new employee onboarding, orientation, and completion of employment documentation.
• Support employee development, retention, and engagement initiatives.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit enrollments, changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities and employee benefit communications.
• Perform monthly benefit billing audits, payroll deduction reconciliations, and related reporting.  
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefit questions and issues.
• Work directly with benefit carriers, brokers, and vendors to resolve enrollment, eligibility, billing, and claims-related concerns.  

Payroll Coordination and Employee Services

• Coordinate employee status changes, benefit deductions, compensation changes, and related payroll information.
• Review payroll and benefit-related transactions for accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as payroll backup and assist with payroll reconciliations and year-end activities.
• Prepare and distribute organization-wide employee communications, notices, schedules, and announcements.

Employee Relations and Performance Management

• Provide guidance and support regarding employee relations matters.
• Assist managers with performance management processes, coaching strategies, and employee development planning.
• Conduct workplace investigations and support corrective action processes consistent with agency policy and employment law.
• Conduct exit interviews and oversee employee separation processes.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain employment records and documentation in accordance with retention requirements.
• Support administration of protected leaves and workplace accommodation processes.
• Monitor changes in employment laws and recommend policy or practice updates as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred.  
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, benefits administration, payroll coordination, or people operations required; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience with HRIS, payroll systems, benefits administration, and employment compliance preferred.

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. Some local travel and occasional overnight travel may be required.  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and arms, communicate effectively, and lift or move office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.