Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Center Point•San Rafael, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Human Resources Administrator, the Payroll & Benefits Specialist has administrative and strategic responsibilities supporting onboarding, training, payroll, and benefits administration. Employees are expected to model the agency’s values, maintain Center Point philosophy and quality standards, comply with applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations, and act within the authority defined by agency policy and supervisors. The role provides leadership and direction for the HR Department in the HR Administrator’s absence and supports payroll, benefits, employee claims, onboarding, personnel records, and HR staff performance reviews. The position is in person and follows an 8-hour shift schedule.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least 3 years of supervisory experience in an HR environment.
Valid California Driver’s License required, or ability to obtain one by the time of hire.
Must pass a background check.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities.
Self-directed, resilient, and solutions-oriented.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
Ability to learn new software with basic training.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field preferred.
At least 2 years of administrative or accounting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for the HR Department in the absence of the HR Administrator, assigning tasks to the HR Assistant as needed.
Process and administer payroll for the organization, distributing allocations across agency cost centers using Excel.
Review payroll for accuracy before final submission each pay period.
Coordinate personnel action changes with Finance and Executive Leadership and provide required reports.
Process EDD/unemployment claims and represent HR at appeal hearings as needed.
Oversee employee benefits administration, including timely new-hire enrollment, open-enrollment coordination, and accurate allocation across grants.
Confirm benefit invoice accuracy and assist staff with HRIS navigation.
Assist with processing unemployment, leave of absence, and disability claims.
Oversee new-hire orientation and conduct new-hire and exit interviews.
File payroll and HR-related documents as required.
Assist with annual and 90-day performance reviews for HR staff as needed.
Represent the HR Department at safety committee and management team meetings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.