HR & Benefits Specialist

Position Summary The HR & Benefits Specialist is responsible for supporting the Human Resources department. This position assists with day-to-day administrative operations, including assisting employees, maintaining HR records, and leading wellness initiatives. This role reports to the Benefits Manager and oversees all aspects of general office coordination. Adherence to PACT Values Adhere to PACT values. Purpose: Using our strengths passionately to contribute to our mission. Accountability: Choosing to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrating ownership to achieve results. See It. Own It. Solve It. Do It. Courage: Standing up for what’s right and acting. Transparency: Doing things openly and honestly. Essential Job Functions Reliable, consistent, on-site attendance is a requirement. Operates with a high level of integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical, responsible, composed, and in alignment with HFB policies, procedures, and expectations. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies. Greets and establishes credibility with employees by knowledgeably answering questions and assisting them with human resources tasks, including answering calls and transferring to appropriate staff members. Assists the Benefits Manager with benefits administration, employee changes, enrollments, and open enrollment. Maintains leave of absence documents in the leave management system and provides leaders with employee medical and leave updates. Opens, sorts, and distributes incoming correspondence, including faxes and email. Ensures the timely payment of department invoices by securing appropriate signatures and efficiently submitting invoices. Maintains inventory of supplies and office equipment for the Human Resources department and arranges for the repair and maintenance of office equipment. Creates workers' compensation medical authorization forms for employees seeking medical attention. Supports new hire orientation by conducting the Benefits presentation, emailing new hire orientation information, ordering food, reserving the conference room, and organizing handouts and giveaways. Leads the monthly wellness initiative by scheduling, promoting, and obtaining resources and supplies. Leads the annual health fair by scheduling, promoting, working with vendors, and obtaining resources and supplies. Updates employee files, including updating the emergency communication system with hires and terminations. Assists with other general administrative Human Resources tasks and projects. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Requirements Education/Experience Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business Management, Communications, or a closely related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience. 2 years of experience in an administrative role. Human Resources experience preferred. Knowledge of employment laws and practices preferred. Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred. Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance. Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to learn new software systems. Ability to work with a diverse population. Strong customer service skills and willingness to assist others, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly. Ability to operate with considerable independent judgment and initiative, and collaborate with teams throughout the organization. Exceptional planning and decision‑making skills. Strong presence in all communication types. Highly resilient and adaptable to constantly changing business priorities. Highly proactive. Meticulous attention to detail and execution of all responsibilities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within the company. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, and the ability to work with a diverse population. Ability to work effectively with situations that require tact and diplomacy. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to multitask, prioritize, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated ability to work independently to complete projects and effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior‑level leadership. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and problem‑solving skills. High attention to integrity, ethics, and sensitivity, particularly regarding confidential information. Compliance Carries out responsibilities in accordance with HFB policies. Reasoning Ability Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Competencies Action‑Oriented, Customer Focus, Drives for Results, Priority Setting, Managerial Courage, Interpersonal Savvy, Creativity, Standing Alone, Time Management, Decision Quality, Self‑development, Patience. Physical Requirements The job requires daily data analysis, communication, stationary tasks, computer use, movement within the facility, lifting/moving up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally, and occasional travel to other sites. Work Environment Generally performed in an enclosed office environment; occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, strong food‑related smells, and outside weather conditions. The noise level is typically quiet but may be exposed to loud noise levels occasionally. Travel Required Travel is required for this position (up to 5% of the time and on a domestic basis within the 18‑county service area). The role supports hours of operations at the Houston Food Bank facilities, as necessary, and may require flexibility. Eligibility Is legally able to work in the United States. Salary Starting Pay: $20 – $25 per hour. #J-18808-Ljbffr Houston Food Bank