Entry Level Hr Generalist Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The People Department is seeking a Human Resources Generalist. Reporting to the Associate Director of Human Resources Operations, the Human Resources Generalist supports the day-to-day administration of HR operations including onboarding, HRIS data management, benefits coordination, and employee recordkeeping. The HR Generalist implements established HR processes and provides operational support to ensure efficient service delivery across the organization.

This role serves as a key operational partner within HR by maintaining accurate HR data, coordinating HR programs, and supporting employees and managers with routine HR inquiries.

• Administer the applicant tracking system during recruitment cycles;
• Initiate background and motor vehicle checks, drug tests, offer letters, degree verification, job description acknowledgment and wage notices for selected candidates;
• Coordinate preboarding activities and prepare new hires for onboarding;
• Facilitate onboarding orientations and training sessions for new employees;
• Complete employment eligibility verification, including I-9 verification and E-Verify, in compliance with federal regulations; and
• Maintain recruitment and onboarding documentation in accordance with established procedures.

• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS system;
• Enter and update employee information including hires, terminations, promotions, transfers and any employee changes;
• Generate routine and ad-hoc HRIS reports related to employee data, HR metrics, and operational needs;
• Conduct periodic data audits to identify discrepancies and implement corrections as needed to ensure data integrity;
• Create, update, and deactivate HRIS manager accounts and maintain appropriate system access levels;
• Troubleshoot basic HRIS issues and escalate system concerns to the Senior HR Manager when necessary; and
• Provide guidance and basic training to HR staff and employees on the use of the HRIS system.

• Process employee separations in the HRIS system, including submitting Personnel Action Forms (PAFs);
• Coordinate offboarding procedures by sending departing employees required separation information and next steps, including benefits continuation details; and
• Ensure HR systems and employee records are updated appropriately following employee departures in accordance with organizational policies and record retention requirements.

• Understand timesheet codes, timesheet process and timelines to be able to assist programs and payroll team; and
• Resolve timecard discrepancies and assist managers and employees with timekeeping issues and inquiries as needed.

• Participate in trainings around benefits administration such as medical, dental, vision, 403b etc.;
• Respond to basic employee inquiries related to benefits;
• Assist with benefits administration activities including open enrollment and wellness initiatives; and
• Submit various vendor bills and liaison with fiscal team.

• Maintain organized employee files and records to ensure HR records meet legal and Center’s retention requirements;
• Assist with HR audits by preparing documentation and verifying data accuracy; and
• Escalate compliance concerns to the Senior HR Manager.

• Enter vendor contracts and invoices into Center’s systems;
• Manage vendor portal access and documentation; and
• Liaise with vendors to resolve operational issues when needed.

• Serve as a first point of contact for routine HR questions;
• Support HR projects and initiatives as assigned by the Senior HR Manager; and
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff across the Center.

• Assist in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for HR operational processes;
• Document workflows and update procedures to reflect current practices and system changes; and
• Ensure assigned processes are carried out in accordance with established SOPs.

• All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field with a minimum of 3-4 years of relevant experience or an Associate’s degree with 7-8 years of relevant experience required;
• PHR or SHRM preferred;
• Prior experience with JazzHR and Paycom preferred; 
• General Knowledge of Benefits, Employee Relations, Recruitment, and all other functions of Human Resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate;
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality;
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; and
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail and a proven track record of managing multiple priorities.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Time Management: Proven time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism: High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• HR/Legal Knowledge: Thorough understanding of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability to quickly learn and utilize HRIS and other related software.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle multiple priorities and work under pressure, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
• Self-Motivation: Self-starter with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision, while also thriving in a team environment.
• Relationship Building: Ability to influence and build strong relationships with employees, management, and external stakeholders.

Position Type: Full- time, hybrid with 2-3 days on site.

Position Location: Midtown Manhattan, with occasional travel within New York City, to Newark, NJ, and to Upstate New York.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000 and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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