Senior Program Associate Jobs in Holyoke, MA (NOW HIRING)

A STRONG COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

SIGN ON BONUS = $3,000.00

HCS Head Start: Where Passion Meets Purpose

Deadline for Applications: June 30, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Human Resources (HR) Senior Generalist

HR Senior Generalists are responsible for promoting a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as creating and maintaining positive professional relationships with all stakeholders. HR Senior Generalists work within the Human Resources area to partner with all levels of internal management and staff, potential candidates, interns, apprentices, and volunteers to promote and facilitate hiring and retaining of qualified, invested employees. Areas of focus include but are not limited to: staff recruitment; employee life cycle, including new hire orientation, employee benefits, promotions, internal personnel changes, separation, and unemployment, as well as workers’ compensation and employee leaves. Traveling locally between different locations in the Agency catchment area is essential for this position.

Bilingual: English/Spanish required.

Knowledge of:

• Best practices in office procedures and professionalism.
• Effective customer service practices.
• Understanding of the importance of careful documentation and ability to document effectively.
• HR and Education laws and regulations around confidentiality a plus.
• OHS HR Performance Standards a plus.
• Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 119, Section 51A, the HR Senior Generalist is a mandated reporter and held to the statutory reporting requirements.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field strongly preferred.

Certifications

• HRCI P.H.R. or S.P.H.R. or SHRM certification a plus

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years experience working full time in an HR position required.
• Head Start work experience a plus.
• Work experience that involved documenting crucial information in a clear, effective, and timely manner.
• Customer service experience a plus.

Skills

• Computer Literacy: Strong technology literacy and experience with computer programs required. (i.e., Office 365, Outlook, Excel spreadsheets, Word (including formatting & mail merge), PowerPoint, and databases. Human Resource and Payroll software experience a plus.)
• Ability to apply skills to multiple applications/projects effectively to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail while performing various tasks simultaneously and consistently maintain useful documentation.
• Effective communication skills, verbally and in writing.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Strong proofreading skills
• Exhibits understanding of the importance of planning and methodical approach to tasks, but is able to quickly adjust priorities and respond with a sense of urgency when needed.
• Exceptional organizational skills in organizing work tasks, workspace, and electronic and hard copy filing.

Qualities

• Desire to embrace and ability to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain and model professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member and individually when applicable.
• Ability to respond to change, interruptions, and competing priorities with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Is responsible and willing to be held accountable.
• Has a desire to be a lifelong learner.
• Seeks excellence, but sees mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
• Ability to maintain and adhere to boundary guidelines.
• Must demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills and consistently exercise sound judgment in regard to determining appropriate priorities and action steps.

Starting Pay: $29.06 per hour

Full Time: 40 hours per week

Full Year: 52 weeks per year

Competitive Benefits for Full-Time Employees (30+ hours per week)

• Birthday off with pay
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick, personal, vacation days
• 403b retirement plan with maximum 3% Agency match
• Education reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Health & dental insurance, employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance

EOE/AA

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.