HR Specialist

Position Overview

New Heights Academy is seeking an organized and dependable Human Resources Specialist to support payroll, timekeeping, recruiting, onboarding, and general HR administration within an educational and healthcare environment.

The HR Specialist will review employee time records, follow up on missing or inaccurate information, assist with resolving payroll discrepancies, and help ensure payroll is completed accurately and on time.

The position will also manage hiring needs as they arise, including sourcing, screening, and coordinating interviews for therapy and administrative professionals. Additional HR and administrative responsibilities will be assigned by the School Office Administrator and CFO based on organizational needs.

This is a temp-to-hire position, offering the opportunity for permanent employment based on performance and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate payroll activities for approximately three days during each two-week payroll cycle.
• Review employee timekeeping records for completeness and accuracy.
• Follow up with employees and supervisors regarding missing hours, timecard corrections, approvals, and other payroll-related issues.
• Process and maintain payroll information, including new hires, terminations, wage changes, deductions, and employee status updates.
• Assist with payroll reconciliation, reporting, documentation, and discrepancy resolution.
• Respond professionally to employee questions regarding payroll, timekeeping, deductions, benefits, and related matters.
• Maintain accurate and confidential payroll and personnel records.
• Review resumes and screen candidates for open therapy, administrative, and support positions as hiring needs arise.
• Conduct initial phone screenings and assess candidate qualifications.
• Schedule interviews with hiring managers and coordinate the interview process.
• Maintain applicant-tracking records and candidate documentation.
• Communicate professionally with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Coordinate onboarding activities, employment paperwork, and employee system setup for new hires.
• Prepare employment documents and maintain confidential personnel files.
• Support benefits administration, employee changes, employment verifications, and general HR compliance.
• Partner with leadership to understand staffing, payroll, and administrative priorities.
• Complete additional HR, payroll, and administrative projects assigned by the School Office Administrator and CFO.

Reporting Structure

The Human Resources Specialist will report primarily to the School Office Administrator. The CFO will also provide supervision and guidance regarding payroll-related responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous hands-on payroll processing experience.
• Experience reviewing timecards, maintaining payroll records, and resolving payroll or timekeeping discrepancies.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred

• Previous experience independently managing or substantially supporting recurring payroll cycles.
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, UKG, Paychex, or similar platforms.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation, deductions, wage changes, garnishments, benefits deductions, or payroll reporting.
• Experience with recruiting, candidate screening, interview coordination, and onboarding.
• General HR experience involving benefits, employee relations, personnel records, or compliance.
• Familiarity with Applicant Tracking Systems and HRIS platforms.
• Experience working in an educational, healthcare, pediatric, or therapy-related environment.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced and confident with payroll processing
• Organized and highly detail-oriented
• Comfortable following up on missing or inaccurate time records
• Able to work independently and meet recurring deadlines
• Friendly, professional, and responsive
• A strong communicator
• Dependable and reliable
• Able to multitask and prioritize effectively
• Comfortable balancing payroll, recruiting, and administrative duties
• Team-oriented with a positive and adaptable attitude

Why Join New Heights Academy?

• Temp-to-hire opportunity with long-term potential
• Hands-on responsibility across payroll and Human Resources
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to contribute to growing HR and payroll processes
• Competitive hourly pay
• Meaningful work supporting professionals who make a difference in children's lives

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance