Human Resources Associate

Position Summary

The Part-Time HR Associate will support core human resources functions across payroll, benefits, wellness, training, employee engagement, recruitment, and policy administration. This position works closely with the Director of Human Resources and collaborates with our external PEO provider to manage accurate and compliant payroll, timekeeping, and benefits. The Associate will also lead HR-related committees, including the Wellness Committee and others as needed. This is a collaborative, people-centered role ideal for someone who values equity, attention to detail, and organizational care.

As a vital part of the HR team, this role ensures the daily experiences of staff are smooth, equitable, and well-supported. By handling essential operations and championing workplace wellness, the HR Associate directly contributes to Common Justice’s ability to sustain a healthy, mission-driven, and people-first culture.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll, Timekeeping & Benefits Administration (Approx. 35%)

• • Collaborate with the external PEO provider and Director of HR to process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time.
  • Monitor and ensure accurate timekeeping, leave balances, and time-off requests in partnership with staff and supervisors.
  • Coordinate benefit enrollments, status changes, terminations, and open enrollment efforts with the PEO.
  • Serve as a point of contact for employee questions related to payroll and benefits.
  • Maintain data integrity and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal processes.

Committee Leadership (Approx. 15%)

• • Lead the Wellness Committee and other HR-related committees (e.g., culture, reopening) as assigned.
  • Set meeting agendas, track progress, and implement programs and initiatives that improve employee well-being and engagement.
  • Foster cross-departmental participation and maintain documentation for all committee work.

Training & Professional Development (Approx. 15%)

• • Coordinate onboarding, compliance, and ongoing development opportunities for staff.
  • Track attendance, maintain training records, and monitor completion of mandatory training.
  • Identify and promote external professional development opportunities across the organization.
  • Apply an equity lens to all training efforts.

Employee Engagement & Culture (Approx. 10%)

• • Support organization-wide staff engagement events, team building, and appreciation efforts.
  • Help design internal communication strategies to build an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture.
  • Participate in efforts to gather feedback and develop action plans based on staff input.

Recruitment Support (Approx. 5%)

• • Post job openings, manage candidate communication, and assist with interview scheduling.
  • Ensure consistency and inclusiveness in job postings and recruitment practices.
  • Coordinate onboarding logistics with Operations department.

HR Administration, Policies & Projects (Approx. 20%)

• • Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, including digital personnel files and job descriptions.
  • Assist in drafting, reviewing, and updating HR policies, handbooks, and internal procedures.
  • Support compliance and audit efforts, including file audits, policy tracking, and PEO recordkeeping.
  • Assist in collecting and analyzing HR metrics and data for internal reporting.
  • Contribute to research and implementation of new tools, policies, or process improvements aligned with HR goals.

Qualifications

• • 5+ years of experience in HR, payroll, benefits, or related administrative functions.
  • Experience working with a PEO on payroll, timekeeping, and benefits is required.
  • Proficiency in HRIS systems (Prism, TimeCo, BambooHR or similar a plus).
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the advancement of directly impacted communities.
  • Experience with employee engagement, professional development, or wellness initiatives is a plus.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit or mission-driven organizations preferred.