HR Specialist

Cogent Talent Solutions•Schwenksville, PA

13d

About The Position

The HR Specialist oversees human resources administration for a utility company providing rapid-response and storm-restoration services. The role supports workforce readiness and operational compliance through employee file management, recruiting and onboarding, benefits administration, performance monitoring, audits, policy administration, employee support, and payroll coordination. The position also serves as a liaison between field staff, managers, senior leaders, and outside agencies. Some onboarding duties take place outside regular business hours as part of a rotation supporting emergency operations. The role maintains employee and driver records in Paychex Flex, ensures documentation and approvals are collected and kept current, and supports hiring from identifying staffing needs through onboarding. It monitors performance metrics and review schedules, helps ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies, and prepares requested reports. The HR Specialist also responds to workforce-data inquiries, reviews payroll reporting for accuracy and timeliness, and collaborates with leaders on payroll budgets, expenses, and efficiencies. The posting lists an annual salary of $55,000–$65,000.

Requirements

Proven experience performing accurate and dependable HR functions.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and payroll information.
Proficiency in payroll operations.
Team-player mindset.
Effective communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Human Resources or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Enter and maintain employee job data in Paychex Flex, and manage employee forms, documentation, and approvals.
Create and maintain driver files and ensure required documentation is obtained and updated in accordance with applicable guidelines and company or employee requests.
Oversee hiring from identifying staffing needs through onboarding; administer interviews and coordinate screenings and assessments with division managers.
Manage recruiting platforms and review job postings, candidates, and opportunities with division and senior managers.
Organize and file employee inquiries according to company policy.
Schedule and participate in a rotation of onboarding outside business hours to support emergency operations.
Activate new employees in Paychex Flex and ensure DOT driver qualifications are met during onboarding.
Review employee benefit packages twice a year and ensure eligible employees are enrolled or removed accurately and on time.
Establish and monitor KPIs for employee productivity, storm chasing, and restoration efforts; analyze results and implement corrective actions as needed.
Implement an employee evaluation schedule and ensure reviews are completed on time across the organization.
Prepare and maintain special internal and external reports as requested by the Manager and/or Director of Human Resources.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, collective bargaining agreements, and ethical standards.
Oversee HR internal and external audits and address findings and recommendations.
Maintain hiring practices in accordance with company guidelines and legal agency requirements, including Federal, State, DOT, and OSHA requirements.
Liaise with outside agencies and other HR functions and company support services.
Develop, revise, and implement HR policies and procedures.
Serve as first-line support for field staff and management inquiries about workforce data, including rate changes, separations, and employee movement.
Communicate employee documentation and onboarding needs to managers and field staff.
Obtain updated local union documentation as needed and communicate changes to relevant parties.
Advise management on HR plans and policies, and analyze HR issues in the assigned program or business area and recommend solutions.
Review payroll information and reporting for timely and accurate employee payments; collaborate with managers and senior leaders on payroll budgets, expenses, and efficiencies.
Complete and accurately submit monthly union fringe-benefit reporting and payment information.
Meet the stated performance targets for recruitment efficiency, employee inquiry response time, benefits enrollment, audit compliance, employee satisfaction, onboarding completion, employee record maintenance, payroll processing, and union fringe-benefit reporting.