Human Resources - People Support Specialist

Position Summary

Under the direction of the People Operations team, the People Support Specialist (PSS) provides administrative and operational support to help deliver HR services to employees. This role assists with day-to-day HR tasks and helps ensure a positive and supportive employee experience.

The PSS supports key HR processes such as recruiting, onboarding, and general employee lifecycle activities. Responsibilities include maintaining and auditing personnel records, preparing and updating HR documents, supporting wellness initiatives, and responding to routine HR questions from employees.

The PSS contributes to a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the workforce and works closely with the People Operations team to ensure HR processes run smoothly.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate an understanding of Covenant House's mission, philosophy, history, and traditions, and communicate these values to staff, youth, and the community we serve.
• Help cultivate a welcoming environment by providing high-quality customer service during onboarding, support meetings, and general reception interactions.
• Complete assigned tasks and projects under the direction of the Director of People Operations.
• Understand and follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and ethical standards.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Workforce Relations & Experience

• Support non-employee workforce programs by assisting with administrative onboarding and file maintenance.
• Support the Volunteer team with interview coordination, general screening, and assistance during large volunteer events.
• Update People Team internal communication tools as directed.
• Support employee engagement and culturally enriching programs, such as birthday and anniversary recognition, service awards, and wellness initiatives.
• Assist with agency-wide People Team initiatives, such as Open Enrollment, as needed.
• In collaboration with the People Team and other departments, help communicate and support staff wellness and engagement activities through in-person facilitation and internal communication platforms.

Staff Recruitment & Administration

• Assist with onboarding and new hire processes, including coordinating reference and background checks, preparing files, scheduling interviews, coordinating rooms, and helping facilitate onboarding.
• Conduct routine audits of workforce files, including motor vehicle reports, ID documentation, and Residential Child Care Facility (RCCF) licensing background checks.
• In collaboration with the Volunteer Manager, assist with background check tracking, driver's license verification, and related compliance support.
• Provide personnel file maintenance, including scanning, filing, and accurate document storage.
• Provide clerical and administrative support to the People Team as needed.
• Support key points in the employee lifecycle, including new hire orientation and offboarding.

Minimum Education

High school diploma required. Associate's degree in human resources, Business, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Minimum Experience

1-2 years of experience in Human Resources or a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Understanding of administrative practices and confidentiality standards, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong ability to relate effectively with staff, youth, and community agencies.
• Is approachable, builds rapport well and practices attentive and active listening.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are needed, along with the ability to make quick decisions. Able to make good decisions consistently based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
• Proficient with standard computer operating systems. Ability to learn and navigate multiple databases including Microsoft Office suite.
• Support an environment of varied cultural backgrounds and celebrate differences in ideas.
• Support equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all; tolerant of people and processes.
• Ability to work independently, using good judgment, and common sense.
• Strong integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality..
• Self-motivation, initiative and commitment to ongoing learning are essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Possess current state of Alaska Driving License and have a clean driving record.
• Flexibility to adjust schedule as needed to meet compliance or project deadlines.
• Pass federal, state, and local background investigation.

Working Conditions

• Position is established in an office setting within the Youth Engagement Center.
• Noise level is mild to moderate, consistent with office and residential environments.
• Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Must have the ability to observe details within close range.
• Must be able to remain in stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move within the office to access files and office equipment.
• Consistently operates a computer and related office machinery.
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairways in case of emergency to exit building safely.

Covenant House is an Equal Opportunity Employer