Talent Acquisition Specialist

Location: Gainesville, FL Pay: $20.96/hr | Non-Exempt Why Choose Meridian? For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out. We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team. About the Role At Meridian, our people make the difference. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, you will play an important role in helping us attract, engage, and welcome talented professionals who are passionate about serving our communities. More than filling positions, you'll help shape the future of our workforce by connecting exceptional candidates with meaningful careers that support hope, healing, and wellness. In this dynamic role, you will serve as a trusted partner to candidates, hiring managers, educational institutions, and community organizations throughout the recruitment and onboarding process. From sourcing top talent and coordinating interviews to supporting new employees during their transition into Meridian, you'll help create a positive and seamless experience while ensuring our organization continues to grow with dedicated and mission-driven professionals. What You Will Do Manage full-cycle recruitment activities, including job postings, sourcing, applicant screening, interviewing, selection support, and candidate communication Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, recruitment strategies, and hiring timelines Conduct applicant screenings and phone interviews to assess qualifications and organizational fit Develop and maintain active candidate pipelines and talent pools for current and future hiring needs Attend job fairs, recruitment events, workforce development initiatives, and community outreach activities Support recruitment marketing efforts through job boards, social media, educational partnerships, and community engagement Monitor recruitment metrics and provide updates regarding hiring activity and open position status Serve as a primary point of contact for applicants throughout the recruitment and onboarding process Coordinate interviews between candidates and hiring managers Facilitate pre-employment requirements, including background screenings, drug testing, reference checks, and licensure verification Ensure employment documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with organizational and regulatory requirements Coordinate onboarding activities and support new hires through their transition into the organization Maintain ongoing communication with candidates regarding application status, onboarding requirements, and start dates Coordinate internship, practicum, and student placement programs across the organization Serve as a liaison between educational institutions, students, supervisors, and leadership teams Track internship onboarding, compliance requirements, evaluations, and program completion activities Maintain recruitment, onboarding, and internship records within applicant tracking systems and HR databases Assist with audits, reporting, PSLF verifications, purchasing activities, and departmental administrative functions as assigned Participate in process improvement initiatives designed to enhance recruitment effectiveness, candidate experience, and operational efficiency Provide exceptional customer service to candidates, employees, hiring managers, and community partners What We're Looking For High School Diploma or GED required Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field preferred Bachelor's degree preferred Minimum of two (2) years of experience in recruiting, talent acquisition, human resources, customer service, or a related administrative field required Experience coordinating multiple recruitment activities in a fast-paced environment preferred Experience utilizing applicant tracking systems (ATS), HRIS systems, and recruitment platforms preferred Healthcare recruitment experience preferred Valid Florida driver's license and acceptable driving record if travel is required Ability to travel locally for recruitment events, community outreach, and educational partnerships as needed Strong communication, relationship-building, and customer service skills Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong understanding of recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and candidate engagement best practices Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with candidates, employees, leadership, educational institutions, and community partners Ability to build strong relationships while representing Meridian's mission, values, and employer brand Exceptional customer service skills and a commitment to creating a positive candidate experience Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and confidential records Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint Ability to learn and effectively utilize applicant tracking systems, HRIS platforms, background screening systems, and recruitment technologies Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment Knowledge of employment laws, hiring practices, and recruitment compliance standards preferred Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive information Why You'll Love Working Here Competitive Pay & Incentives Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick time, and holidays Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability Retirement Planning: 403(b) with up to 8% company match after 7 years Growth & Development: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources Inclusive Culture: Supportive, team-oriented environment with employee events and recognition Additional Perks: Cell phone discounts, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more Make a Difference Join a team that helps bring talented, compassionate professionals to the communities we serve. Your work will directly impact Meridian's ability to provide high-quality care by connecting exceptional people with meaningful careers that support hope, healing, and recovery. For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. #PM26 #J-18808-Ljbffr