HR & Payroll Associate

SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION INC•San Diego, CA

8d•$27 - $29

About The Position

At the San Diego Rescue Mission, we are driven by a profound belief in compassion, service, and the transformative power of Jesus' love. Our mission goes beyond charity; it is a calling to love our neighbors and provide hope and healing to those experiencing homelessness. We are committed to creating a holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that our programs serve as safe havens for men, women, and children in need. Mission Statement To lovingly address the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness by sharing the Good News of Salvation and providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery. Position Summary The HR and Payroll Associate plays a key role in furthering the Mission’s commitment to excellence in service and Christlike compassion. This position supports program objectives, ensures operational integrity, and reflects our values in every interaction with clients, staff, and the public. The Associate provides high-quality administrative, data, and customer service support to the Human Resources and Payroll functions at the Mission. This role is the central coordinator of information flow—receiving, organizing, validating, and routing all HR- and payroll-related data—to ensure accurate records, timely processing, and excellent service to staff, managers, and external partners. This person thrives in a fast-paced environment, stays ahead of needs, manages multiple priorities with calm efficiency, and delivers consistent accuracy. They support the HR and Payroll team by maintaining strong systems, streamlining workflows, and ensuring that all information is complete, documented, and ready for processing. As part of a Christ-centered organization, this position embodies SDRM’s values of compassion, excellence, integrity, and servant leadership in all interactions.

Requirements

3+ years of administrative experience, preferably in HR, payroll, business office, or similar work.
Strong customer service orientation and communication skills.
High level of accuracy, organization, and follow-through.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS/payroll systems.
Personal alignment with the faith-based values and mission of SDRM.
Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, faith-based environment
Strong communication and administrative skills
Capable of maintaining emotional resilience in challenging client situations

Nice To Haves

Experience with Paycom or similar HRIS platforms.
Knowledge of California wage & hour laws, I-9 requirements, and personnel file standards.
Prior nonprofit or ministry experience.
Experience working with individuals facing homelessness, trauma, or addiction preferred

Responsibilities

HR Administrative Support Serve as the primary point of contact for HR inquiries, providing timely, courteous, and mission-aligned service.
Manage the flow of incoming HR information—applications, onboarding documentation, benefits forms, performance records, disciplinary documents, training completions, and general correspondence.
Maintain organized, compliant personnel files (electronic and paper) in accordance with California and federal requirements.
Assist with onboarding processes: background checks, I-9 verification, new hire paperwork, benefits enrollment, system setup, and orientation preparation.
Support offboarding processes, checkout preprocess, and personnel file updates.
Process and verify employee record changes in Paycom with accurate documentation and approvals.
Assist with investigations by preparing documentation, maintaining confidentiality, scheduling interviews, and tracking deadlines.
Maintain HR calendars, compliance checklists, training rosters, and acknowledgment records.
Payroll Administration Support Support the Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
Collect, review, and verify timecard discrepancies, missed punches, meal period waivers, PTO approvals, and supervisor changes.
Enter and validate payroll-related updates (pay rate changes, promotions, stipends, schedule updates).
Provide payroll-related customer service to employees with clarity and professionalism.
Assist with resolving payroll discrepancies and supporting documentation.
Maintain accurate payroll records in compliance with California wage and hour laws.
Support year-end payroll tasks, including W-2 distribution and required audits.
Systems & Data Integrity Maintain exceptional accuracy when entering, auditing, and transmitting data.
Conduct routine audits of personnel files, I-9s, training records, payroll entries, and HRIS data.
Prepare reports and data summaries to support HR and Payroll team decision-making.
Identify inconsistencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement and recommend solutions consistent with SDRM’s stewardship values.
Employee Service & Communication Provide warm, patient, and solutions-focused support to staff at all levels.
Communicate clearly about HR processes, policies, required steps, and deadlines.
Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Promote a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
Team Collaboration & General Support Assist the HR Director, Leadership and Development Manager, HR Generalist, and Payroll/Benefits Specialist with projects, audits, benefits administration, and organizational initiatives.
Support team meetings, trainings, and mission-centered activities.
Demonstrate flexibility during high-demand periods (open enrollment, payroll deadlines, audits, onboarding surges).
Contribute positively to team culture and maintain a collaborative approach to shared work.
Support and participate in ministry-wide activities and chapels as applicable.
Collaborate cross-functionally to uphold trauma-informed practices and ensure client dignity.