Human Resources Assistant

Akin•Washington, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is seeking a Human Resources Assistant for its Washington, DC office. This full-time, non-exempt position reports to the Human Resources Manager and offers hybrid work capabilities. The role is responsible for providing administrative support to various Human Resources functions for the Washington and Philadelphia offices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to superior service, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, with an emphasis in Human Resources preferred.
Minimum of 1 year of related human resources experience, preferably in a law firm or other professional services organization.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.
Proficiency with HRIS, database and reporting applications.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong oral and written communication skills, discretion and tact.
Commitment to maintain confidentiality of employee, office, firm and client information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities and deadlines in a professional manner.
Ability to work independently and with a team.
Strong work ethic with the willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities.
Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and common sense.
Strong service orientation, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, peers, office and firm management, and outside business partners.
Ability to work extended hours as necessary to fulfill responsibilities.
Commitment to professional growth and development.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for the department, troubleshooting and answering/screening HR phones.
Prepare memos, forms, and letters, including offer letters for the HR Manager's signature.
Utilize the firm's online onboarding system to onboard new employees, coordinating with HR personnel.
Prepare paperwork and orientation schedules for new hires.
Prepare employment-related forms for staff, paralegals, and attorneys for HR Manager's signature.
Enter new hires, changes, and departures into Smartsheet for Workday entry.
Complete requests for employment verifications and bar affidavits.
Prepare and submit network security administration requests for email addresses/distribution lists.
Maintain HR employee forms, orientation, and benefits materials.
Manage HR files and the file room, ensuring timely filing of all personnel paperwork, including I-9 forms.
Act as the gatekeeper for the firm’s Contractor Database and Firm Directory, entering required information and responding to inquiries.
Prepare and distribute daily Arrivals/Departures/Changes (ADC List) emails.
Assist in administering time and attendance procedures using Workday to review and approve timecards and leave requests.
Follow up with department managers/supervisors and employees regarding missing timecards and escalate issues.
Respond to unemployment claims for respective offices in consultation with HR Manager and Firm HR personnel.
Provide assistance with the staff evaluation process.
Serve as back-up to the Human Resources Coordinator.
Coordinate with Conference Services to schedule rooms and order food for HR events.
Order flowers and send donations for bereavements and births, processing payments.
Assist in planning office events.
Provide logistical support for local training and development events.
Troubleshoot benefits and payroll inquiries, including discussions regarding qualifying events, payroll deductions, benefit coverage, and leaves of absence.
Process department invoices and expense reports for HR Manager’s approval.
Perform other duties as assigned.